IN PICTURES: MARATHON YOUTH CLUB KICKS OFF SPRING BASEBALL SEASON WITH OPENING CEREMONIES

Freshly-uniformed teams line the field for a salute to Old Glory.

Young ballplayers filled Marathon Community Park on the morning of March 2 to officially kick off the Marathon Youth Club’s 2024 baseball and softball seasons with an opening ceremony. Led by emcee Jason Koler, the morning included an introduction of each team along with a first pitch from Marathon Mayor Robyn Still before teams took the field for scrimmages.

“The 2024 opening ceremonies exceeded all expectations,” said MYC board member Kerri Worthington. “A heartfelt thank-you extends to the players, parents, coaches and generous business sponsors whose contributions made this event truly outstanding. The atmosphere at the ball fields brimmed with excitement. … With such enthusiasm and support, there’s no doubt that the season games ahead will be nothing short of spectacular.”

Team sponsors for the 2024 season include LJ’s Cafe, Small Town Marine, Reefside Construction, the Weekly Newspapers, Campbell Engineering Consultants, Marathon Lumber, Keys Car Wash, American Coastal Vacation Rentals, Marathon Seawall and Docks, Inc. and Marathon Garbage Service. Keys Computer Specialists will also serve as a general baseball and softball sponsor for the season, and thanks to the generosity of A.M. Electric/Sunmasters, baseball players will have access to a portable pitcher’s mound for years to come.

Photos by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.