More than 500 kids participate in junior baseball in Junction City.

There are more than 35 teams this season, and well over 150 volunteers working to make it all happen.

The opening ceremonies for the 2014 season were held Sunday evening at Rathert Field before the Junction City Brigade baseball game with the Topeka Golden Giants.

Jeff Underhill, Junction City Junior Baseball Association Secretary, said the opening ceremonies were held to celebrate the Association, all the teams from Junction City and surrounding communities, plus competitive programs that travel to play across Kansas.

“We have approximately 500 kids between Junction City, Fort Riley, Ogden, Wakefield, Blue Valley-Randolph, all coming to Junction City to play and travel in area and enjoy baseball.”

The players and their coaches walked the base paths during introductions and had an opportunity to shake hands with the Brigade baseball players.    The Brigade were defeated by the Topeka Golden Giants in their ballgame 4-2.