GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The outfield was a sea of color Saturday as Gridley Little League (GLL) held its Opening Day ceremonies at the heart of Gridley’s baseball community, Manuel Vierra Park.

Festivities began at 9 a.m. March 14, inviting each player in the league and their families to officially begin the 2026 season the traditional GLL way.

GLL President Lisa Shaw welcomed the large group of parents and players and, on a solemn note, reminded all that the community and the league had sustained recent losses.

Last season, Congressman Doug La Malfa threw out the first pitch on opening day. La Malfa passed away on Jan. 6 of this year following a medical emergency during surgery.

Closer to home, Gridley’s Baldemar “Balde” Torres died unexpectedly Jan. 31.

Balde played a pivotal role within the Little League community, coaching and volunteering many hours to the league over the past 40 years.

Shaw led a moment of silence dedicated to the two men, the ballpark falling silent for a minute.

Momentum picked up as Shaw dedicated the season to the memory of Balde Torres and moved to the introduction of teams, beginning with the youngest players in the tee-ball brackets.

Sons of the late Balde Torres, which the season was dedicated to, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch. Pictured left are Augie Torres and Zach Torres.

A colorful variety of team names were announced, followed by their coaches and team sponsors. Each athlete had their moment as they took to the field and their name rang out from the loudspeakers.

The Challengers were the last to take the field, standing behind a large “Opening Day” sign at center field. With all players filling the outfield grass, the entire league posed for an aerial group photo captured by drone.

Aerial shots have become more common with the league due to the sheer number of individuals attempting to fit into the frame.

“We have just under 500 players. I think 497,” said Shaw, recalling the registration numbers.

Including coaches and assistant coaches in that number, there were easily more than 500 people on the field that morning.

These wild softball women are the Party Animals! They had one of the brightest jerseys on the field.

Other elements of the ceremony included a prayer for the season by Jose Villalobos. Players and coaches then recited the Little League pledge and held their hands over their hearts during the national anthem performed by Lorelei Villalobos.

The honor of throwing out the first pitch of the season went to Balde’s sons, Augie and Zach Torres. The men took to the mound and plate, with Augie delivering a solid pitch to his brother’s glove.

Shaw said that Balde had just selected his team before his passing. The Junior Baseball “Party Animals” proudly bear the sentiment “In Loving Memory of Our Coach, Balde Torres” in honor of their coach and the community’s loss.

Unfortunately, those uniforms were among some affected by shipping delays, Shaw said. The league hopes to receive them soon.

Because many teams were still missing their official uniforms, GLL arranged temporary jerseys in team colors with the “Gridley Little League” logo on the front. Players will receive their official jerseys as soon as they arrive and can keep the temporary placeholders as practice shirts.

The Gridley Bulldogs were one of the lucky teams that got their jerseys in time for Opening Day ceremonies.

Games began at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and continued into the evening as each team played its first game of the season.

Gridley Little League 2026 teams are listed as follows:

Tee-Ball Teams: Barons, Flying Tigers, Knights, Mighty Mussels, Rockhounds, White Caps, Wood Ducks and Yard Goats.

Farm Teams: Disco Turkeys, Dodgers, Hammerheads, Isotopes, Mud Cats, River Bandits, River Cats, Roughriders, Stripers and Tortugas.

Minor Baseball Teams: Bears, Bulldogs, Hurricanes, Longhorns, Sooners, Sun Devils and Tigers. Minor Softball Teams: Bulldogs, Gators, Sharks and Tigers.

Junior Baseball Teams: Loco Coconuts, Tailgaters and Party Animals. Junior Softball Teams: Loco Coconuts and Party Animals.

Major Baseball Teams: Cubs, Diamondbacks, Padres, Phillies and Tigers. Major Softball Teams: Marlins, Tigers and Mets.

Challenger League: Rogue Rakers.

From Tee-Ball players to Majors, each team circled the infield and removed their hats for respect during the Opening Prayer, Little League Pledge and National Anthem.