Opening ceremony for Pioneers this Saturday

Posted 5/4/17

The event will start with an introduction of the Little League teams and a first pitch by Gary Hatmaker. That will be followed by a doubleheader between the Pioneers and the visiting Billings Angels.

Hatmaker has put a lot of time and effort into …

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Opening ceremony for Pioneers this Saturday

Posted

Pioneer baseball season officially kicks off Saturday afternoon with a 12:30 p.m. opening ceremony.

The event will start with an introduction of the Little League teams and a first pitch by Gary Hatmaker. That will be followed by a doubleheader between the Pioneers and the visiting Billings Angels.

Hatmaker has put a lot of time and effort into the baseball program in Powell and is still coaching today, with 50 years already under his belt.

The ceremony was initially scheduled as a dual first pitch — with former NFL standout tight end Russ Francis throwing the other ball — but Francis was called away by a family matter.

Also making appearances at the opening ceremony will be Powell’s younger players from the T-ball, Minors, Majors and possibly Juniors divisions. As part of the introduction, the teams will be walked around the field.

The fifth grade kids choir will be singing the national anthem.

The first game of the Pioneers’ doubleheader is slated to start at 1 p.m., with the second game at 3 p.m.

“We’re a young group,” said team manager George Laughlin. “We got some good returners, about four guys back.”

This year will bring new rules limiting pitch counts, so everybody is going to pitch throughout the season.

“A lot of kids are going to play in a lot of different places, but we’re young and enthusiastic and they’re learning quick,” said Laughlin.

The Pioneer baseball team will be selling raffle tickets for a lawn mower during the game. Ticket prices are $10 each or three for $25. Tickets can also be purchased at the Legion or by contacting Laughlin at gelaughlin@pcsd1.org.

The drawing for the lawn mower will take place at the game on Mother’s Day, May 14, at 3 p.m. The raffle is part of ongoing efforts to raise money to fund the baseball programs in Powell.

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