2025 Baseball/Softball season kicks off at Stella Moore Ballfield in Louisa

The 2025 Lawrence County Babe Ruth baseball and softball opening night celebration was held on Friday, April 11, at the Stella Moore Ballfield in Louisa.

Singing the National Anthem was Team 10U Pink Sox.

The League honored the family of Ryan Sammons (Kristy, Jenna Sue and Lauren) on the field. Ryan and Kristy started their t-ball career in this league on the Reds and Ryan continued to play out his career at Stella Moore and later served on the board. He was recognized for his dedication, service and commitment to the league and the community on and off the field.

A total of five Tee Ball Teams with 61 players; four Babe Ruth/8U softball teams with 50 players; five Cal Ripken/Rookie teams with 54 players; four Cal Ripken/Minor teams with 45 players; three Babe Ruth/9-12U Softball teams with 46 players; and three Cal Ripken/Major teams with 36 players.

The 2024 8U Allstars District 3 Champions were also honored on the field and received their championship rings.

David Michael was selected this year to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of 2025. William Compton was the catcher.

The following is the statement from David Michael that was read before he threw out the ball:

“I would like to thank Timmy Hayes and the current board for allowing me to be part of the 2025 opening day ceremony here at the Stella Moore Complex.

I was fortunate when I was a child growing up across the creek in Highbottom, that there were volunteers that had Chartered Little League (and began play off of Lock Ave., in Louisa-where Byrd Hayes Manor is today). Over 50 years ago, around 1970, this property was provided by Ms. Moore and the city/county along with volunteers spent countless hours getting the Little League field ready for play and soon after filled, graded and prepared the Senior League field for play. Some of those early individuals who made the league and fields possible were Dr. Smith, Jim Cyrus and Bill and Fred Roberts.

I spent the entire 1970’s roaming these fields (Louisa/Lawrence County did not have a high school field, thus Stella-Moore was our home field), wanting to be the next Pete Rose or Johnny Bench and like many, never achieved those dreams….but I was fortunate to play baseball for many years and it allowed me to travel places and see things at a young age that I may have never experienced. My playing career ended at Morehead State University, I played with a dozen guys that were drafted and three that made it to the major leagues, but some of my favorite memories came from this very field. I have often thought of, but ever had the opportunity publicly to thank the coaches of the 70’s, so I would like to mention a few who helped state and continue the foundation for Louisa/Lawrence County baseball.

Bo Davis, Bo Branham, Dan Wallace and Joe Maynard had some great battles in the early 1970’s, Mont Wheeler followed soon after I left Little League and he and his fellow coaches continued the battles.

When Cindy and I moved back to Louisa, I was fortunate to spend a dozen or so years on the board and as Treasurer of the League, as well as coaching. Again, I would like to thank many of the individuals that worked together during those years. William Compton, Rick Parker, Dan Howard, Martin Hostetter, Wes Kingsmore, Lowell Meek, Tim Hayes, Jim Laney, Lloyd Williams, Rick Lemaster and so many more that I have not named.

I closing, I just want to thank those who continue to support this league and ask that each parent take time to participate with their child and make this league the best it can be. As we all know, there are so many more things to do, but I still feel healthy competition is needed to allow children to grow and the friendships they will make will last a lifetime. Finally, a thanks to Judge Carter and his staff (and league volunteers) who continue to invest time and money into the park, allowing our youth a place to enjoy baseball and softball.