It was a ball lover’s dream Saturday in the South End.
The Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves — and even the New York Yankees! — were all there, but significantly shorter than one would imagine.
That’s because these players were part of the little league versions of the teams — specifically, members of the South End Baseball League, which celebrated its opening day with a parade.
The players started out in uniform at around 10 a.m. at Villa Plaza on West Dedham Street before making their way over to Peters Park for a ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon before the season truly took off with a game between the A’s and the Yankees at 12:30 p.m., with Mayor Michelle Wu and City Council President Ed Flynn on hand to serve up some opening pitches.
In all, five games were scheduled between Peters Park and Jim Rice Field.
Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
Members of Rookie Ball do a cheer as South End Baseball celebrates Opening Day Saturday in Boston. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu high-fives members of the Braves as South End Baseball celebrates Opening Day Saturday. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
John Fahy, a member of the Athletics, plays the national anthem with his other team, The Boston Music Project, as South End Baseball celebrates Opening Day on Saturday. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
Boston City Council Pres. Ed Flynn throws out a first pitch as South End Baseball celebrates Opening Day on Saturday. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
Danya Kazakavich cheers on the players from her door as South End Baseball celebrates Opening Day Saturday. (Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
