Opening Day Parade Is Saturday, April 18 | Check Out the Details

With much anticipation and excitement, we’re ready to truly kick off our 2026 Spring Season of baseball and softball and the thrills of taking the field to “Play Ball!” on Opening Day.

On Saturday, April 18, our ballplayers and families will take part in our Opening Day festivities! To help you begin making plans, here are some of the details you should note (and all are subject to change):

Arrival for Parade | Coaches should arrive by 8 a.m. and players/families may begin arriving at Oaklandon Elementary (6702 Oaklandon Road) at 8:15 a.m. Families are encouraged to park in the south parking lot of the church lot across the street and walk their player to their designated team meeting spot (download map).

If the Weather Is Questionable, Check the OYO Weatherline | The weather outside is delightful with sunny skies and nearly 80-degree temperatures today (April 16). It is picture-perfect weather for baseball and softball. But, as they say, it is spring in Indiana! Just like with any outdoor activity, we are at the mercy of what Mother Nature brings. We have monitored the forecast for Saturday daily, even hourly, for most of this week. And, a big change is coming. The one constant is rain. Forecasts have steadily shown a 90%-100% chance of rain on Saturday, but when the rain will commence varies from report to report. We will provide a complete update about the Opening Day Parade and/or scheduled games for Saturday, April 18 no later than 7:30 a.m. via the OYO Weatherline (317.767.5170). 

Parade and Festivities | The parade will begin at 9 a.m. followed by brief announcements, presentations and ceremonial first pitches at OYO. All players will walk to OYO with the support of a police escort managing traffic to ensure a safe and positive experience, including timely closures of Oaklandon Road and Pendleton Pike for safe crossings.

Attire for Walking in the Parade | Players are encouraged to dress warm and wear tennis shoes (not cleats) for the parade. They also should be in uniform!

Game Times | Every team will play one game (and one team in 10U Softball, Minor and Super Major each will play a doubleheader). The season opens with a full slate of games at 10:30 a.m./11 a.m. with the last slate of games beginning at 5:15 p.m./6 p.m.  Please review your schedule in LeagueApps for game times and field assignments.

Drop-off Procedures | Parents should drop their child off in front of the school between 8:15-8:45 a.m. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

  • No parking at the school is allowed.
  • Parking across the street in the south lot of the church is available.
  • Lawrence Police will be available to direct you where to park.

Once a ballplayer connects with his/her team, then the parent has three options:

  • Proceed to OYO/Veterans Memorial Park to await for their child(ren).
  • Walk south on Oaklandon Road to find a spot to cheer on all the teams, players and coaches participating in the parade.
  • Join your ballplayer and his/her team and walk the route!

What to Bring | Children should wear their uniforms and coaches/team parents who have purchased a team banner should also bring it for the parade. (Remember, team banners are optional so not all teams will have one.)

What NOT To Bring | We are asking all players and families to leave any horns and noisemakers at home to make this a pleasant and safe experience for all players and their families. Also, please leave at home your favorite dogs and pets since these not allowed as part of the parade or at Veterans Memorial Park — the home of OYO — at any time.

Got Questions? | Please ask for help from any OYO Board Member. Our board members will be wearing red shirts and pullovers this year.

Concessions will be open! | Be sure to stop by either of our concession stands throughout the day! Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Respect Our Monuments | Please ask your ballplayers and children to not climb or play on the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir monument near Field 1 at the front of the park at any time during the season. Please respect our veterans and the monument placed in their honor.

 

SUMMARY | SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  • 8:00 a.m. | Coaches and/or Team Parent Arrive at Oaklandon Elementary school and go to designated team spot in the parking lot (area will be marked)
  • 8:15-8:45 a.m. | All players should arrive at Oaklandon Elementary
  • 9:00 a.m. | Parade begins
  • 9:50 a.m. | Parade concludes at Veterans Memorial Park and Ceremony begins
  • 10:15 a.m. | Opening Day Ceremony concludes
  • 10:30 a.m. | Opening Day Festivities and Activities Begin
  • 10:30 a.m. | Challenger Game kicks off the season
  • 11:00 a.m. | Rec League Games in all other divisions commence
  • 7:00-7:15 p.m. | Opening Day game schedule concludes

Thank you for choosing OYO as your place for baseball and softball!