Building on last year’s winning season that saw its intermediate (13U) baseball team bring home the District 2 championship trophy, the Northampton Baseball and Softball League is gearing up for its Opening Day Festival this Sunday, April 13, from 1-4 p.m. at Sheldon Field.

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra will throw out the first pitch to kick off the festivities, which will include a parade, a home run derby, players against coaches game, skills competitions led by local high school baseball and softball players, pizza, ice cream and special guest, Paws – the Valley Blue Sox Mascot.

“Last year’s season was one of our best yet,” NBSL vice president Chase Every-Giroux said. “We saw full enrollment in both baseball and softball, and the talent level is higher than ever. It’s exciting to watch the kids develop not just as players but as teammates and friends.”

“It's amazing to see how much baseball and softball can help these kids grow as people year after year,” added Jude Almeida-Merrell, a parent whose child plays in the league. “It’s so much more than just a game – it’s about building friendships, learning teamwork, and having fun while doing it. The coaches are incredible, and they really foster a positive environment for teaching valuable life skills that will stick with the kids for years to come.”

Beyond the play on the field, the league is hoping to make improvements to its facilities, including scoreboard repairs and a new batting cage installation at Florence Field to give players of all ages a dedicated space to practice their swings and sharpen their skills. As a nonprofit, the league seeks new partnerships with local businesses, offering advertising on signage at fields along with other sponsorship opportunities.

Contact NBSL to learn more about the Opening Day Festival or to explore partnership and sponsorship opportunities:

Tim Recuber, NBSL President – (856) 905-6378 or at timrecuber@yahoo.com

Chase Every-Giroux, NBSL VP – (413) 626-7121 or at chase2525@gmail.com

Roger Sorkin, NBSL Board Member – (202) 270-0652 or at rsorkin99@gmail.com