PHOTOS: Fiorentini, Wally the Green Monster Celebrate Riverside-Bradford Baseball’s Opening Day

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was (from left) Derek Davoli, Josiah Peters from Trinity EMS, Mayor James J. Fiorentini, Wally the Green Monster and City Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua. (Courtesy photograph)

Haverhill had a very special guest step up to the plate at Riverside stadium fields Saturday to mark opening day for Riverside-Baseball’s 2019 season: None other than Wally the Red Sox Green Monster. Joining him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the morning festivities was the city’s longest-serving Mayor James J. Fiorentini, making for what Player Agent Jared Duemling tells WHAV was a great day had by all.

Four hundred little leaguers—52 teams from across the city aged 4- to 14-years old spread out across the stadium once the rain let up to enjoy a morning of family-friendly fun sponsored by the Haverhill YMCA, Kona Ice, Trinity EMS and others.

After Keegan Wipff sang the National Anthem, the league recognized two of their own—Derek Davoli and Matt Souza—for their commitment to the community and accomplishments within the league. According to Duemling, Souza accepted an award from league President Randall George for starting up a Riverside-Bradford “Buddy Ball” program, while Davoli was inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame for his service to the Board of Directors.

Regular season play has already began, with parents and players encouraged to stay up-to-date with Riverside-Bradford happenings on Facebook, Duemling told WHAV.

CLICK THROUGH WHAV’S OPENING DAY PHOTO GALLERY BELOW!

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