CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (ESPN CLARKSVILLE) – The Clarksville National Girls Softball League held their opening ceremonies Friday at Mericourt Park.
The president of the league, Michael Blackwell, called 240 girls onto the field dressed in their uniforms ready for the official start of the season. The girls were lined up with their teams and coaches joined by teams from the Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League.
The ceremony was opened with a prayer from Brother John Richardson from the Mt. Herman Baptist Church.
Bailey Slate had the honor of reciting the Little League Pledge and 10 year-old softball player Charis Nichols sang the National Anthem.
Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan said a few words of encouragement to the players and showed appreciation to the parents and volunteers of the league.
Michael Blackwell presented plaques to Jennifer Dresel and Roxanna Smith for the great work that they do for the league.
All of the All-Star teams from last year were recognized for the great seasons that they had. The 9/10 Red team was presented with a banner that will be posted at the field. They won District Championship, State runner-up and Regional runner-up.
The 11/12 Red team was also presented with a banner. They are the reigning District Champions, State Champions and took 3rd in the Southeast Regional Tournament in Warner Robins, Ga.
Margaret Davis with Buddy Ball explained how the Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League got started and that they have grown to 500 players in the League.
Michael Blackwell presented a $500 check to Buddy Ball in the name of the late Brock Blick. Brock was an 11-year-old Richview Middle School student who died in an accident this past January. He was a great baseball player for the Clarksville National Little League.
Addison Waller had the honor of throwing out the first pitch and Jenna King was the player behind the plate to catch it. Jenna has been battling Leukemia for over two years. The League raised funds to support her by selling shirts with #Jennastrong on the back and also placed an orange ribbon on every jersey. She is now healthy enough to play Little League again.
Michael Blackwell told the crowd that the ribbon is staying on the jersey to support Addison’s mom Lori, who found out that she has kidney cancer and is starting her treatment. Blackwell presented Addison with a $1,000 check to help support her mother.
Players from the Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League took the field to play a game following the ceremony. They were each paired with a player or coach from the Little League as their buddy. There were lots of big smiles on the faces of the players and theirs buddies. After the game, the players were presented with a trophy and hug and/or high five from the buddies.