Clague Memorial Fields open with not one, but FOUR first pitches
The City of Westlake and the Westlake Baseball League hosted a Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony at the four newly-minted Clague Memorial Fields on Saturday, June 5.
Westlake Mayor Dennis M. Clough performed the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, with help from some local ballplayers. Members of Westlake City Council, Recreation Director Paula Horner and past Recreation Commission Chairman Dale Smith looked on, among others.
Then it was time to play ball!
After a stirring rendition of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" by the Derbytown Chorus barbershop quartet, Mayor Clough threw the first of four ceremonial "first" pitches on Diamond 1. The Mayor's pitch came in low and just off the right-handed side of the plate. Prior to the pitch, the Mayor mentioned some soreness in his rotator cuff, which likely means he will not be available to help the Cleveland Indians' bullpen this year.
Next up was Westlake City School District Superintendent Scott Goggin, who delivered a ball high and inside that was snagged beautifully by the catcher.
Westlake Police Captain Gerald Vogel floated a change-up across the dish and Westlake School Board Member John Finucane hurled a high fastball over the plate to round out the event.
The barbershop quartet also performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" just prior to the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, as well as a selection of other, light-hearted numbers as players and local officials warmed up to take the field(s).
Robert Rozboril
I handle Public Relations matters and website content for the City of Westlake.