RAPID CITY, SD–Mayor Jason Salamun will participate in Saturday’s opening ceremonies for Canyon Lake Little League, including participating in a first pitch exchange with former major league baseball star and Rapid City native Mark Ellis.
The opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Collins Field on the Canyon Lake Little League complex and is part of a fun-filled day of activities. The opening ceremonies include team introductions, the Little League Pledge, name reveal for the new beverage cart, field dedication and national anthem, concluding with a ceremonial first pitch between Ellis and Mayor Salamun. Other activities for the day will include the pinning ceremony for 12-year old players, a home run derby, fastest base runner event and grand slam sundaes.
“I fondly remember growing up in Rapid City and playing a year in Canyon Lake Little League and then pony leagues. They were fun-filled days learning to play a sport I love and learning the importance of teamwork, practice and working on a skill set,” said Mayor Salamun, noting his favorite position was pitcher while also seeing time at first base and in the outfield.”
For Saturday’s first-pitch ceremony, Mayor Salamun will take on duties behind the plate as catcher.
“It will be great seeing all of the kids in their uniforms and their excitement to get on the field to play baseball,” Salamun said. “I’m excited to participate in the opening ceremonies with all the kids, coaches, volunteers, parents and of course, catching for Mark Ellis, even if it’s for just one pitch.”
Ellis, who was born and raised in Rapid City, graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 1995 and was a member of Dave Ploof’s 1993 Post 22 national American Legion championship baseball team. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the ninth round of the 1999 major league baseball draft, Ellis was a star second baseman and infielder over 12 major league baseball seasons from 2002 to 2014, including nine seasons with the Oakland Athletics and stints with the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.
