Youngsville, LA (April 11, 2026) — The 2026 baseball, softball, and tee-ball season officially got underway Saturday morning at the Youngsville Sports Complex, as families, players, and community leaders gathered for Opening Day festivities.
The morning began under foggy skies, but as the 8 a.m. ceremony approached, the sun broke through, setting the stage for a beautiful day at the ballpark.
Opening ceremonies were held on Supreme Rice Field and began with a prayer led by Pastor Joe Cormier of First Assembly, who also served as the event’s emcee.
Mayor Ken Ritter addressed the crowd, thanking attendees for their support and recognizing local first responders for their service. Several members of the Youngsville City Council were also in attendance, including Lindy Bolgiano, Simone Champagne, Matt Romero, and Shannon Bares.
As part of the ceremony, Jared Price of The Rouge Krewe sang the National Anthem. Representatives from Compress Health, including Alayna Lee and Andre Robichaux, also spoke to attendees about the importance of mental health awareness and provided resources for those seeking more information.
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Kali Monteaux, marking the official start of the season.
The ceremony also included a moving tribute to Jasper Richardson, a young player who passed away too soon. Monteaux, Jasper’s mother, was presented with a jersey bearing his name. In his honor, teammates wore jerseys displaying his name, ensuring his memory remained part of the game he loved.
With the season now underway, the Youngsville Sports Complex looks ahead to months of competition, teamwork, and community spirit on the field.
