National Pro Fastpitch softball player Gionna DiSalvatore will celebrate Opening Day with Hoover Softball Association players April 5.
DiSalvatore, the NPF Offensive Player of the Year, will walk with some 300 youth softball players as the grand marshal of the opening day parade and throw the season’s first pitch.
Opening day ceremonies at Hoover Central Ballpark, 3468 Chapel Lane, will start at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling the park’s new indoor batting facilities and outdoor pitching lanes. Hoover Softball Association board members will be joined by Hoover city officials for the unveiling.
The ribbon cutting will be immediately followed by a parade through the park. At the end of the parade, the Hoover All Star state championship teams will be recognized, and DiSalvatore will throw out the first pitch.
Celebrations will continue throughout the day with softball, bounce houses, music and a pie-throwing contest where players can test their skills throwing pies at their favorite coaches.
Hoover’s opening day will be a stop on the National Pro Fastpitch Caravan tour. The Caravan will promote the NPF Championship Series that returns to Hoover Aug. 20-23. DiSalvatore will join her team, USSSA Pride, at the event.
For more information, visit hooversoftball.com or email Amanda Christian at [email protected].