ROCHESTER — Old Rochester Youth Baseball hit a home run with their annual Opening Day Parade on Saturday, May 3, directly followed by a full-day of baseball and t-ball.

Excited players carried banners and marched alongside their family members from Dexter Fields to Gifford Park.

Director Mike Duarte gave an opening day speech with hundreds of league players gathered around the diamond at the conclusion of the parade.

“This season, we’ll make countless memories, make new friends and hopefully eat a million hotdogs,” he said.

Duarte described the benefits of baseball for young athletes.

“Baseball is an amazing sport that helps build so many lessons in our children that they need, like patience, confidence and teamwork amongst so many more,” said Duarte.

The opening pitch was thrown by Director of Field Operations James Perry.

“He’s been instrumental. Now we have every field booked up, every kid on the field, trying to accommodate Marion families and Mattapoisett families and all that stuff,” said Duarte.

Eight-year-old Mattapoisett resident and Center School student Noah Perry said he likes baseball because it’s fun. 

“It’s a lot of exercise. That’s really fun,” said Noah.

He’s most excited about being able to try pitching this year.

Seven-year-old Marion resident and Sippican School student Gabriel Craffui said he enjoys “hitting the ball” when he plays baseball and that he’s most excited about “trying new positions.”

According to Duarte, the organization experienced a “revitalization” after COVID-19 quarantine protocols were lifted. Prior to quarantine, league participants numbered around 200 and the current 2025 season is hosting 331 youth athletes and 33 teams.

“You get to see them become little men and women. It’s really cool,” said Duarte of the young athletes.

New equipment is also improving the 2025 season for the Old Rochester Youth Baseball League.

An anonymous donor gave $12,000 to supply a new Gator Utility Vehicle and brand new stands were installed at the Gifford Park Fields.

“We put those in last year so we can accommodate all our ADA friends, especially grandma and grandpa because they always want to come to the games,” said Duarte.

New parking spaces at Gifford Park also added room for approximately 200 cars, according to Duarte.

“It’s never been a better time to come to Gifford Park,” he said.

Duarte explained that opening day is always a joyous occasion for the organization.

“Days like today when you have 1,000 people on site, it’s just chef’s kiss. It cannot be any better,” said Duarte.