VVLL President Dan Wright, surrounded by players, introduced the program for the league’s season opener Monday night at the Old Mill ball fields. Photo by Lou Martin.

VVLL President Dan Wright, surrounded by players, introduced the program for the league’s season opener Monday night at the Old Mill ball fields. Photo by Lou Martin.

IMG_2160 IMG_2164 IMG_2175 IMG_2177 IMG_2182Little Mesquite was no different than any other city, big and small, as they celebrated an annual “Right of Spring.” Play ball was heard all over town as the Virgin Valley Little League held their fourth opening annual ceremonies at the Old Mill ball fields.

Youngsters, parents, grandparents and an occasional politician gathered on a perfect Mesquite evening to hear league president Dan Wright thank all for coming. Wright began the event by asking all to stand as the Mesquite Veterans Honor Guard, accompanied by bagpiper Dennis Hangey, posted the colors.

Councilman Geno Withelder led the huge crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by local resident Brian Wursten belting out the national anthem. Invocations were given by local clergy before introductions of league and city officials.

Wright introduced VVLL Board of Directors Herb Calhoun, Dave Bennett, Belky Richards, Wade Hughes, Shannon Harris, Ed Koch, Tom Richardson, Paula Richardson, Nick Montoya, Dave Everett, Withelder, Rich Green, Steve Cude and the league’s first president Lou Martin. He thanked all the sponsors and coaches for their participation in this year’s league.

Wright then said, “I need to make special mention of our primary original sponsors, the City of Mesquite and Elks Lodge # 2811,who without their help we would not be here tonight.”

Mesquite Mayor Al Litman took the mound to throw out the first pitch as hundreds of kids lined the base lines. Withelder could not handle the wild pitch as all laughed capping out another great league opener. The girls softball teams took the field to kick off the season.