With hundreds of kids playing ball, special guests, music, prizes, great food and daylong fun, Opening Day 2009 was a hit at Clairemont Hilltoppers.

Starting with our T-Ball games that morning and continuing through our Opening Ceremonies, there was lots of excitement to get things kicked off. Many thanks to Dave Scott and the KUSI Morning News, who entertained and reported on it all.

Thanks also to Navy Lieutenant Nicole Benson for singing our National Anthem, and to the Marine Color Guard from Air Station Miramar and the Marine representatives from the Infantry Division at Camp Pendleton. We were honored to have these military members help make our Opening Day more special.

It was again a treat to have City Councilwoman Donna Frye greet our families, and she selected Brianna Leigh-Pink of the Juniors Red Sox to throw out our season's first pitch. Jacob Frushone led all of our players and coaches in the Little League pledge, and we had ten winners of raffle prizes ranging from bats and helmets, to hitting sticks and gift certificates.

We were also pleased to have our District Administrator Lisa LaPage and West Region Director Jim Gerstenslager join us for our Opening Ceremonies. We take great pride in being part of the Little League program, and it's always nice to have those from up the chain of command recognize our efforts.

Thanks to the generosity of Outback Restaurant, we raised over $1000 from our BBQ on Opening Day, and their delicious donation to our program and always friendly service is greatly appreciated.

Most of all, thanks to all of the many, many volunteers who once again put in the time to make Opening Day and the 2009 season possible. From the coaches and team parents, to the board members and all of the parents who put in hours to get our park looking its bright and shiny best, thank you again. We all look forward to many more special days in this 53rd season of Clairemont Hilltoppers Little League.