Baldwin Little League’s Opening Day ceremony last weekend brought players, families and community leaders together under clear skies, marking the start of a new season for young Baldwin athletes.
Players from six divisions paraded onto the field at Baldwin Park on Saturday for the annual celebration, joined by local elected officials, including Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, who offered words of encouragement and support. Coaches, volunteers and sponsors were also recognized for helping to keep the program running.
Emma Biazon, a member of the Baldwin High School choir, opened the ceremony, singing the national anthem.
“Opening Day was a huge success — we had fantastic weather and a great turnout,” Kevin Smith, a board member and coach, wrote to the Herald. “The kids paraded onto the field as we held our ceremonies, thanking all of our amazing sponsors, who really make it possible to keep costs low for our kids in the community and play the game we all love.”
The Little League, led by President Kevin Kurz and a volunteer board of trustees, sanctions play for children ages 4 to 14, focusing on fundamentals, teamwork and sportsmanship. The league is managed entirely by volunteer coaches, and supported by local businesses and community sponsors.
One of them is the Irish Pub. Its owner, Shawn Sabel, came to the event on Saturday to show his support, cooking hot dogs for the players and their families.
“At Baldwin’s Irish Pub we’ve always believed it’s about more than just being a local bar,” Sabel said in a Facebook post. “It’s about being part of the community. Supporting our kids, our families, and the traditions that make Baldwin special means everything to us.”
The Cools Team, a south shore real estate team and a sponsor of the Giants team, was also at the park, offering drinks and chips.
“Being part of this community means everything to us,” the Cools Team posted on Facebook. “Real estate isn’t just about homes — it’s about the people, the families and the moments like this that make Baldwin such an amazing place to live.”
The league has six divisions: T-Ball for ages 4–5, AA for 6–7, AAA for 7–8, Minors for 9–10, Majors for 11–12 and Juniors for 13–14, as well as an adaptive Challenger program for children and adults with physical and intellectual challenges.
The league’s impact, Smith said, extends well beyond the field.
“It’s more than just sports — it’s a big part of the local community,” he wrote. “Kids build confidence, friendships and discipline, while families and volunteers help keep the program running strong.”
Smith emphasized the importance of youth sports in keeping children active and engaged. “The kids are active while developing coordination, balance, and overall athletic ability — especially important in today’s screen-heavy world,” he wrote.
As the season gets underway, the league is also preparing for postseason competition, with three teams — at the 10U, 11U and 12U levels — aiming to compete in the Regional Williamsport Little League Tournament.
“This year we are hoping to keep developing the skills for these kids, keeping them involved in youth sports,” Smith wrote. “At the end of the season we have three teams entering the Regional Williamsport Little League Tournament that hope to advance far in their individual divisions.”
Smith said the annual ceremony remains one of the most meaningful parts of the season. “I am a huge fan of Opening Day ceremonies as it really brings our community together and gives the kids a great experience,” he wrote.
