2018 Kickoff Ceremony For Edmonson County Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken Leagues

Past Teams Honored: Gavyn Minyard Throws Ceremonial First Pitch

Gavyn Minyard throws out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2018 Parks & Rec Baseball/Softball Jamboree.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Better late than never was the case at the HWY 70 Sports Complex in Brownsville today at the annual Parks & Rec Spring Baseball/Softball Jamboree.

The event, which kicks off each year's county Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Leagues, was originally scheduled for last Saturday but had to be postponed due to wet weather. Although games actually began earlier in the week, the celebration was held where two past league teams were honored, along with one special league player.

2015 District Six Champions, State Semi-Finalists.

The 2015 District 6 team was honored on field at the ceremony, which was a team that rallied in extra innings to claim the first summer district championship for the county. The team advanced all the way to the state final four, and was eliminated by that year's eventual state champion.

Team members were: Evan Stice, Preston Mills, Luke Decker, John Robert Meredith, Tyler Fugate, Elijah Pedigo, Jacob Vincent, Dylan Lindsey, Luke Meredith, Gavin Rose, Nick Clemmons, Isaiah Johnson, and coached by Chad Clemmons, Shawn Stice, Jason Rose, Carl Mills, and Michael Meredith.

2017 Edmonson County All Stars, State Finalists.

The 2017 Edmonson County All Stars were also recognized, which was a team that advanced all the way to the state finals, falling to Hancock County.

Team members were: Ty Brantley, Gavyn Minyard, Peyton Keith, Daren Alexander, Jesse Taylor, Will Edwards, Colby Woodcock, Colby Vincent, Will Alexander, Cole Saling, Kalob Harp, Jace McCombs, and coached by Ritchie Minyard, Shawn McCombs, and Terry Alexander.

Scouts present colors from local troop 597.

The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Gavyn Minyard, who was not only a member of the 2017 state finalist team, but also the regional winner of the Pitch, Hit, and Run Competition, held at Bowling Green Ballpark. After winning in Bowling Green where he competed against others from three different states, he advanced to Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark, the home of the Reds, where he competed nationally.

Andrea Brantley sang the National Anthem at today's ceremony where the colors were presented by scouts from local troop  597.

Parks and Rec Director John Kiernan said other than a few weather problems, the season has started well.

"We're happy to see another year of youth baseball and softball begin in Edmonson County," he said. "Our local league boards and everyone at Parks and Rec have really come together this year. Our fields are in as good of shape as they've ever been. These volunteers work hard to provide the best opportunities we can for our youth here in the county and we're looking forward to a great season."