LONG BEACH – Phrases such as “One, two, three strikes, yer out,” hotdogs at the concession stand, and dads and moms lining the fences or coaching the bases were the order of the day as an American icon was played out at Lonnie Stanley Field in Long Beach on Saturday.

Right off the bat the Peninsula Little League 2003 season began with the annual opening day ceremonies. For Rebecca Curry the celebration had special significance as she was able to say, “I’m going to Disneyland!” She won the grand prize drawing for the coveted trip as part of the yearly fund-raiser for youth baseball in the area.

Young Miss Curry and approximately 100 other eager budding baseball whizzes, male and female, ages 8-15, assembled on the field by the Long Beach fire hall for the first pitch of the new season.

Each team, player, and coach was introduced and gave the obligatory “tip of the hat” salute to the crowd, followed by the drawing of prizes for the Disneyland trip, a PlayStation unit, an autographed Mariner bat, and tickets to next Sunday’s Mariner’s game.

A solemn raising of the flag was performed, then it was “play ball” as the Peninsula’s finest little leaguers got down to the serious business of an exhibition baseball game.

With eyes barely able to peek from the brims of bright, brand-spanking new baseball caps, each and every youngster appeared to have visions of future baseball stardom, while the adults in attendance tried unsuccessfully to mask their obvious pride.

And for the 15th consecutive year, it did not rain on the rite of spring that is opening day.