The Escalon Babe Ruth season officially opened on Saturday, March 10 with morning ceremonies kicking off a full day of action on the fields at Hogan-Ennis Park.

Teams in all divisions filed in to the park to take their spots, awaiting their introduction, including coaches, managers and sponsors. The presentation of the colors by the Escalon American Legion Post 263 began the festivities, followed by EHS senior Kristen Gutierrez singing the National Anthem.

Escalon City Council members on hand for the ceremonies were Mayor Jeff Laugero, Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Swift and councilmen Danny Fox and Walt Murken. Also noted were Recreation Commission members were Marilyn Boyle, Eric Morrill, Debbie Murken, Steve Riesenbeck and Malinda Walker along with city staff members Police Chief Mike Borges, Recreation Coordinator Dave Anderson, Recreation Assistant Denise Schulz and City Manager Tammy Alcantor.

A total of 37 teams, in seven different divisions, will play games in the Babe Ruth program this season. As introduced by emcee Mayor Laugero, the teams range from the youngest T-Ball squads to the oldest Major/70 teams. Introduced were 14 T-Ball teams, four 8 Under, eight Rookie teams, three 10 Under, four Minor teams, two 12 Under and two Major/70 squads.

After reigning Miss Escalon Grace Stime threw out the ceremonial first pitch to 2017 Major/70 All Star catcher Scott Allan, the teams were ready to begin their games for the day and the new season.