By Staff
WATCH OUT! Judge Little's Jamie Thompson (22) jumps past Rush Hospital's Johnny Huntley to be safe at second. Photo by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
April 10, 2002
Let the games begin. A day after rain washed away the season opening day of youth baseball at Phil Hardin Park, young boys dressed in multi-colored uniforms took to the diamond hoping to turn off-season tall tales into dreams come true.
Both young and old were glad to see the youth back on the field.
North Meridian Optimist Club President Rob Bullock was especially glad to see it start.
Billy Williams is a grandfather of one of the boys playing on opening day. He was glad to see the boys back in play, too.
Kent Daniel, the director of the North Meridian Optimist's Major League, agrees.
David Viverette is one of the NMO's umpires and is also appreciative of a new season's start.
For the players themselves, it's all about bragging rights.
State Champion panels abound around the field. One 11-year-old team was the runner-up in last year's Cal Ripken World Series in Virginia.
The 12 Major League and Minor League teams are participating in a week-long preseason Jerry Yarbrough Memorial Tournament.