Let’s Play Ball!

Williamsburg Sports League Opening Day Parade

The Williamsburg Sports League (WSL) kicked off the summer baseball season with its 3^nd annual opening day ceremony and parade along Grand Street. Neighborhood children and families strutted their stuff with pride and showcased team spirit. This year’s theme was “Enriching the Holistic Development of our Youth through Sports”.

WSL ODP 010 LR — Williamsburg Sports League leaders and supporters raring to start the parade post ribbon cutting. Among those pictured are: (2^nd from left) the 90^th Precinct’s Captain William J. Gardner, (center) Council Member Antonio Reynoso; Bruno Vidal; Pastor Jason Taber, St. John the Evangelist Lutheran Church ; Dana Rachlin; (far right) Tommy Torres, Commissioner of the Williamsburg Sports League

The WSL was established in 2014 when two long-standing neighborhood leagues (Roberto Clemente and the Lindsay Park Kids against Drugs) came together in an effort to meet the demand of the North Brooklyn community. This year the WSL has registered over 1,000 kids from the ages of 4 through 16 to form 40 teams, which includes a girls’ softball team.

“Being able to positively influence children and their families with a program that teaches solid fundamental skills, promotes academic achievement, healthy living habits, and social responsibility is our mission,” stated League commissioner Tommy Torres.