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Photos: Cedar Rapids mayor hosts first Play Ball event for kids

Jun. 15, 2023 1:49 pm, Updated: Jun. 15, 2023 4:37 pm

Eza Breitwisch, 7, swings for the ball during a Play Ball event Thursday at the Noelridge Park baseball fields in Cedar Rapids. Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell hosted the event, which aimed to reach kids who don’t usually play baseball and softball or to strengthen the connections with those already playing an organized sport. Participants came from the Boys & Girls Club and Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, with instruction provided by baseball players from the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Mount Mercy University. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Kids play a game of baseball with Kernels catcher Noah Cardenas during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Kids play a game of baseball with Kernels catcher Noah Cardenas during a Thursday Play Ball event at the Noelridge Park baseball fields. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Third grader Kaveon Clayton hits the ball during a game of baseball for the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Third grader Kaveon Clayton hits the ball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge Park baseball fields Thursday in Cedar Rapids. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Seven-year-old Emmett York, left, and seven-year-old Ezra Breitwisch talk with each other while taking turns hitting the ball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Emmett York (left), 7, and Ezra Breitwisch, 7, talk with each other while taking turns hitting the ball during the Play Ball event Thursday at the Noelridge Park baseball fields in Cedar Rapids. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Excited kids cheer that they’re ready to play baseball during the Play Ball event hosted by Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Excited kids cheer that they’re ready to play baseball during the Play Ball event hosted by Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell at the Noelridge Park baseball fields Thursday in Cedar Rapids,. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Kernels catcher Noah Cardenas throws out a pitch to a kid during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Kernels catcher Noah Cardenas throws a pitch to a kid during the Play Ball event Thursday.. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Seventh grader Alayiah Magsby, left, watches the game as fourth grader Amariana Francisco, right, cheers on her teammates during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Seventh-grader Alayiah Magsby (left) watches the game as fourth= grader Amariana Francisco (right) cheers on her teammates during the Play Ball event Thursday at the Noelridge Park baseball fields in Cedar Rapids.. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell gives a speech during the Play Ball event with dozens of children from the area at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell speaks Thursday at a Play Ball event for dozens of children who may lack access to organized baseball games. The event was held at Noelridge Park baseball fields in Cedar Rapids. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Fourth grader Jazmyne Walker throws sand while hanging out in the outfield during a game of baseball at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell talks with six-year-old Aleena Deason after finishing a game of baseball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell talks with 6-year-old Aleena Deason after finishing a game of baseball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Eight-year-old Aaidyn Williams smiles as he becomes saturated by the spray fans while taking a break from playing baseball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Aaidyn Williams, 8, smiles as he cools off in front of a spray fan at the Play Ball event in Cedar Rapids on Thursday. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

Five-year-old Tasia Smith smiles as spins around with Mr.Shucks while waiting to play a game of baseball during the Play Ball event at the Noelridge baseball fields in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette) — Tasia Smith, 5, smiles and spins around with Mr.Shucks, the Kernels’ mascot, while waiting to play a game of baseball Thursday at Noelridge Park. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

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