HomeCommunity NewsSun Shines On Gill, SMNLL

Sun Shines On Gill, SMNLL

Due to its place on the calendar, baseball’s Opening Day has a particularly favorable spot in the hearts of American sports fans. It usually takes place in the springtime for the nation’s traditional population centers, a time of renewal and refreshment. And, as a scribe once noted, “Everybody’s in first place.”

San Marino Little League President Sean Gill. RIGHT: Brendan Gill, who threw the first pitch. Rafael Najarian Photo

It will take a great deal to knock San Marino National Little League President Sean Gill out of the top spot after what many said was one of the most spectacular events in the 55-year history of the landmark organization.

“I am just so happy that we can finally play ball,” said Gill, not in the tone of someone trying to fill an empty space with words, but someone who really meant it.

Gill reprised the personal story about how his wife, Anne, and their young family moved to San Marino and quickly found most of their friends through Little League. The experience was apparently significant enough that he got into the queue to be president.

A picture postcard day greeted attendees and the San Gabriel Mountains looked close enough to be used as the outfield fence during a weather period where Gill and his legion of volunteers could be forgiven if they thought Opening Day would be under water.

PHOTOS FROM OPENING DAY:http://www.sanmarinophotos.com/p373229709

Gill made two changes to protocol that might have led to the high praises for the event. At one point during the ceremony, he invited all of the league’s coaches to join him in the infield, an exercise that provided a powerful image of the large amount of volunteers that are needed to run the operation.

He also invited the players into the stadium early so they could better share in the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day.

Shortly thereafter, the wish of Gill and the Little Leaguer inside all of us was finally granted with one iconic, American phrase.

“Play Ball!”

Make sure to read Editor Mitch Lehman’s “Dear Coach…” letter on page A-20!

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