(UN)RELIABLE SOURCES: 002
Little League Opening Day

by FRANK O'DONNELL
APRIL 23, 2006

Earlier in the day, there had been sun. But now, as the first pitch of the year approached for the North Providence East Little League, the clouds had rolled in.

The weather gods don't always smile on the opening day festivities for Little Leagues in the Northeast. Especially not at the NPELL field, wedged in the hollow where Mineral Spring Avenue meets Route 146.

The temperature here typically runs 10 to 15 degrees cooler than anywhere else in town. Not so bad when the temperature is 90 degrees on the Bank of America sign. But when it's 45 degrees at the top of the hill, and the wind is blowing a little and the sun's hiding, you wouldn't be surprised to see snow in the outfield.

Six hundred people or so mill around the minor league field. Teams are organized – in the most abstract sense of the word – along the fences. T-ballers on the first base line, minor leaguers on the third base line, and major leaguers next to the left field fence.

My buddy Lou tells me he came earlier to help get the field ready, and found 30 geese feasting on the major league infield. "I shooed them away," he said, "but all I could do was sort of herd them into the outfield."

After that, they really have to want to leave. No one's going to make them go if they don't want to go. These, after all, are North Providence geese. If the plywood coyotes on the high school baseball field don't scare them, surely Lou is no threat.

League President Cathy Toohey is walking around the field, using a wireless microphone to make announcements.

"North Providence Teachers is now Pauly Penta's! If you're on North Providence Teachers, now you're on Pauly Penta's!"

Such a Rhode Island thing. It's like giving directions that involve where Almacs used to be.

The coaches are handing out picture order forms. In addition to the planned ceremonies, a local photographer will take individual and team pictures. For about 10 bucks, you can get a half-dozen trading cards. If you go for the full package – wallets, 5x7's, magazine cover, key chain and some trading cards – there is a financing plan available.

Some of the kids are tossing balls around the field. Not a bad thing at practice, not such a good idea with several hundred people surrounding you. Some of the parents are personal injury lawyers – they're salivating at the possibilities presented by a misplaced throw or two.
           
Cathy urges us to move to the major league field so the ceremony can begin. As I walk over, I spot the sponsor signs in the outfield. Back when I was a coach in the league, it was our responsibility to hang the signs. As I recall, it's all about placement. There's Mayor Mollis's sign, all by itself, in dead center field. He must know someone.
           
The teams line up, and each coach introduces each player. Each player runs through the outfield fence with a little wave of his or her cap, then joins the team, lined up on one of the base paths.
           
Mayor Mollis takes the mound, surrounded by just about every town official, elected and otherwise. Why such a big turnout? It's an election year, of course. If A. Ralph wins his race for Secretary of State, one of the guys rubbing the dust off the mayor's shoes could be throwing out next year's first pitch. 

Ralph makes a little speech. "Teamwork can accomplish great things," he says, borrowing Cathy's microphone. "You'll learn how to win, you'll learn how to lose." Can't help but wonder if he's addressing the players, or his successor wannabes.
With a short windup, Ralph pitches the first ball of the year. "It's a strike!" cries someone in the crowd. No surprise –  a town employee.

Afterwards, I catch up with Ralph and Council President John Sisto, who shared the mound with the mayor. "For the record," says Ralph, "this is my tenth Opening Day, and I've thrown 20 strikes." He's counting the Opening Days for North Providence West Little League as well.

I look to John for his side of the story, and he just shakes his head. "Sorry, it was low and inside."

Just what North Providence needs. Another battle between the Mayor and the Town Council.