Umphrey Throws First Pitch to Open Little League Season

This year’s first pitch honoree to officially open the Harrison Little League season was Bryan Umphrey. The league celebrated their opening day on Saturday with a parade around the fields and the VFW Honor Guard raising the flag. Once again, local resident Carol Stier sang the national anthem and Hunter Taylor, youth pastor at Brown Corners Church, offered a prayer.

Umphrey was a Harrison Little League player himself. His four children played through Juniors and now he’s watching his grandchildren play. He was a coach and even the president of the league. Several current board members were in the league when Umphrey coached.

"I have loved Little League as a player, coach, board member, parent and grandparent,” Umphrey said. “It warms my heart to see players that I coached are now coaching and leading. Thank you so much for this special day!"

Umphrey chose to have his grandson Benjamin help him throw the first pitch. Benjamin begins the third year of his baseball career as an 8U player.

© Clare County Cleaver