Opening day for South Elyria baseball on Saturday

Baseball in South Elyria is back after several years without it. Opening day ceremonies and games are at 11 a.m. Saturday at Stacey-Palmer Field in Elyria. According to a news release, opening day will be a tribute to the legacy of Elyria Little League South and the trailblazers who worked to provide baseball to youth from the predominantly African American neighborhoods in South Elyria. Those honored will be the late Robert "Bob" Palmer, Alan Stacey, Jeff McCullough and Clifford Fitzpatrick. Team uniforms will feature the names of Negro League Baseball teams such as the Cleveland Buckeyes, the Elite Giants and the Black Senators and are being sponsored by local businesses, organizations and individuals. A community glove drive made it possible for each player to receive a new or used baseball glove. The T-ball league was started by Aric Bowens. It is for children ages 4-7 who live in South Elyria. Mayor Frank Whitfield declared May 1 as Little League South Tee Ball Club Day in Elyria. Elyria Little League South won the first Little League City Championship. South Tee Ball Club is a member of Little League Baseball USA. There also were multiple team sponsors, including Team Kareem Hunt, Natures Select, World Gym, YWCA, the Corey Williams family, Helping Hands Wellness Center, Our F.A.M.I.L.Y., Yes Zone, Go Fresh, E-Mart, Toad Fitness, Pulse Recording and Big Kibbs Property Management LLC. To make a donation, make checks payable to the Elyria YWCA, 318 West Ave.