Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester Little League players came together for the first time on Saturday to celebrate the Old Rochester Little League Opening Day.

Rochester Youth Baseball and Old Rochester Little League merged last fall, and Saturday's festivities were, in part, a celebration of the new partnership between the three towns. Four hundred kids will participate in the program this year.

After the Little Leaguers paraded in their uniforms from Rochester's Dexter Field to Gifford Park, the 37 teams stood around the diamond for the ceremony.

"We're beginning a new era of baseball in the tri-town area," said League President Peter Johnson. "My hope is many of these kids will make bonds across towns."

Since the kids have been practicing with their teams, many of them have begun to get to know peers from other towns. Rochester resident Andrew Steele, 10, said he'd already made some new friends.

"I really like to get outdoors and play," he said.

His brother and fellow Phillies teammate Anthony Steele, 9, agreed. "I like getting to meet new friends, being active, and having fun!"

Police chiefs and fire chiefs from the three towns threw the first pitches, followed by "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung by X-Factor finalist and Rochester resident Janelle Garcia.

For more information on Old Rochester Little League, visit http://orll.net/league.