Danny Hogge (shown as a Mathews Little Leaguer in 2015) and Justin Jones (shown as a Mathews Little Leaguer in 2016), from left, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Saturday when the league opens for the 2023 season.

The Mathews Little League will hold its opening ceremonies on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. at the ballfields in Hudgins, according to MLL president Ricky Wiatt.

This year, the league has 230 participants, which is 35 more than last year and higher than in the pre-pandemic years, Wiatt said. A total of 16 games are scheduled for Saturday, following the opening ceremonies.

The Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, Mathews County Sheriff’s Office, Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Dominion Energy, Chimney Corner and possibly others will be bringing vehicles/equipment for the children to check out throughout the day.

The National Anthem will be sung by Hailey Denkinger, followed by a ceremonia...