Almost every baseball career starts with Little League.

And every season starts with an opening ceremony.

Auburn Little League kicked off its 2008 season Saturday morning at Emerson Park with a first pitch and some special guests.

Among those attending were Boston Red Sox scout and former Florida Marlins director of scouting Mark Delpiano, Auburn Maroons baseball varsity coach TJ Gamba and his team, and the staff of the Auburn Doubledays.

“I enjoy getting my boys out here to support the community,” Gamba said. “They go out to support us so we want to do the same thing. It's all about giving back.”

Despite the small breeze coming in from Owasco Lake, the turnout at the baseball complex left Dennis Hickey happy.

Hickey has been involved with Auburn Little League since 1995 as a manager and now as the director of District V. He also played Little League ball as a youngster and remains close friends with his teammates and even the players he has coached.

“I enjoy seeing the players I coached over the years going to play college ball,” Hickey said. It#,s always nice to catch up with them and see them competing at a higher level. When all is said and done, you look back and say ‘I did something right to help them love the game.'”

While video games and electronics enter the lives of many the love of the game is something that is remembered by all who played.

Gamba also fondly recalls his youth baseball days.

“Back when I played they would have to kick us off the fields,” Gamba said. “Now you just don't see that to that extent. It#,s part of the change. I used to ride my bike all over town to play. Now I wouldn't let me child ride his bike around town like I did then.”

Love of the game is why most kids continue to play the game as the years pass. Opening day to them is Christmas come early.

“I spoke to one kid's parents today,” Gamba said. “And they told me how their son, who is pitching today for his team, woke up at 5 a.m. and couldn't go back to bed because he was so excited for today. This is what it's all about - the kids. They are our future.”

Delpiano was one of the many highlights of the day for the players as he showed off one of his World Series rings. He talked to the players about the game, giving tips to the Little Leaguers, as well as the Auburn varsity squad..

The Maroons baseball team all remembers their memories of Little League.

“I miss going up to bat, every at-bat, and getting a hit,” Maroons catcher Noah Donch said.

Some missed the French fries that has made the concession stand a hit on game days.

“I miss trying to always hit Green Shutters,” Maroons center fielder Matt Wild said of the restaurant across the street.

Hickey's favorite aspect of Little League baseball is the kids. He enjoys seeing their development on the field from year to year.

“One thing that sticks out to me is my first coach I had,” Hickey said. “I remember everything he taught me and I try to give that back to the kids. I try to do whatever I can to make this the most fun they will have during their summer.”

Hickey did admit he does miss coaching, but enjoys being the administrator so he can do what is best for the players' safety and the game itself.

But he does have one goal he tries to achieve every single day.

“I want to keep the tradition going,” Hickey said.