by Mark Watson

SPORTS EDITOR

The Tooele County Babe Ruth League will hold an opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Parker's Park. After the festivities, games will begin at 10 a.m. and run throughout the day at Parker's Park and Elton Field

The league will honor long-time youth baseball supporter and former vice president of the league Ray Harris.

"Ray taught me a ton about running a youth baseball league. He helped out with everything from organizing teams to snack bar operations," said league president John Wright.

Harris died 10 years ago. He and Wright helped create the current league back in 1990. A Harris family member will toss out the first pitch on Saturday.

The Tooele County baseball league includes 62 teams with approximately 752 players ranging in age from 5 to 15.

About 125 coaches and volunteers help players learn the game of baseball each summer. Teams play 16 to 18 games each season.

Games on opening day will be for kids ages 9-15. The younger kids will begin play on Tuesday.

Wright will begin his 18th season as president of the Tooele County- Cal Ripken Baseball League.

"Baseball is a great game that has been passed from father to son throughout its history," Wright said.

The league president said he would like players to be at Parker's Park by 9:10 a.m. on Saturday so the opening ceremonies can start on time.

mwatson@tooeletranscript.com