Play ball! Softball World Series kicks off in Roxana

For the fifth time in as many years, tiny Roxana welcomed some of the world’s best Little League Softball teams to its Lower Sussex Little League Complex on Sunday afternoon.

During the next week, those clubs – six United States-based teams including District III host Laurel, US Central, U.S. Southwest, U.S. West, U.S. East and U.S. East along with international teams from Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Canada – will all compete for the Senior League Softball World Series crown.

“Over 2.8 million Little Leaguers from across the world compete to play in one of these eight World Series,” Opening Ceremonies announcer Scotty Amerine said to the gathered crowd. “These are future managers, coaches and parents, and maybe more importantly, ambassadors of goodwill who show what can happen when you work together to reach a common goal.”

Several dignitaries were in attendance at the event, including Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, who addressed all the Series’ participants and gave a special nod to the volunteers that helped make the event possible.

“Congratulations to all of you on an outstanding job,” Minner said to the teams as they surrounded Ebbets Field, where Saturday’s championship game will be played. “But, I want you to take a minute to thank the volunteers who help make Little League possible.

“This year, as every year, they have done an outstanding job,” she continued. “Sometimes I wish I could take them back to Dover with me.”

District III Administrator Martin Donovan, who played a large role in bringing the event to Roxana five years ago, agreed with the governor.

He, however, also wanted to let the 10 participating teams know that they are all champions regardless of who hoists the final trophy.

“There has to be winners and losers in the games here,” Donovan said, “but remember, you are all winners.”

Lower Sussex Little League President Bruce Layton also addressed the crowd and shared with it part of the story behind bringing the Series to Roxana.

After hosting the Eastern Regional tournament for seven years, Sussex County decided it might like to have one of the eight Little League World Series tournaments.

The late Josh Freeman, then CEO of Carl M. Freeman Companies, had children playing in the Lower Sussex Little League around the year 2000, according to Layton, and the league president approached Freeman about getting a World Series to Roxana.

Freeman, who by all accounts enjoyed helping both youths and athletics, was open to the idea, and when Williamsport, Pa. – home of Little League International – called and offered the Senior League Softball World Series to District III, one phone call had to be made before it was accepted.

“My first call was to Josh Freeman,” Layton explained. “Without his help, none of this would have been possible.”

Even after his death, Carl M. Freeman Companies has been one of the many sponsors who allow Roxana to continue hosting the tournament.

Toward the end of the Opening Ceremonies, attendees were treated to a duet of “God Bless America,” by Georgetown native Kelly Cahill and Rick Prouce of Salisbury before Georgetown resident Hank Fuller blasted out a sterling rendition of the United States National Anthem.

From there the teams took the field, and Saturday at 4 p.m., live on ESPN, the Series championship game will begin.