The weather should be just about perfect on March 7, as local youngsters get out the bats, balls, gloves and cleats and get ready to start their Little League season.

That affiliation is new this year, with Escalon Recreation Department and the city’s Recreation Commission working with a group of community members to segue over to the Little League program.

“We had nine community members that stepped up to make a board,” Little League Treasurer Steph Hogan said of the new non-profit organization, which is part of Little League District 67.

President is Randy Waters with Vice President for Softball Brian Thompson and Vice President for Baseball Megan Gaines. Also, Secretary is Jamie Pires with Hogan as Treasurer. Registration/Evaluation Day Player Agent is Samantha Taylor, Safety Officer is Aaron Castillo, Coach Coordinator is Justin Borges and Information Officer is Brandi Vanderwerff.

Little League divisions include Minors, Majors and Juniors for boys and girls. There are 10 baseball teams and six softball teams for this inaugural season.

The youngest T-ball and 8u divisions for boys and girls are still being run by the city’s Recreation Department, with the older players under the Little League banner.

Hogan said one of the attractions of the Little League affiliation is being able to take part in tournaments and postseason play and having a relatively low enrollment fee. She also pointed to the assistance of city staffers, including Ivette Arevalo, in helping the new Little League board navigate the process and plan for the Opening Day festivities.

“We have had so much community support and love,” Hogan said.

President Randy Waters said they are planning plenty of festivities to usher in the Escalon Little League era, with teams lining up on the main field at Hogan-Ennis Park at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7 and the ceremony following at about 9 a.m.

“We will have the singing of the National Anthem and the first pitch,” Waters said, with the teams also being introduced with Steve Largent serving as emcee for the program. “The first pitch will be thrown out by Everett Powell, owner of American Crane Rental, and they also will bring a huge American flag that they will display.”

The first games of the day are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Waters added, with the last to wrap up around 2:30 p.m.

“The batting cages will be open, we will also have face painting, ax throwing, a pitching speed test, a jump house, an obstacle course,” Waters said of the variety of family-friendly activities being planned as part of the Opening Day celebration.

The snack shack at Hogan-Ennis Park will be open and there will also be some vendors including a coffee cart, popcorn and the popular Kona Ice booth.

Hogan said they want to make this first day a memorable one for all those in attendance.

“We will have all the traditional ‘pomp and circumstance’ (of Opening Day),” Hogan noted, “but with the games and activities for the kids, we’re just adding a little extra layer of fun.”

All in the community are welcome to attend the festivities and cheer on the young ball players.