Elmsford Little League Has Another Major League Grand Marshall!

Yankee great Paul O’Neil with Brenden Quinn (driving)
and an unidentified Little Leaguer

Clouds moved in overheard after an early morning tease by the sun quickly disappeared. With spring taking much too long to arrive, one tried and true sign of an impending spring happens without fail: the Elmsford Little League's Annual Parade. 

Kicking off this year’s baseball season was none other than New York Yankee legend and World Series player, outfielder Paul O’Neil!  Previously, Darryl Strawberry had been a grand marshall. This year would be no different as the kids lined up on North Stone Avenue sporting brand new team hats and jerseys. We even saw one team running their kids through calisthenics before the parade began. That’s dedication! 

More players and parents than ever before would be participating in the parade. The fire department with it's personnel on board and the shiny fire trucks would be at the end of the parade. The fire trucks were sporting signs looking for volunteers. We found out that it is part of a NY State-wide recruitment program entitled “Is There A Fire In You”? The fire department is holding open houses at both fire companies on April 27th (at Live Oak Engine) and April 28th (at Elmsford Fire Company) with events happening on the half hour from 10AM until 2PM. 

Yes, the Grand Marshall, NY Yankee Paul O’Neil would smile and continue waving and greet fans and players along the way. Today, everybody was a Paul O’Neil fan. In fact, everybody was a baseball fan today as they smiled and encouraged the young baseball players marching past them. So it’s official, spring has finally sprung! 

This was a nice day, albeit cool, where everything fell into place. The police, fire and highway departments along with parents, coaches, families and friends made sure of it. Thanks to everyone who helped make this years opening season parade a success, especially to Paul O’Neil, who is now an honorary Elmsford Little Leaguer. Let’s “Play ball!”