They tried it once on March 11, but Mother Nature wasn't cooperating. The weekend storm forced the postponement of the scheduled opening day ceremonies, but the Little Leaguers were not to be denied.

League officials checked the weather reports, then decided to reschedule for March 19. It turned out to be a great decision since the sunny spring weather came out a day early to welcome players to the 2006 season.

Players participated in a "Hit/Pitch/Run" competition, the T-ball players made their traditional run around the bases, there were inflatable play structures and a rock climbing wall ... oh, yeah, and there was baseball.

But baseball was really secondary to the events of the day that brought together players and their families to share friendship and camaraderie. Little League opening day is more than just a celebration of a baseball season; it's a celebration of community.

No sooner did the sun pop out for opening day, though, than it slipped back behind the clouds for a shower on the first day of spring. But Saratoga Little Leaguers didn't care. They were able to celebrate the opening of a new year, and they know that the sun will out soon to shine on their 2006 season.