AMVETS celebrates its 75th

SANDUSKY — The event served as a major league-worthy celebration. Children registered for this year's Sandusky AMVETS Youth Baseball League participated in a special pregame ceremony on Tuesday to commemorate their opening day. Taking place in AMVETS Park in Sandusky, these festivities also coincided with the league's 75th year in operation. It's considered the region's longest-active youth sports league in operation today. "And we are not stopping," said Lamarqus Carr, the league's president who also acted as the event's emcee. On a picturesque summer's night, children between the ages of 8 and 13 lined up along both baselines. Kids on those six teams would later play in games against one another. After Aryanna Hicks sang the national anthem, a veteran representing nearby AMVETS Post 17 threw out the first pitch. Players along with coaches and family members in attendance applauded in delight. "I hope that with all of the positivity we have already received continues. I hope that we can grow," league vice president Diana Knerr said. "A lot of the community is now backing us up, so I hope that none of this goes away." Coaches are also eager to be kicking off the season. "It's getting better. We are definitely doing more stuff to grow," coach Demarriay Fuller said.