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The Boca Raton Little League recently had its opening day ceremonies and welcomed former major league pitcher Mike Fiers to speak to the kids and throw out the first pitch at Sugar Sand Park.
Fiers, who pitched with the Milwaukee Brewers (2011-15), Houston Astros (2015-17), Detroit Tigers (2018) and Oakland Athletics (2018-21), compiled a 75-64 record with a 4.07 ERA and two no-hitters in 2015 and 2019.
Fiers graduated from Deerfield Beach High School in 2003 and attended Broward College and Nova Southeastern University. On March 24, Fiers signed with the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League for the 2022 season.
“It was the first time Boca Raton Little League held a formal opening night celebration since March 2020, just before everything shut down,” said Boca Raton Little League President Jeffrey Kuntz. “The event was great with over 500 Little League players in attendance along with their families and friends.
“We were able to thank the hardworking people that keep the fields in such great shape and everyone else that helps the players have the opportunity to play baseball,” Kuntz said. “The players were all announced and marched onto the field. Mike Fiers, one of only 36 players in MLB history to throw two no hitters, was there to throw the first pitch. He spoke to the players about his journey and working hard, and then threw out the first pitch.”
After Fiers threw out the first pitch, Sharyn Peoples performed the national anthem. As she finished, a fireworks show lit up the sky.
“At the end of the fireworks, we randomly selected four games scheduled for the following night and those four games were played that night,” Kuntz said. “A fun night for everyone and a memorable night for the players.
A Boca Raton Little League manager, Lt. Robert Adams, was recognized for saving the life of another manager when he became ill with a life-threatening medical situation earlier in the year. The Senior Division Little League team was also recognized for getting to sectionals last year. There were fireworks and a raffle. The league has players ranging in age from 5 to 16 and will play its season through the middle of May before the All-Star tournaments begin.
