Baseball is back in Bolivar with a home-run of an Opening Day for Peninsula Sports Park. On Saturday, the bleachers were packed with cheering fans as the teams looked sharp with their new uniforms and equipment. The umpires called “Play Ball” at 10 am for the first Little League game between the Bolivar Red Sox and the Winnie Angels. The game kicked off the season with a thriller right down to the last inning.

At noon, the field dedication ceremonies began with the raising of the American Flag by US Coast Guard Petty Officer Corey Weber as Haley Comeaux sang the National Anthem. Then Deacon Doug Matthews of Holy Family Catholic Parish blessed the field. The Chamber of Commerce representatives and PSP Board Members took the infield as Leslie Lowe cut the ribbon to officially “Bring Baseball Back To Bolivar”. Finally, PSP President Delano Comeaux threw out the first pitch declaring the start of the afternoon games.

Haley Comeaux sang the National Anthem as USCG Petty Officer Corey Weber raised the flag

Blessing of the Field, by Deacon Doug Matthews of Holy Family Catholic Parish

Introduction of the PSP Board of Directors: Craig Ward, Leslie Lowe, Delano Comeaux, Carmen Comeaux, Debby Ward, and Jason Warren

Leslie Lowe cutting the ribbon

Delano Comeaux throwing out the first pitch

The remaining games featured the five newly assembled Bolivar League teams. Our new T-Ball teams are the Bull Sharks sponsored by the BP Lions Club, the Hurricanes sponsored by Lange’s Septic Service, and the Marlins sponsored by ReMAX On The Water. Our new Pitch Ball teams are the Barracudas sponsored by Lopez Construction, and the Sandy Slammers sponsored by The Gulf Range. The support and excitement was in full force as the crowd cheered every hit, every catch, and every throw. The ball players played very well, especially considering many of these youngsters have never played organized baseball before.

After all of the scheduled games were played, the fans were treated to the lighter side of baseball as the Bolivar Red Sox played an Alumni Team made up of former little leaguers who played on this very field before Ike washed it away. To say the least…it was hilarious!!!! To start, Umpire Extraordinaire Craig Ward, wearing dark glasses and guided by his white stick, had to be helped to the plate by Red Sox player AJ Lowe and Manager Delino Comeaux. However, he claimed his eyesight was just fine.

Umpire Craig was obviously swayed by the young Bolivar Red Sox. The alumni team constantly challenged the umpire’s calls at the plate and on the field. One argument ensued because the alumni team did not think the Bolivar Red Sox should be advanced to first base just because they gave Umpire Craig a few dollars! And, after an Alumni ‘s pitch hit the umpire, the batter was awarded first, which caused the Alumni to whine even more!

Alumni Manager Charlotte Comeaux “assaulted” Red Sox catcher Deuce Guidry with her walking cane/weapon, leaving him “unconscious” on home plate with William Comeaux coming to bat, only to poke little Deuce with his bat rather than helping him!!!!

The Bolivar Alumni Team, Bolivar Red Sox, and Umpire Extraordinaire Craig Ward

Poor umpire Craig had to put up with whining and complaining from Coach Charlorte and her Alumni team throughout the the whole game!

AJ Lowe escorted visually impaired Umpire Craig to home plate

Little Red Sox Catcher, Deuce Guidry was assaulted by coach Charlotte with her cane. As he lay “unconscious” William Comeaux poked him with his bat!

After all the excitement, the final score was tied 9-9; however, only because the very talented and kind hearted Bolivar Red Sox took pity on the Alumni Team and elected to end in a tie rather than taking their last at bat, to keep from embarrassing the Bolivar Alumni with a LOSS!

After the game, a Firework show, donated by Ray’s Fireworks and executed by Randy Martin, further delighted the crowd. The show lasted approximately 20 minutes and a perfect finale to a more than perfect day.

We wish to thank the PSP Board and all the volunteers and sponsors who helped make this day a memorable success. And a special thanks to the Ol’ Skool Cookers for providing BBQ with all the fixins’. America’s Pastime is alive and well in Bolivar!

The Ol’ Skool Kookers and Snowie donated $400 to PSP on top of providing all food, cooking it, and working the food station! They are very generous and supportive of PSP

The park is now open to anyone wanting to host games, tournaments, etc. They simply contact Leslie Lowe at 409-429-0980 or send a request to the FB page /Peninsula Sports Park. CBVFD is already scheduling a tournament in early summer, and some locals are wanting to start a league to play on Saturday evenings following the Bolivar Baseball games.
[Thank You to Leslie Lowe and Kelly Moad for contributing to this article]