EMBA lets rookie and tee-ball players shine during Day of Champions
by Essex Free Press Staff
The Essex Minor Baseball Association (EMBA) gave all of its tee-ball and rookie players the opportunity to wrap up their season with a strong swing on Saturday by hosting the ultimate day of play, the Day of Champions.
Taking over the Essex Center baseball diamonds, all of EMBA's rookie and tee-ball players stepped up to the plate in hopes of having their best performance of the season.
The Day of Champions is an opportunity for all of EMBA’s youngsters to have fun and show off the skills they've learned from their coaches this season.
Not only did they get to play in a game or two, but they enjoyed a frozen snack break, a hot dog lunch with their families, and the opportunity to receive the trophies they've earned for their participation.
Tee-Ball Convener Fred Groves also took the opportunity to present a handful of tee-ball players with a special certificate, recognizing their graduation to rookie next season.
“I can't thank EMBA enough for the support given, because rookie and tee-ball is the foundation of our future,” Groves said.
Starting with the very first, three-session indoor training program called “Play Ball” hosted this spring, and working through the season to the official wrap-up with the Day of Champs, Groves said 2026 has been a good year for baseball.
That, in part, is due to the organization bringing on several new coaches, which he is sure will be around for years to come.
The Essex Minor Baseball Association had a great season of participation from a long list of interested youth this year. In total, around 340 youths participated who were 16 and under, while around 180 of those kids were nine and under.
What keeps the local baseball association going is the endless support from sponsors, the community, coaches, and parents, Groves noted.
Members of Essex Fire & Rescue added to the fun of the day by hooking up a sprinkler that the participants were able to use to cool down.
