‘Play ball!’ – Lansing Little League and Softball launch new season at opening day ceremony

Text, photos, and videos by Josh Bootsma

LANSING, Ill. (April 27, 2024) – Hundreds of eager ball-players and their families gathered at the Lansing Sports Complex Saturday to formally launch the 2024 season of Little League baseball and softball.

Each team in T-ball, pee-wee, majors, and softball divisions was announced before they ran onto the main field. There, they stood as the Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard presented the colors, and Isabelle Abbasy sang the National Anthem. Ceremonial first pitches were thrown by Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam, representatives from league sponsors Effin’ Egg and Michael Foods, and Lansing Little League Hall of Fame inductees Chris Marnell and AJ Goranowski.

Saad Abbasy, the board president of Lansing Little League, said the league has 133 baseball players this year and 93 softball players. Compared to some other leagues that are losing players, Abbasy said Lansing’s numbers are “holding steady.”

Lansing’s baseball and softball leagues are open to Lansing residents, as well as some participants from Calumet City.

After the opening ceremonies in the morning, teams played games into the afternoon at Lansing Sports Complex’s fields. The current season will run through the end of May, with three to four games played per week, depending on the league.

Opening Day photo gallery

Lansing Little League board president Saad Abbasy introduced teams, and reminded players and families of the importance of good sportsmanship.

The Lansing Veterans Memorial Ceremonial Honor Guard presented the colors at Opening Day on April 27.

Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam addressed the crowd at Opening Day on April 27.

Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam throws the ceremonial first pitch to open the 2024 season.

Representatives from Effin’ Egg and Michael Foods — both league sponsors — throw out ceremonial first pitches.

Chris Marnell throws out a first pitch. He’s a Lansing Little League Hall of Fame inductee.

AJ Goranowski is a 2024 Lansing Little League Hall of Fame inductee. He threw out a first pitch on April 27.

Hundres of parents and players attended Opening Day ceremonies at the Lansing Sports Complex fields on April 27. (Photo: Josh Bootsma)