RAIN DOESN'T DAMPEN ATHENS LITTLE LEAGUE'S INDOOR OPENING DAY CELEBRATION (May 3, 2025)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — The all-day rain Saturday moved Athens Little League baseball's Opening Day ceremonies indoors, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the young baseball and softball players and coaches.

With a large crowd on hand in the Athens High School gymnasium, master of ceremonies Seth Robinson introduced every team and their sponsors, and former Little Leaguer Jacob Shores, now a high school sophomore, performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" on his electric guitar.

During the ceremonies, Robinson said the Athens Little League Board of Directors — "for the first time ever" was honoring a "Volunteer of the Year."

The 2024 winner of the award was Emalynn Setzer.

The plaque read: "This inaugural award goes to a coach who has gone above and beyond to support our kids. In addition to working full-time and raising a family of her own, she agreed to coach not one, but two instructional teams last season.

"It is special to find this kind of devotion, and not only that, she is an amazing coach. We are so blessed to have her building confidence and skills into our younger kids."

Robinson added, "Thank you Emalynn for your selfless investment into our youth."

The ceremonial pitches this season were thrown out by Kyle Raupers and Dustin Bishop.

Raupers was asked to throw the ceremonial first "baseball" pitch in honor of his father, Joe, who passed away last year. Joe Raupers was "a faithful contributor to the Athens Little League for years."

In memorial of Joe, donations were directed to the Athens Little League, which used the funds to purchased a new flag pole in his honor.

Kyle Raupers threw his first pitch to current Little League standout, and his grandson, Wyatt Raupers.

Bishop was honored with the task of throwing out the ceremonial first "softball" pitch due to his efforts in resurrecting the Athens youth softball program.

"Four years ago, we decided — as a league — to resurrect the softball program," said Robinson. "We took a neglected field at Valley Boro Park, and transformed it into a beautiful place for the girls to call home.

"None of this could have happened without the support of Dustin and Bishop Brothers Construction.," noted Robinson. "He and his team have been instrumental in helping supply materials, equipment, and labor to improve the space.

"If you have not been down there to see it, I encourage you to check it out," added Robinson.

Bishop threw his first pitch to current Athens Little League standout, and his daughter, Bryn Bishop, with his younger daughter Carly also on hand.

The Athens Little League also announced a "June 7 Fun Day," which will feature raffle ticket drawings, season awards, fun activities, championship games, and prizes.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature caused the postponement of all Athens Little League games Saturday.

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IN PHOTO 1: Dustin Bishop. IN PHOTO 3: Kyle Raupers. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.

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