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ST. THOMAS — The St. Thomas Little league is officially starting the 2020 season this Saturday. Festivities will include a “Parade of Teams” starting from Emancipation Garden at 9:00 a.m., heading to the site of the opening ceremonies at the Joseph Aubain Ballpark in Frenchtown scheduled for 10:00 a.m., the league said Thursday.
The Elrod Hendricks West and Alvin McBean East Little League organizations are combining forces for a festive opening event featuring 27 St. Thomas teams including: 4 Girls Softball, 5 Senior League, 4 50/70 (Intermediate) League, 9 Little League and 5 Pee Wee teams.
After the ceremonies, the season’s first games will be played. The Rebels vs. Prospects (9-12 division) will take the field at 11AM followed by the Dodgers vs. Twins, the Blazing Starz vs. VI Pride, Ravens vs Blue Jays and wrapping up, the Pirates vs Sluggers. For the full team schedule from January through May, visit Elrod Hendricks West Little League Facebook page.
Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation Assistant Commissioner, Vincent Roberts and his team have been working to ready the local ballparks for the season. “We are working tirelessly to get all our ballparks ready for the girls and boys to take the field to learn the game, test their skills and go for the win. We urge families and friends to come support our kids for the entire little league season and be involved in their sport,” Mr. Roberts said. The opening ceremony will be held at the Joseph Aubain Ballpark, a Marriott Frenchman’s Reef sponsored ballpark that is looking pristine with new perimeter fencing.
The Little Leagues East and West teams are sponsored by local businesses. Elrod Hendricks Little League President, Neville Amey explained "These team sponsorships make the League possible. Funds not only cover the cost of uniforms and sports equipment, they reduce the cost for our young players to participate in the league. More boys and girls are given the opportunity to compete to increase athletic skills and experience the lifelong lessons of team play," said Ms. Amey.
For the first time, the combined St. Thomas Leagues have an Island League sponsor, Oriental Bank. Their sponsorship helps to cover insurance, travel expenses, field upkeep and other necessities to run a sound baseball program. Mr. Ganesh Kumar, COO for Oriental said "Oriental is heavily invested in the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands. These young athletes need our support, emotionally and financially. We proudly take on the role of nurturing these future citizens."
Team sponsors include Lemartec VI, PG Gas, Oriental Bank, McDonald’s, FirstBank, and MSI Building Supplies. “We are thankful to all of our corporate sponsors many of whom have supported the League for many years. Their support helps us provide our youth with a safe, fun,
teambuilding environment where they learn new skills, make friends and play in friendly competition.” said Mr. Kirk Thomas, President of Alvin McBean West Little League. There are teams that still need sponsorship. To support a team or the St. Thomas League, please contact Amy Turkington: 340-774-8478 / [email protected].
Follow your team on Facebook at: Elrod Hendricks West Little League - St. Thomas USVI and Alvin McBean Little League.
For More Information Contact:
Elrod Hendricks West Little League President Mr. Amey at 340-513-4343
Alvin McBean East Little League President Mr. Kirk Thomas at 340-513-2728
