In mid-June, the Greene County Youth Athletic Association held a closing ceremony for the public to end the little league seasons.

GCYAA President Travis Warnke says they made one major change for their baseball and softball with having players wear uniforms instead of t-shirts.

“We went to the full uniform, gave them that kind of Major League (Baseball) feel. And the kids had a little more pep in the giddyup. It was nice to see that. I remember being in little league and that’s the reason you played those sports is you got to dress up like the big leaguers.”    

Warnke points out that they typically have opening ceremonies to officially begin the summer season, but it was rained out. He notes that they decided to have a closing ceremony at the end of the season. Warnke explains other reasons why they held the new community event.

“‘Hey, let’s do something.’ Send our sixth grade off because that’s the last time they get to play in any of our sports, because baseball usually ends everything (before they start 7th grade). It’s nice to give them a send off. Let the community know, ‘Hey, we’re still down here. Come enjoy the game,’ get that ballpark type of feel.” 

Warnke adds they are planning to continue to have a closing ceremony at the end of every little league season in the future.