Parade drew hundreds on Saturday
Published in the May 5, 2017 edition
YOUNG MEMBERS of the Melrose Little League gathered before the Opening Day parade on Saturday. (Donna Larsson photo)
MELROSE—On Saturday, April 29 Melrose Little League celebrated its inaugural season with a parade and on field celebration. Last year at the conclusion of the 2016 baseball season, Churchill American and Melrose National voted to merge the two leagues and formed Melrose Little League. This year marks the first time in over 60 years that Melrose will be playing baseball under one Little League charter.
The parade started at Memorial Hall and over 500 players, coaches and volunteers marched to Lewis Monk Field, down Myrtle Street, past the Melrose Public Library and onto Lake Avenue, then down Tremont Street before entering the perfectly manicured ball field. On the field at Lewis Monk, 40 teams between the ages of 4-12 years of age gathered to watch the ceremony.
Melrose Little League President Chris Nault was the master of ceremonies. Former MNLL President Steve Tarpey and former CALL President David Fox threw out the ceremonial first pitch. 12 year old player Jack Merullo of the Red Sox recited the Little League player pledge and Mariners coach Matt Repici recited the Little League volunteer pledge. Melrose High School sophomore Kelsey Rowe did an outstanding job singing the national anthem. Mayor Rob Dolan was on hand to help with the on field ceremony as well and most importantly, the Mayor said the two words that the crowd wanted to hear, “Play Ball!”
Melrose Little League would like to thank Mayor Dolan, Aldermen Peter Mortimer and Mike Zwirko, and Representative Paul Brodeur for taking part in the parade and ceremony. A sincere thank you to Joan Bell and the Park Department staff, as well as thanks to John Scenna and the DPW staff for all the hard work and planning they put in to keep the fields of Melrose in such wonderful condition. Thanks to the Melrose Police Department and the Melrose Fire Department who were on hand as well to make sure the parade participants were safe.
Melrose Little League would also like to thank our sponsors Brueggers Bagels/Zamba Juice and Honey Dew Donuts for providing bagels, cream cheese, coffee and donuts for our players, parents and coaches. Photographer Craig Molway donated his time and talents to capture many wonderful images of the celebration.
It was a memorable day for all and it was a great way to usher in a new beginning to Little League baseball in Melrose.
