A Live Oak Little League player connects with a pitch during the annual hit-a-thon following opening ceremonies March 8 at Berry Field in Live Oak. The event helped kick off the 2026 season with 15 teams and about 180 players participating. Photo by Steven Bryla

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) - The 2026 Live Oak Little League season opened Sunday, March 8, with opening ceremonies at Berry Field as players, coaches and families gathered to celebrate the start of the season.

Baseball and softball teams lined the outfield beginning with T-ball squads. Announcers introduced each player as they ran the baseline to home plate before joining coaches and teammates for a team photo.

A young Live Oak Little League Cubs player races toward first base during activities following opening ceremonies March 8 at Berry Field in Live Oak. Families gathered to celebrate the start of the 2026 season. Photo by Steven Bryla

About 180 players across 15 teams took part in the ceremony. Families filled the stands and gathered along the fences as the teams were recognized.

Live Oak’s teams this season include three T-ball teams, four farm teams, four minor teams, two major teams, one junior team and one challenger team.

A Live Oak Little League player swings during the league’s annual hit-a-thon held after opening ceremonies March 8 at Berry Field. The event marked the start of the 2026 season for players across multiple divisions. Photo by Steven Bryla

Teams introduced during the ceremony included the Jr. Lady Lions, Major Lions, Major Reds, Minor Giants, Minor Brewers, Minor Texas Longhorns, Minor Oklahoma Sooners, Farm Giants, Farm A’s, Farm Vipers, Farm Lions, T-ball Tigers, T-ball Lions, T-ball Huskies and T-ball Cubs.

Following the ceremony, players took the field for the league’s annual hit-a-thon. The day concluded with a spaghetti feed fundraiser to support the league and kick off the season.

The start of the season continues this weekend as Gridley Little League prepares to host its Opening Day on Saturday, March 14 at Manuel Vierra Park.

A Live Oak Little League player sprints across the infield during opening day activities March 8 at Berry Field. The league introduced 15 teams and about 180 players during the 2026 season kickoff. Photo by Steven Bryla

Opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on the Majors Field, where teams and players will be introduced.

Games are set to begin at 10:30 a.m. across several fields throughout the park as teams play their first games of the season.

Organizers expect the park to be busy throughout the day with games, music from a DJ and snack bar specials for families and fans.

For more local sports coverage, visit ysbcsports.com.