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Opening day ceremonies for baseball, softball in Franklin, MA

Warren Reynolds — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:40:29 +0000

Opening day for the boys’ baseball and girls’ softball leagues is an annual rite of spring in Franklin, Massachusetts. The day’s events involve literally 1,000s of Franklin residents. These festivities speak volumes about the high quality of life offered by this Massachusetts community of approximately 31,000.

Family-focused event with terrific support

Here’s a YouTube video on opening day events, including the parade and ending with opening day ceremonies for the Franklin Youth Baseball Organization.

Opening day ceremonies for the Franklin Girls Softball Association will be covered in a post on this site next year.

Parade through town

The opening day youth baseball and girls’ softball events kick off with an annual parade through the downtown area of Franklin, MA.

Scene from 2009 parade

Kids in the Youth, Girls’ and Pee Wee Leagues all participate. If all players make the walk, that’s nearly 2000 children in the parade!

Many parents, caregivers and siblings accompany the marchers. Admiring onlookers line the streets.

It’s a lively, colorful and very heartwarming event involving all ages in the Franklin, MA community.

First pitch of season

After the parade, the boys and girls split off to participate in separate opening day ceremonies.

At the 2010 ceremonies for the boys, there were opening remarks, recognition of the efforts of volunteers and the playing of the National Anthem. Then the first pitch was thrown and the season was officially underway with a raucus “Play ball!” by the children.

Franklin Youth Baseball Organization

Warren Reynolds — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:01:56 +0000

The Franklin Youth Baseball Organization (FYBO) in Franklin, MA is a non-profit group run by volunteer parents and other interested town residents. The FYBO sponsors baseball leagues for Franklin, MA children aged 7 thru 15.

There are eight Youth Baseball divisions in Franklin, MA. Each division is called a “league”. There is an additional summer all-star league.

Lesser-skilled players get ample opportunity to participate in Youth Baseball, but more so in the leagues for younger players. Massachusetts has a very developed youth baseball culture stressing advanced competitive play for older children.

Here are some highlights of the various Franklin Youth Baseball leagues in Franklin, MA:

Rookie League

The youngest baseball players (7 year olds). play in the Rookie League.

In the Rookie League, proper equipment and uniforms are used; games are short and are preceded by 45 minute instructional sessions. There are no team win/loss standings. Instruction is in the very basic elements of the game. Teams are selected with an eye towards players who are friends, who live on same streets, or in the same Franklin, MA public school districts.

Bantam League

8 year olds play in the Bantam League.

Bantam League players’ basic understanding of the game is reinforced while game time is expanded to 6 innings (no more 45 minutes of pre-game instruction). Training includes throwing and hitting, base running and sliding, fielding both fly and ground balls.

Single A League

The Single A League is for 9 year olds.

This is the first of several leagues where team selection is draft-based and dependant on the skill level of individual players as rated by coaches. Here players are exposed to more involved and demanding play. Situational strategies are taught. Players start pitching to each other for the full season. There is a play-off leading to a division champion.

Double AA League

The Double AA League is for 10 year olds

This is another draft-based league. Performance in all aspects of the game is elevated. Base stealing and bunting are introduced. Skill positions (catcher, first base, shortstop) are especially focused on.

For “Tweens” and Teenagers, there are 4 leagues:

1. Triple AAA League for 11 and 12 year olds
2. Majors League for 11 & 12 year olds
3. Pony League for 13 year olds
4. Babe Ruth League for 14 and 15 year olds

You can learn more and register your child by visiting the FYBO web site:

Franklin Youth Baseball Organization
P.O. Box 40
Franklin, MA 02038
www.franklinyouthbaseball.com

Baseball at the Franklin, MA High School

Warren Reynolds — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:45:50 +0000

Students at the Franklin, MA High School enjoy a strong baseball program.

http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/fhs/athletics/baseball/default.htm

Pee Wee Baseball in Franklin, MA

Warren Reynolds — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:33:49 +0000

The Franklin, MA Recreation Department offers a Pee Wee baseball program for young children aged 4 – 6.

The program is robust and well-rounded with over 300 children partiscipating.

Focus is on fun and learning the very basics.

Here’s a guide to the Franklin, MA Pee Wee Baseball program:

To learn more or to get involved, please contact:

Franklin Pee Wee Baseball
150 Emmons Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-4909
www.franklin.ma.us/recreation