Michael White was determined to host the Little League Opening Day on April 12, especially after three rain delays last year meant no Opening Day at all.
“We were so deep in the season after that, we just couldn’t get it done. And we’re about halfway, probably 60% done with the season now,” he said. “But it was important to do it.”
White, who serves as Little League director and coaches a Major League team, said this year’s reschedule led to his decision to combine the three Major League baseball teams into two.
“That way, they could play today,” he said. “So the other coaches weren’t even here, (and) I was the only one here. But I wanted them to be able to play.”
DJ Moore-Buck, mother of catcher Brian Buck, said “(it was) like a normal game, just not a normal team.”
“(The coaches) said: ‘Whoever could be here today, come here,’” she said. “They all lined them up, and they saw who they had … so it was kind of evened out, as far as who’s playing where and what they’re used to.”
White said he combined teams one other time roughly five years ago, which worked well because all of the players were from the county and had previously played with each other.
“I mean, they actually enjoy it because they play on a different team and friends that’s on this team they’re not playing with during the season,” he said. “It’s good, (and) they enjoy doing it, too.”
Even though players had the opportunity to play with teammates they wouldn’t normally, White has coached most of them before.
“I have relationships with 90% of (the players) because I’ve coached them,” he said. “And we all talk to one another by first name. So I just know everyone.”
Chad Stites, father of center fielder Easton Adams, said his son thought it was “cool” to split up the teams and play with other teammates.
During the game, coaches and parents advised players to “make sure your feet (are) inside the box” when at bat and “hit the dirt” when running to base.
To support their team, teammates playfully taunted the opposing team when the batter was faced with a 3-2 count.
“Three, two, what you gonna do,” they said. “Walk him. Walk him.”
Following the home team’s 7-1 win, players from both teams lined up on the field for high-fives and huddled together on home plate for a team chant.
Despite the changes that resulted from the rain delay, White thought it was crucial for Opening Day to take place.
“I (would have) had their real teams here instead of combining teams to play, but it’s just what it is,” he said. “It was important to have it, though that was the main thing. It's important.”