We may be a couple weeks into the new season, but we are still thinking about Opening Day earlier this month! Truly a celebration of our community, Opening Day never fails to deliver on fun, friends and baseball.

From the players and coaches that helped with the ceremonies, to those that handed out cotton candy or helped sell hats, we are so grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors and special guests that helped to make this day a success!

Abi, Charlie and Desi reading the Land Acknowledgement to kick things off.
Ellie, Ira and Stella recited the Little League Pledge on behalf of all players.
Coach Yvonne recited the Parent and Volunteers Pledge on behalf of all others, including our coaches.
A special shout out goes to brothers Zevon and Carmel of Lego Money who kept us rocking, and with the help of our League President Peter Paz, led us in a chorus of “Let’s Go High Park!”

We were also pleased to recognize just some of the people that help make our league so strong. Henry Patsiopoulos was recognized as Most Dedicated Umpire for the 2023 season. Henry helped coach the Majors White Sox to victory in last year’s finals, while also working as a senior umpire regularly throughout the season, serving as an example and mentor to others. 

After decades of volunteering his time not only as a house league and All-Star rep team coach, but also a board member, Coach Paul Wilson is trading in his bat and lefty glove for a canoe and paddle and moving out of the city. Paul was honoured with an engraved ceremonial shovel, a symbol of his help in building this league, but also to celebrate the many other volunteers he taught to care for our diamonds. 

Chad Nunn, our Baseball Umpire-in-Chief presented Henry Patsiopoulos (left) with the Most Dedicated Umpire for the 2023 season award. They are seen here with Peter Paz, League President (centre).

Athletics coach Paul Wilson (centre) is honoured for his volunteer work and years of memories by VP Baseball Jason Okamura and Past President Ken Sherbanowski.

We were very excited to be joined by Jerry Howarth, who for decades, was the voice of the Toronto Blue Jays (and a former Little League player himself!). Jerry was kind enough to join us for the festivities and throw out the first pitch of the season. Following the festivities Jerry sat down with two of our players, Arlo and Mitch, also of the Changeup Chat to talk baseball in an exclusive interview! Thank you, Jerry, for being with us, it was the perfect way to set up another wonderful summer in High Park.

And of course, a thank you to all our sponsors, including the Cheese Boutique and Pepsi for their donations to our players’ barbecue and MC4/Toronto Pedicab for helping with logistics that day.

Best of luck to all our players and coaches this season!Â