Mayor Groves throws out first pitch at CMBA Opening Day Ceremonies

By Jim Stewart

Undaunted by slate gray skies and 13-degree drizzly conditions, the Caledon Minor Baseball Association conducted its Opening Day ceremonies with great energy and enthusiasm at North Hill Park in Bolton on Saturday morning.

Mayor Annette Groves brought her sunny disposition to the ballpark to counteract the clouds and was joined on the infield by Councillors Mario Russo, Doug Maskell, and Cosimo Napoli—all bedecked in Caledon Nationals gear.

CMBA House League VP Jason Sweeney welcomed the participants to the organization's 57th Opening Day, Aria Sardelis delivered the national anthem, and Mayor Groves threw out the first pitch—just a bit high and outside as Bob Ueker might say—to 7U catcher Cristian Pagliaroli.

The intrepid players and coaches ran between the raindrops on the dampened infields—enjoying their first games of the 2024 season and demonstrating the resilience of the Canadian spirit.

Mayor Groves was taken by the sight of local children enjoying sports.

“The best part of today's ceremony is seeing the kids enjoying themselves – just seeing the kids play. It means a lot to me to see them having fun and to have these recreational facilities being used so well.”

A keen supporter of youth sports, Mayor Groves elaborated on the added value that local sports organizations provide for Caledon.

“It builds community. It's so important to see the camaraderie it builds.  We need to support our local sports programs.”

She also credited the numerous volunteers who are at the heart of the CMBA: “Without these volunteers, none of these good things happen. They are the builders of this community and it's clear that they're happy to be there.  The kids see the volunteer coaches and organizers putting in time so positively. They're learning not only about baseball, but about volunteering, too.”  

With Mayor Groves's enthusiastic delivery of “Play ball!” kicking off the season, coupled with dozens of colorful-jerseyed players dotting the diamonds, and the aroma of hot dogs on the grill at the pavilion, the traditional sounds, sights, and smells of baseball were evident on a damp Saturday in Bolton.