“We joined the little league program to teach our son sportsmanship, what competition means and how important it is to try to do your best. And, hopefully it’ll help build character,” said Terry Teele, father of Dominic Teele, #2 (right). “This is Dominic’s first year in t-ball. We’re so fortunate that the town has put this together and has given the kids the opportunity to learn the skills of baseball. Also, hats off to Trevor for all of his hard work.”“I’m excited about little league. My favorite part of little league is the ceremony and I like catching the ball,” chimed in Dominic.
Cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn, alas, no cracker jacks in sight. Gulfport Little League opened their 2020 season Saturday morning, February 29 at Tomlinson Park, 19th Avenue and 54th Street S. This marks Gulfport Little League’s second full year under the guidance of President Trevor Mallory, former Toronto Blue Jays player.
“Opening day is my favorite day of the season, but my favorite part overall is watching the kids progress throughout the season,” said Mallory.
Two years ago, when Mallory revitalized Gulfport Little League, only 18 participants ran the bases. This year a staggering 65 kids and four teams are signed up and ready to knock the season out of the park.
Opening remarks started promptly at 10 a.m., followed by first pitch thrown by Gulfport Merchants Chamber board member John Haugen.
“Opening day is the best day of the season,” said Vice President Maleke Fowler. “To me as long as you’re out on the field, every day feels like opening day. I grew up playing little league in Louisiana. The first day was the best and the last day was the best day. I never wanted it to end.”
Fowler, an old high school friend of Mallory, thinks it’s a great opportunity to bring children in the area an affordable and way to get outside and learn life skills.
“Little league was dying in the area, because not everyone could afford the travel ball experience,” said Fowler. “We’re looking forward to instilling the passion, the dedication and show the kids they can have fun while playing.”
Opening remarks started promptly at 10 a.m., Saturday morning, February 29 at Tomlinson Park followed by first pitch thrown by Gulfport Merchants Chamber board member John Haugen. Gulfport Merchants Chamber is Gulfport Little League’s platinum “MVP All-Star” sponsor. 
Gulfport Little League opened their 2020 season Saturday, February 29 at Tomlinson Park While the little ones played, brothers and sisters bounced around in the inflatable jump house and partied it up carnival style. 
Ash Moreland, #8, gives it his all as he runs the bases during Gulfport Little League’s Opening Day at Tomlinson Park, Saturday, February 29. “To me as long as you’re out on the field, every day feels like opening day,” said Vice President Maleke Fowler.
