Arlington celebrates Stilly Valley opener

ARLINGTON — Roughly 1,000 men, women and children came together to celebrate a community pastime more than a half a decade old in Arlington.

It was Stilly Valley Little League Jamboree Day, April17, at the Quake Fields complex.

“It’s all about kids today,” said Arlington Mayor Larson, who was on hand to throw out the 2010 season’s first pitch. “We’re just here to celebrate youth.”

The little league, which has been around since the ‘50s has blossomed into an organization that coordinates competition for more than 30 teams, which were all honored by filing into the outfield of the South Quake field early in the morning.

More recently, however, the Stilly Valley league has grown considerably with 100 more players this season. Also, a partnership with the city of Arlington has developed another 90-foot field and provided more maintenance and equipment for players.

“This is the very best cooperation we’ve had with the city,” said league president Jim Leavitt.

“And it’s been a great day. I would have said it was the best day of my life, but then I’d have to turn around to my wife and say, ‘Well, except my wedding and the kids, and everything.’”