Staff Writer

As the sun shined brightly on Staples Memorial Field in Old Orchard Beach Saturday morning, Bryce Salamacha had one thing on his mind: Baseball.

The 10-year-old left fielder was among the first players to arrive for opening day of the Old Orchard Beach Little League season. Standing near the field, he said he was excited for his first game with the Blow Brothers team.

“I’m feeling very good because it’s our first game ever and I think we’re going to own,” he said.

For 11-year-old Evan O’Donnell, the field is the best place to spend a Saturday morning.

“It’s just the feeling of it. You feel good when you’re playing baseball,” he said.

Stacey Custeau, secretary of the Little League board, said the league has 140 players from ages 4 to 12 this year. She said she would love to see more community members stop by the field to watch games.

“It’s really about building community,” she said. “We’re trying to build something special for Old Orchard Beach.”

Treasurer Melinda Pray said the board is raising money to repair or replace the support structures for field lights. The board also would like to replace the lights with more energy-efficient models so they are less expensive to operate.

“Every time we flip the switch it’s very expensive,” she said. 

This year, players have a new bullpen to use for practice. Pray said the bullpen was essential to protect other children while players are warming up for games.

Pray said the Little League board is dedicated to providing a fun, safe program for children. The league now offers free registration to families in financial need, as well as pre-owned equipment for them to keep.

Kate Smith said she was eager to sign up her 4-year-old son, Tristan, for his first T-ball season. She said it is a great way for him to meet other children as he prepares to enter kindergarten next fall.

“It’s time to be a part of what’s going on in our town. We’re excited to be a part of it,” she said.

Tristan Smith, who sported his Pier Fries uniform and new baseball glove, said he watches the Boston Red Sox with his father.

 “Boston is the good team. The opponents are the bad team,” he said.

Matthew Hurley and Michael Davis, both 10, sat near the field together as they waited for their first game with the Board Silly team. Each have played baseball for five years but this year is their first as teammates.

“I’m looking forward to doing better this season,” Hurley said.

Sarah Davis, 5, prepared to follow her older brother into the world of Little League. She will play T-ball this year on the Pier Fries team.

 “It brings everybody together,” said Pat Davis, mother of Sarah and Michael. “You cheer not only for your kid, but your friends’ kids. It’s a nice camaraderie here. It’s all about the kids. That’s what makes it so special.”

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.