OZONA, Texas — Opening Day in the world of Major League Baseball was last Thursday, March 28th. That was not the only league that had their first official pitch thrown this season, as the Ozona Youth Baseball League also had their opening day last week with hundreds of residents coming out to support the rising stars.
Week two of their season took place on Thursday evening with a big headliner being the battle between the Yankees and the Red Sox. It is not just the adults that are aware of this rivalry. The kids playing in the game know it, too.
"It has been a rivalry for many years. (I am) Kind of nervous, kind of shy. But we already won one game, so it is all up this week (to keep winning)," Red Sox player Levi Little said.
Yankee player, Shiner Bolen, was a bit more outspoken on what he thought of this game.
"I feel like we are going to just crush them on hitting," Bolen said.
Chase Dehoyos is the president of the league and believes it is his purpose to pay his love for the game of baseball forward.
"My goal is for these kids to understand the game of baseball," Dehoyos said. "In my mind, this is the most passionate, the best game in the world."
Additionally, he wants Ozona to become a hotspot for talent to develop their skills. While he played for years as an Ozona Lion, he hopes that these kids can have a foundation laid through this league and eventually play at the highest level.
"I want Ozona to be the next (place that people ask), 'Hey, this kid got drafted to the MLB? Perfect, where did he come from? (A) Little town called Ozona, Texas,' and that is what I want for these kids," Dehoyos said.
The Ozona Youth Baseball League hosts baseball games every Thursday, from T-ball levels to fast pitch, ages 4 through12.