“The memories and feelings from this summer will warm our hearts during those cold dark days of winter. Our spirits will be lifted by the hope and promise of the upcoming 2024 season, for we know joy will always prevail.”

Before the game even started, a trio of girls were observed in the infield tossing the fine dirt above their heads and making clouds while belting out “Let it Go.”

Friday night’s T-ball contest was like those preceding this season, having in common a field overflowing with sunshine! And each one of the Perry League players in attendance projected that light.

Many of those who arrived at Gaunt Park for the Perry League “Midsummer Classic” event were greeted by the unmistakable smell of french fries.

“We need dry wood, multiple cuts. Tinder, kindling and overnighter logs. We have all these, but the fact that they need to be there every day is exciting.”

Friday night Perry League games contain all of the elements one would witness in sandlots around the world. It is a sport embraced on a global level.

Three years after Donald Perry’s death in 1967, the baseball league he founded was renamed Perry League in his honor. His legacy has been going strong for more than half a century.

The local T-ball league has now encompassed more than five decades and endeared itself to the hearts of many children and families in the village.

About five dozen children responded to the 6 p.m. whistle. You could sense the magic in the children’s faces as they anticipated play. I remembered just how fun and worthwhile these games can be in those first few moments while children line up and wait.

Graduating senior Malcolm Blunt capped off his stellar track career by earning a medal with a seventh-place finish in the 200 meters at the Division III state track meet.