First pitch

Ethan Li (pictured, at right), a fifth grader at St. John’s School, has played Bellaire Little League since the age of 7. He proudly stood alongside Tyler Hamilton, #27 (pictured, at left) from the Rice University Owls baseball team, after delivering the ceremonial first pitch at the Rice versus University of Alabama Birmingham baseball game. Ethan represented his league during the third annual Bellaire Little League Day with Rice baseball. The event brought together players and coaches from BLL for the annual tradition. National League teams from the BLL took to the field. Spectators filled the stands, enjoying the excitement for the spring season of baseball. The players enjoyed icy treats and more delicious food. Volunteers helped make the day a success, managing everything from the scoreboard to walk-up music. Ethan displayed versatility on the field, playing pitcher, third baseman, and centerfielder, and he often spends his free time supporting and cheering on his friends during their matches. Ethan possesses a genuine love for the sport of baseball and made special memories throwing the pitch out on a college team’s field. 

Editor’s note: Send your best high-resolution photos and behind-the-scenes stories about young local athletes, in both team and individual sports, to SportzBuzz, Jr. at [email protected]. Include all contact info, names, ages, grades and schools. Featured athletes must live in Buzz-circulation neighborhoods. Items will be published on a space-available basis.