The Minden Recreation Complex hosted an opening ceremony Tuesday, April 7, to kick off the baseball and softball season, drawing a large crowd under clear spring skies.
Mayor Nick Cox threw out the ceremonial first pitch as teams, families, and community members gathered to mark the start of play. Assistant Recreation Enhancement Coordinator Hayley Lewis welcomed teams back for the season and recognized several All Star teams for their recent accomplishments.
Honorees included the 8U boys team, the 8U girls team — Louisiana State Champions and third-place finishers at the World Series — and the 10U girls team, which won both the Louisiana State Championship and the World Series. Ryan Gordon of the 8U girls team received special recognition for recording the highest batting average in her age division.
This season marks the first time athletes will compete on newly turfed fields at the complex, part of a broader recreation enhancement project underway at the facility. The project includes turf installation across baseball and softball infields, as well as football and soccer fields, upgraded LED lighting, and additional amenities designed to improve play and attract tournaments.
Councilman Andy Pendergrass praised the improvements during the ceremony.
“We’re very proud of this project,” Pendergrass said. “We hope you’re proud as well.”
Cox highlighted the city’s history in youth sports and the significance of the upgrades.
“Minden has a long legacy of baseball and softball,” Cox said. “Tonight’s opening ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter at the Minden Sports Complex. Our Recreation Enhancement Project will create a place our kids will be proud of and attract families who want to be part of what we’re building as we continue moving Minden forward, together.”
The ceremony featured strong attendance, with families filling the complex to celebrate the start of the season in favorable weather conditions.
For more information on the season, the public can follow the Minden Recreation Center on its Facebook page.
