Play Ball! Baseball Season Begins
Ocracoke boys and girls kicked off their youth baseball season on April 14, 2018 with opening day ceremonies in Buxton. All eight teams playing in the Hatteras/Ocracoke youth baseball league lined the first and third baselines for the presentation of our colors by the U.S. Coast Guard. After the National Anthem was played, the ceremonial first pitch was thrown out by Cape Hatteras High School coach Keith Durham and it was time to kick off the season and play ball.
Ocracoke has two teams playing in the league this year consisting of the 7–9 year old group named the Marlins and the 10–12 year old group named the Orioles. The Marlins started the season with two great away games in Buxton. The enthusiasm and big smiles on everyone's faces are so much more telling than the final scoreboard. The coaches typically award a game ball to a player in each game who achieved a milestone in their personal performance. Griffin Wells received the game ball in the first game for his efforts both in the field and at the plate. The game ball for the second game went to Ammy Ortiz for solid hitting during both her plate appearances and for being a consistent leader of the team's focus on having fun. The coaches are so proud of how much this group is learning and having such a great time playing baseball.
The Orioles starting their season with a strong pitching performance by starter Jacob Daniels who shut out the opposing Braves team. Finn Kattenburg was brought out of the bullpen for the closer and also pitched well allowing only one run. The Orioles' bats came alive in the third inning and Nicholas Cole was awarded the game ball for his in-the-park home run. The second game pitted the O's against the Angels and the first inning was scoreless for both teams. Finn Kattenburg was the starter for the Orioles and was strong through three innings. Gavin Elicker came out of the bullpen and closed the game out for the Orioles showing a promising arm. The Orioles' bats came alive in the second inning and Noah O'Neal was awarded the game ball for his three-run in-the-park home run.
Both teams are in action this coming Saturday with home games starting at 1pm for the Marlins and 3pm for the Orioles at Ocracoke Community Park. Come out and support our kids, enjoy the concessions, and root for the home team!
