Photo/Video Gallery: It's Time to 'Play Ball' as Season Begins for Lawrence Little League Baseball & Softball

It was blustery and cold on Saturday (April 16), but the rain held off long enough for Opening Day ceremonies to take place for Lawrence Little League Baseball, Lawrence Little League Softball, and Lawrence Babe Ruth Baseball.

Several hundred players, coaches, family members and other supporters turned out, as the day began around 9 a.m. with a parade that worked its way through Central Park on Eggerts Crossing Road that ended at the park's Cliff Grant Ball Field. Leading the parade was a military color guard.

A brief ceremony was held during which two brand-new scoreboards were dedicated. Speakers included Mayor Greg Puliti and Pat Colavita, former Lawrence Township mayor and current chair of the Mercer County Board of Freeholders.

Afterward, team and individual player photos were taken and some games were played during the heavy rain arrived Saturday afternoon.

Opening Day ceremonies were originally planned to be held on April 9, but were postponed because rain the night before had left the ball fields soaked.

For more information, visit http://www.lawrencelittleleague.com.