The Hopewell Valley Baseball & Softball Association (HVBSA) kicked off its spring season Saturday with its fifth annual Opening Day celebration at Chamberlain Field, bringing together players, families, and local leaders for a day that celebrated both sport and community.
Hundreds of players, ages 4 to 14, paraded onto the field in full uniform, greeted by cheers and high-fives from Trenton Thunder mascot Boomer, Hopewell Township police officers, and other dignitaries. The event marked a milestone for the organization, which introduced the tradition in 2021.
“This is a day to celebrate a game America has loved for over 150 years,” said HVBSA board member Jeff Sgro, who helped start the event. “A new uniform has promise. A new season has promise.”
Following the parade, Boomer and Hopewell Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning threw out ceremonial first pitches. The festivities continued with games, a photo booth, snack stands, a silent auction, and tables hosted by local organizations and businesses. There was also a SandLot game that featured representatives from the Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, and officers from the Hopewell Township Police Department.
Founded in 1952, HVBSA is a volunteer-run league that offers spring and fall seasons for baseball and softball. The Opening Day tradition began in the wake of the pandemic to bring the community back together and has grown into a key moment on the league’s calendar.
“It’s not just about baseball,” Sgro said. “It’s about being part of something—bringing people together to mark a new beginning each spring.”
photos by Seth Siditsky
