Photos and Bonus Story: State Little League 12-Year-Old Tournament Gets Under Way in Bridgeport
By Julie Perine on July 21, 2016 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
At 5:24 p.m., a call was dispatched via Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services for a rescue on Sweetbriar Lane The situation, in fact, involved an elevator which was stuck on the second floor of the Holiday Inn Express at White Oaks. Bridgeport Fire Department responded, utilized its professional equipment and freed the three young boys who were trapped inside. Lt. Greg Pigg said he believes the boys – all who were attired in baseball gear – were only in the elevator for about 10 minutes. It’s a good thing their rescue was quick. They had a busy evening ahead.
Those three ball 
players and a host of others from around the state gathered at Bridgeport High School for the kick-off of the 12-Year-Old West Virginia State Little League Tournament. After dinner at the BHS cafeteria, athletes and their families proceeded to Wayne Jamison Field for opening ceremonies. Participating teams – winners and runners-up from Districts 1 through 8 – were introduced, as was last year’s state championship team, Bridgeport Little League of District 5. Providing the invocation was Bill Tomasik. The event also featured a moment of silence for our little hometown superhero Jack Rollins, who passed away this week after battling cancer. After teams recited the Little League Pledge, remarks were delivered by Bridgeport Council Member Dustin Vincent and special guest, Curtis Fleming of the Outdoor Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles.”
players and a host of others from around the state gathered at Bridgeport High School for the kick-off of the 12-Year-Old West Virginia State Little League Tournament. After dinner at the BHS cafeteria, athletes and their families proceeded to Wayne Jamison Field for opening ceremonies. Participating teams – winners and runners-up from Districts 1 through 8 – were introduced, as was last year’s state championship team, Bridgeport Little League of District 5. Providing the invocation was Bill Tomasik. The event also featured a moment of silence for our little hometown superhero Jack Rollins, who passed away this week after battling cancer. After teams recited the Little League Pledge, remarks were delivered by Bridgeport Council Member Dustin Vincent and special guest, Curtis Fleming of the Outdoor Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles.”
Following the ceremony, players enjoyed a variety of games which were set up at Bridgeport City Park and as a bonus, families were treated to live music by John Bonnett and Gerrod Bee. The show was the second installment of Bridgeport Arts Council’s Summer Jam series. The evening concluded with fireworks.
Games start 12 noon Friday at Bridgeport Recreation Complex. Fleming will throw the opening pitch to start the action. Games will be ongoing throughout the weekend at the rec complex. Saturday and Sunday’s games begin at 10 a.m. Bridgeport plays the winner of the Barboursville/Charleston Central game at 10 a.m. Saturday. The championship game will be played Wednesday.
Opening ceremony photos by Tyler Vincent of Ben Queen Photography are forthcoming. In the meantime, enjoy these photos which were taken throughout the evening. ‘
Read more about the tournament HERE.
