Members of the Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball league march along Main Street to Pope Park in Acushnet for the opening day ceremony on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball opened its season with the traditional parade along Main Street in Acushnet to Knox Field in Pope Park on Saturday, 4/30/22. With a little bit of speechmaking, a little bit of horseplay, and a little bit of serious discussion, the kids got off to a good start with a bright and sunny day.
Emcee Tony Ramous told the crowd that FAYB was the “best league in New England.”
“This is baseball,” he told the players, and where they will make memories for a lifetime.
David Wojnar took the mike to recognize the Fabian family, which donated three defibrillators in honor of Jake Fabian, who died at the age of 28 from heart failure, even though he was an athlete.
This year, the Volunteer of the Year award was renamed for Dan Nault award in honor of all he’s done over the years. Chad Leclair became the first recipient of the Dan Nault Volunteer of the Year award.
Fairhaven Select Board chairperson Stasia Powers said players learn many lessons in life. She said her dad, who recently passed away, coached her.
“I was awful,” said Ms. Powers. “But I loved it.”
She said it taught her the importance of being part of a team
The 2021 Fairhaven Acushnet All Stars show their rings while standing under the sign with all their names on it after being recognized at the 2022 opening day ceremony at Knox Field in Acushnet’s Pope Park on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
Acushnet Selectboard chairperson David Desroches said everyone has dreams, some want to go to the Big Leagues, and…well, everyone had to start somewhere.
“It’s all about having fun,” said Mr. Desroches.
“Parents don’t put pressure on the kids, it’s little league. Kids, listen to your coaches,” said Mr. Desroches. “It’s all about having fun, not winning or losing.”
League president Jay Williams thanked the volunteers, sponsors and town boards for making it all possible.
He said it is a burden and is time away from family.
“But it’s an investment in our children,” said Mr. Williams.
Lily Fontaine sang the national anthem, and…she NAILED it.
Visit www.fayb.org to learn more about the league and schedules, or find them on Facebook. Games are played at Pope Park in Acushnet, and the Shaw Road Baseball Complex in Fairhaven.
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- Members of the Varsity Club team march along Main Street to Pope Park in Acushnet on opening day of the Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball league on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Chris Vardo receives the Lifetime Achievement award from Matt Ponte at the opening day ceremony of the Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball league at Knox Field in Acushnet’s Pope Park on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Chad Leclair receives the Dan Nault Volunteer of the Year Award from Matt Ponte at the opening day ceremony of the Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball league at Knox Field in Acushnet’s Pope Park on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
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- Members of the Koopman Lumber team march along Main Street to Pope Park in Acushnet on opening day of the Fairhaven Acushnet Youth Baseball league on 4/30/22. Photo by Beth David.
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