Sing thy gospel, baseball

Baseball is a beautiful thing.

J.J. Cline, 7, will play his first year of Pony league baseball this year in the Pinto-7 division of La Cañada Junior Baseball Softball Association. Not too long ago, he was at Buff Buddies for a friend’s birthday party when a few friends of his started playing a pick-up game of baseball.

“They went outside and the kids were playing baseball with a bag of potato chips [as bases],” said J.J.’s father, Jim Cline. “J.J. went out there, but he didn’t know any of the rules. He wanted to play, but he didn’t know how to do anything. When I saw that going on, I asked him, ‘do you want to play baseball?’”

J.J. converted to baseball, enrolling in LCJBSA this year, along with nearly 1,000 other children between the ages of 5 and 14, most of whom were out on the field at La Cañada High last Sunday, marching triumphantly onto the baseball field for team introductions and enjoying the festivities of LCJBSA’s Opening Day.

“We had about 900 kids showing up today,” said LCJBSA Opening Day Coordinator Jack Johnson. “They’re participating in pictures, jump house, the game house and the opening day parade.”

On that brilliant Sunday, with only a sprinkling of clowds in the sky, LCJBSA Opening Day started the season with a bang: a home run derby, a golden arm competition, In ‘n’ Out burgers, picnic tables, families eating, watching kids play and seeing members of the community actively participate in the organization.

“The weather has helped today,” Johnson said, “this is probably our most successful [opening day].”

Familes gathered on the infield and outfield, on blankets or just on the grass, eating burgers and spending time with friends and family.

“Everyone’s enjoying it,” said LCJBSA parent Beth Huston, while standing in line for In ‘n’ Out burgers. Huston’s daughter C.J. and son Will will play this year. “The weather is good, it’s perfect.”

“I’m on the Mitey Purple,” said C.J. Huston. “I’m really good.”

“This is fun for the whole family,” said LCJBSA parent Eva Juse, who’s son Alexander will play baseball this year, “and great to see everyone from our community.”

At 1 p.m., the children got together with their teams and marched onto the field for team introductions.

“It’s a great thing to come out and enjoy the time with the kids,” said LCJBSA parent Frank Patton, who’s son, Eli, will be playing on the Pinto-7 Red Sox. Patton and his son were playing three flys up with J.J. Cline and a few of their teammates on the Pinto-7 Red Sox. “It’s crazy with everything going on in the world, but you come out here and enjoy what the [La Cañada Junior Baseball Softball Association] has to offer.”

Patton then threw the ball in the air and three boys reached their gloves to the sky to grab it before J.J. Cline came down with it.

It was a huge success for LCJBSA, as so many people showed up.

“We’re proud of all the kids showing up in their uniforms,” Johnson said, “getting their pictures taken. And it’s a beautiful day to start the season.”