Cherryville Little League, Dixie Softball: Opening Days at Ballard Park

3:12 PM EST |March 31, 2025|Wise News Network|Events, News Articles, Sports

By: Wise News Network Staff

Cherryville, NC (WNN)— The crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd echoed through Ballard Park on March 29th and 30th, 2025 as Cherryville Little League Baseball and Dixie Girls Softball celebrated their opening days, marking the start of their seasons.

Cherryville Little League Baseball Opening Day

The Cherryville Little League Baseball Team celebrated its Opening Day on Saturday, March 29th, at Ballard Park. The league featured 183 players participating across 17 teams, all sponsored by local businesses. The minimum age to join Little League starts at 4 with tee-ball. The oldest kids play in the Major division, which accommodates players aged 9-12.

The 2024 District 1 Y12 Champion Team from the Cherryville Little League. March 29th, 2025, by Mason Beam (WNN)

Little League’s Global Impact and Cherryville’s Tradition

Little League is the world’s largest youth sports program, boasting players from every continent on Earth. 2.6 million children participate annually. Highlighting its large global presence.

Cherryville has had a Little League program since 1939, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to youth sports. Each team has a corporate sponsor that provides financial support, such as uniforms and equipment fees. Aside from the team sponsors, individuals or businesses may elect to donate funds through “gold,” “diamond,” or other tiers of sponsorship.

Opening Ceremony and Recognitions

Will Puckett opened the ceremony, thanking the Little League board for their work. He also spoke about recent renovations at Ballard Park. Curtis Holt then delivered a speech recognizing Don Sigmon’s importance to Cherryville Little League.

Will Pucket introducing the Cherryville Little League Volunteer Board of Directors. March 29th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)

First Pitch and Message

Don Sigmon threw the first pitch of the season and addressed the crowd, stating, “Everyone deserves a chance to play little league baseball.”

Don Sigmon throwing out the first pitch at the game. March 29th, 2025 By: Mason Beam (WNN)

Player Appreciation and H.T. White Memorial

Each player received a free hot dog provided by the league. Additionally, the H.T. White memorial, honoring the Little League President of 50 years, was refurbished by the White family.

The newly refurbished H.T. White Memorial at Ballard Park. March 29th, 2025 by Mason Beam (WNN)

Dixie Girls Softball Season Begins with Strong Turnout

The Dixie Girls Softball league, celebrating their opening day on Sunday, March 30th, saw a strong turnout this year, with 132 girls participating across six divisions. The league caters to a wide age range from the youngest Sweetees (ages 4-6). to the more experienced Debs (ages 16-19). In-person registration signups were held at the Cherryville Fire Department, and registration lasted until March 7th.

The full breakdown of divisions and age limits is as follows:

Sweetees: 4, 5, and 6 (Age limit: 7)
Darlings: 7 and 8 (Age limit: 9)
Angels: 9 and 10 (Age limit: 11)
Ponytails: 11 and 12 (Age limit: 13)
Belles: 13, 14, and 15 (Age limit: 16)
Debs: 16-19 (Age limit: 20)

Each Division lining up on the field. March 30th, 2025 By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

This year’s Dixie Girls Softball league showcases the program’s popularity within the Cherryville community, providing a valuable opportunity for girls of all skill levels to participate in the sport.

Player Fees and Fundraising

The season fee is $60 per play. This fee includes a uniform shirt, all registration fees, and accident insurance. Additionally, each player is required to participate in league fundraisers. These funds are essential for buying equipment, paying umpires, covering league registration, insurance, and other operational costs.

Dixie Softball History

Dixie Softball, Incorporated (DSI) is a non-profit organization based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Even though Dixie Softball is its official name, the names “Dixie Girls” and “Dixie Youth” are commonly used.

Founded in 1968 and incorporated in 1975, Dixie Softball organizes hundreds of local youth softball leagues in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tenessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Softball Players and Their Coaches on the Field. March 30th, 2025. By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Dixie Softball is for girls 19 years old and younger. The motto is “for the fun of the game”. The main purpose of the program is to provide a recreational outlet for girls to have a fun softball program where all players participate.

National Anthem

Softball player Maggie Day delivered a moving performance of the National Anthem just before the start of the games, setting a patriotic and celebratory tone for the rest of the day.

City Council Support for Dixie Girls Softball

Cherryville City Council member Jill Puett attended Opening Day, offering well wishes to the teams. She also emphasized the City Council’s support for the league, highlighting the importance of softball to the community. She also encouraged them to reach out if they required any assistance through the season.

Cherryville City Council Member Jill Puett on the field. March 30th, 2025 By: Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Lessons Beyond the Field

More than just games, these opening days marked the beginning of valuable life lessons in teamwork, dedication, and perseverance for the young athletes of Cherryville. As they take the field, they carry with them the support of their community, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs of the season.

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