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Milton Little League kicks off 2022 season

Players from T-ball up to majors were introduced at the Milton Little League opening-day ceremony April 23. All walked past the scoreboard with 684 displayed. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
April 26, 2022

Milton Little League kicked off its 2022 season with an opening-day ceremony April 23. The festivities began with a parade through downtown, as teams rode in truck beds and on trailers from Milton Elementary to the Little League fields across town. After all teams were introduced, Milton Fire Department dumped hundreds of golf balls from its ladder truck into the outfield, where select players from each team raced to collect them. Each ball had a corresponding number which was the key to a prize, including the $1,000 grand prize. 

The Milton Little League board recognized two men for longtime service – Ukie Johnson for 30 years and Billy Coulbourne for 20 years. Johnson was also named the league’s 2022 Hometown Hero, and the T-ball field was named in his honor.

Gabby Windsor sang the national anthem before Pastor Tim Wilson of Water’s Edge Church offered the opening-day prayer. The ceremony ended with a collection of kids simultaneously screaming, “Play ball!”

 

There isn’t much cuter than little kids in baseball uniforms. Taking the field are Ike Underwood, left, and Cece Schlezes.
The Twins watch as all teams are introduced.
One player from each team raced to pick up a golf ball in the outfield. Each ball had a number that was used to award prizes.
Nole Beam of the A’s sprints for a golf ball.
The Rangers patiently wait to kick off the season.
Younger players sprint to pick up a golf ball.
Milton Fire Chief Johnny Hopkins dumps golf balls onto the outfield.
Players watch as the Milton Fire Department readies for the golf ball drop.
Gabby Windsor sings the national anthem.
The Milton Little League board recognized Ukie Johnson, left, and Billy Coulbourne for 30 and 20 years of service, respectively.
Felicia Sellers, Milton Little League’s board vice president, embraces Ukie Johnson after revealing he was named a Hometown Hero.
Ukie Johnson, left, poses for a photo with Milton Little League President Anthony Willey after being named the 2022 Hometown Hero.
Milton Little League named the T-ball field after longtime volunteer Ukie Johnson. Ukie, center, is joined by his sons Aiden, left, and U.J.
Ukie Johnson gathers with all of the players in attendance who played for him during his time as a coach.
Ukie Johnson throws out the ceremonial first baseball pitch.
Dawn Johnson, Ukie’s wife, throws out the ceremonial first softball pitch.
Pastor Tim Wilson of Water’s Edge Church gives the opening-day prayer.
Riding in the parade are (l-r) Avery Oakes, Patrick Reilly, Jasmine Crosby, Beckett Oakes and Jaxon Crosby.
Go Wildcats!
Waving to parade watchers are (l-r) Isaac Stuart, Neatmiah Woods, Andrew Ockels and Joe Ruark.
The Giants are ready for the season to begin.
The Blue Hens roll down Federal and onto Union Street during the parade.
The Astros are all smiles during the parade. Shown are (l-r) coach Robin Davis, Luke Wiesh, Brody Vickers, Jaxon Kulp, Quinn Risse and Owen Croce.
The Indians wave to onlookers along the parade route.
Enjoying the parade are (l-r) Brady Johnson, Asher Johnson, Parker Graves and Cassidy Van Pelt.
Milton Fire Department led the parade with all of its equipment and apparatus.

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