Hundreds of young ballplayers were out in force late last month, as White Rock-South Surrey Baseball Association kicked off its season with its annual Baseball Fun Day at South Surrey Athletic Park.
The event featured all WRSSBA teams, as well as pitching accuracy, hitting and running competitions. Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and White Rock councillor Helen Fathers were also present, as each threw out a ceremonial first pitch to 11-year-old catcher Marcus Bradley.
As well, senior umpire Michael Hills gave a tribute to the association’s longtime umpire-in-chief Arnie Coones, who died last year after a battle with cancer. Hills sang Take Me Out To the Ballgame, which Coones used to do himself every year for opening day.
Young singer Koen Fownes, 5, also showed off his singing skills, belting out the national anthem to kick off the festivities.
“He stole the show,” said Melodie Tomiyama, a member of the WRSSBA executive.