PHOTOS: Irvine Pony hosting more than 500 games in Memorial Day weekend tourney

The Colts enter the field for Thursday’s opening ceremonies. (Photos: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Despite cool and cloudy conditions, there was plenty of enthusiasm and lots of smiles Thursday evening for the opening ceremony of the 31st annual Irvine Pony Memorial Day Tournament at Harvard Park.

There will be more than 500 youth baseball games at Harvard Park and 39 other fields beginning Friday, according to tournament director Stacie Sloniger. The tournament runs through Monday.

“We have 17 teams from Mexico who are coming out,” she said. “Last year I think we were at nine. It’s not our biggest turnout, but probably our second.”

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Tournament director Stacie Sloniger thanks the delegation from Mexico for their cooperation in bringing teams to the Pony Tournament.

Irvne Pony President JD Hardin talks with former Angel Adam Kennedy.

A look at some of the players who took part in the opening day followed by the parade of teams.

Players get ready for the home run hitting contest.

The ceremony began with a welcome from Irvine Pony President JD Hardin, the annual parade of teams, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthems of both the United States and Mexico.

Irvine Councilmember Larry Agran welcomed the players and their families and wished the players well. Agran was later presented a bat for his support of the league over the years.

Sloniger said the goal of the tournament is to make it fun for the players.

“It’s all about having fun, bringing families together, especially after COVID, getting back out there and starting everything up again,” Sloniger said.

Former Angels second baseman Adam Kennedy threw out the first pitch and a home run hitting contest wrapped up the opening ceremonies of the tournament, which has 243 teams.

For tournament schedule and standings, click here:

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—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com