The warm weather picked a perfect time to arrive in Franklin County. 

It’s looking like beautiful conditions in Greenfield on Saturday, and that’s the news Greenfield Minor League Baseball President Brad Baker was hoping for, as GMLB kicks off its season.

The parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at Greenfield Middle School and makes its way from there to Lunt Field, with the opening day ceremony taking place afterward on Lunt Field No. 3. The Rookie Division games will get underway at 11:30 a.m. while the 11 and 12 year old groups will start their games at noon. 

“We put in a lot of work this year,” Baker said. “We’re really excited. Our numbers are going up and it’s looking like it could potentially be 80 degrees [Saturday]. When you set a date in mid-April, you just have to cross your fingers and hope it’s nice. It’s looking like it’ll be a special one.” 

Like with most youth sports around the area, the COVID-19 pause saw a sharp decline in numbers in the years since. For GMLB, those numbers are rising each year, and this year, 215 athletes have signed up to play in the league. 

“A year out of COVID we were only at 145 kids signed up which is the lowest we’ve been,” Baker said. “Each year we’ve been growing and we’re very excited with where we’re at this year. From what I hear, T-ball is seeing more kids than they’re accustomed to having as well. It’s good to see baseball growing in this area again. We’re hoping to get it to the 300-plus numbers that it was at 15-20 years ago.” 

Baker made sure to note how appreciative the league is of its sponsors, who make sure kids in the area have an opportunity to play baseball. 

“I want to thank all the sponsors for their support,” Baker said. “We’ve had tremendous support the last few years. Non-profits would really struggle without sponsors so we really appreciate everything they’ve done to keep this league running.” 

The Newt Guilbault Community Baseball League and Greenfield Girls Softball League will hold their opening days next weekend. 

GGSL is holding its opening day next Saturday, April 26, with the parade scheduled for 11:30 a.m. beginning at Valley Medical and making its way to Murphy Park with games taking place shortly after. On Sunday, April 27, Newt Guilbault is holding its opening day, with the parade scheduled for 11 a.m., beginning at Turners Falls High School before making its way to the Newt Guilbault Complex.

Mohawk Youth Cal Ripken League baseball will hold its opening day on Sunday, April 27.

On May 3, the YMCA Athol-Orange Chuck Stone Youth Baseball and Softball League will get its season underway, with the opening day parade taking place in Orange.