The Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, and other squads made an appearance on April 10 at the 55th Annual Little League Parade, led by the Garden City Athletic Association. Starting from Village Parking Field 9E and ending at Stewart Avenue at the Village Green, the players and their coaches marched into the 2010 softball and baseball seasons with high hopes of many wins.
James Lynch, coach for the Dodgers three years running, was enthusiastic and excited about the upcoming games. “I think both teams are going to do outstanding,” he said. “The kids get so excited and this is a great event to be a part of.”
The chilly weather didn’t have any effect on the turnout, as hundreds of parents and fans lined the village streets. The community of Garden City came together to cheer on the youngsters, who were waving and smiling as the cameras were flashing.
Annie, mother of three, was there to support her 6-year-old daughter. To her, the parade signifies the beginning of spring. “Every year I think of this day as the start of spring,” she said. “I love that it’s over fast because we have to run to a soccer game later on today.”
To some spectators, marching in the parade is a tradition that they are continuing with their children. Maresca, father of two sons on the Pirates baseball team, marched for three years when he was in Little League baseball. “I’ve been coming here since I was little, probably around 5 or 6 years old,” he said. “I love seeing my guys having a great time and smiling.”
When the parade reached its final destination, the GCAA thanked all the players, coaches and parents for their support and dedication. Baseballs were thrown into the crowd of eager children, while coaches rallied their teams for the first game.
The Garden City Mayor, Robert J. Rothschild, added some encouraging words as the parade came to a close. “I want to wish everyone a lot of luck and wins,” he said. ‘Play ball!’
