One of my favorite events in Bainbridge sports is coming up next Monday, March 12. No, it isn’t that first kickoff under Friday night lights in August, but this might be tied with it.

The annual Opening Ceremonies for youth baseball and softball is by far one of the most exciting times I’ll have as a photographer. Every team, from T-ball players to teenage players, marches onto the field, proudly displaying their team’s uniforms that are all sponsored by local businesses.

It’s so fun to see the excitement and curiosity on these kids’ faces as they walk single file onto the field and stand along the grass line. Some of these little tykes are looking around like they don’t know what is going on. Others strut like they’re Ronald Acuña, with their swagger and poses for the camera. Me? I’m just trying to snap every little facial expression these kids are wearing.

The last couple of years have featured a special addition to the Opening Ceremonies. The event is held at the Bearcat Diamonds, where the Bainbridge Bearcats play. As the youngsters march out onto the field when their team is called, they get to high-five the varsity Bearcat players. One day, many of them will play high school baseball and be in those older kids’ shoes. It’s great that they can be on the field with the players, seeing firsthand what it’s like to be in a varsity baseball atmosphere.

Following the Opening Ceremonies on Monday, the Bearcats will play Dothan, and hopefully as many people as possible can stick around and cheer on Bainbridge. It’ll be a great time, so I hope you can make it!

Opening Ceremonies start at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6:45 p.m.