Youth baseball hits homerun Published June 17, 2008 By Tech. Sgt. J. LaVoie 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Most baseball fans remember opening day as exciting and full of energy. Eating a Fenway Frank and hoping someone would put a ball over the Green Monster never ceases to lose it's excitement for children and adults alike. Though there weren't quite 35,000 screaming fans at the youth baseball fields this weekend, the same excitement filled the air with the beginning of the youth baseball season. "[The opening ceremony] gets the kids excited for the season and ready to play baseball," said Ronald Baylark, Phillies coach. Energy is what playing is all about, according to Braves' George Frasier, 10, who hit a home run during his first at bat for the season. "I like baseball because it's energetic and I can have fun," said George. "I get to catch balls and run. I love to run." For Nationals' Clarissa Wood, 10, it's also about the people. "I like to meet other people and baseball is one of my favorite sports," she said. "You want to try your best. It doesn't matter if you win or lose, it's about trying your best and having fun." Sand Gnats Coach David Beck agreed, because according to him, that is what youth baseball is for. "It teaches sportsmanship and how to follow the rules as well as gets them out there interacting with other kids," he said According to Coach Baylark baseball brings children out of their shells "It's about team building; learning to interact with other kids who have different backgrounds and social skills," he said. Games will continue until mid-July.