Play ball!

Opening day celebration for Hobb Engler Little League and Lenape Blazers Softball League BYRAM — The Hobb Engler Little League and Lenape Blazers Softball League recently held their annual opening day ceremony at CO Johnson Park in Byram. On a beautiful spring day, over 350 boys and girls marched with their teams and coaches. Hobb Engler President Shawn Armstrong was the master of ceremonies for the event and musical entertainment was provided by Casey Cluett of Magic Touch DJs. The Knights of Columbus Dominick Calabrese color guard marched in procession to present the flag. The national anthem was sung by Alexa Lavere and Natalie Iazetti of the Lenape Blazers team. Guest speakers included Byram Mayor Jim Oscovitch, recreation director Janet Meisner, Lenape Blazers President Dan Burlew, and District 20 Baseball President Lori Grant. Byram Township Manager Joe Sabatini and council members Scott Olson and Nisha Kash also attended the ceremony. Father Tom Fallone, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Boonton, gave the opening day blessing and benediction. Hobb Engler also acknowledged past board members Mike Goffredo, Kristie Taylor, and Nick Cutrone, for their many years of service as coaches, board members, and volunteers. Members of the Hobb Engler 2011 all-star teams were presented with their trophies and Burlew acknowledged the tremendous accomplishments of the various Blazer softball teams in league and tournament action. Junior division player Austin Markferding led the crowd in reciting the Little League pledge. The ceremonial first pitches were made by Hobb Engler Junior player Tommy Armstrong, throwing to catcher Mark Lisi, and Blazers pitcher Madison Wronko, delivering a heater to catcher Sydney Burlew. Play ball!