MELL gears up for Opening Day

Manatee East Little League will kickoff the spring little league season with an Opening Day Ceremony from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 20 at Lakewood Ranch Park, 5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

During the ceremony, each of the team’s will be introduced and the first pitch will be thrown. Later that afternoon, the teams will scrimmage one another.

The event, which is open to the community, will also feature a Pittsburgh Pirates pitching machine, bounce houses, a dunk tank, contests and raffles, food and more. Additionally, members of the Pittsburgh Pirates will be on hand to sign autographs and giveaway prizes.