Local Cry of 'Play Ball' Echoes 'round the World

Published 08.14.2014

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The parade of champions delights fan who gathered in Volunteer Stadium for Thursday's start of the LIttle League Baseball World Series.Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, who chairs Little League International's Board of Directors, speaks at opening ceremonies ...... and accepts from former major leaguer Dave Winfield a baseball signed by Hall of Famers who began as Little League players.Winfield delivers the opening pitch to officially begin the 10-day tournament.Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour, chair of the Little League International Board of Directors during the organization's milestone 75th year, participated in inaugural ceremonies for the 68th annual Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport on Thursday morning. Seamlessly continuing the celebration that began Wednesday with a campus cookout and crowd-pleasing parade, Gilmour set the tone for the blend of fun and fair play represented by the global youth-sports sensation. The 16 teams competing in the annual rite of summer were led into Volunteer Stadium by local baseball and softball players, just a few short hours before the opening game between Europe & Africa and Asia-Pacific. The kickoff pageantry also included an appearance by Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, grand marshal for the Grand Slam Parade, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch.