LITTLE PLAYERS, BIG BATS: MARATHON YOUTH CLUB’S OPENING DAY ON THE DIAMOND

Teams fill the field at Marathon Community Park for Opening Day. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Coaches, families and players – and their fresh new jerseys – descended on Marathon Community Park on Feb. 22 for Opening Day of the Marathon Youth Club baseball, tee ball and softball seasons. Recognizing the unfailing support of local businesses in making MYC’s youth leagues a reality, emcee Jason Koler led the opening ceremonies before ceding the field for a morning of baseball and softball scrimmages.

Marathon Youth Club board members, from left: Alicia Hrytzay, Kerri Worthington, Chelsey Perry, Veronica Mir. Not pictured: Patrick Stevens, Ryan Irwin, Holli Harrington. CONTRIBUTED
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.