DCM Lawrence Silverman Throws First Pitch of the Slovak Little League Season

April 27, 2008

Deputy Chief of Mission Lawrence Silverman threw out the first ball at the Devinska Nova Ves Little League baseball season opener on Sunday April 27. The Slovak Little League is organized by former Minnesota Twins pitcher Tom Johnson, who has been teaching kids in Slovakia how to play baseball and be good sports for over 10 years.  The season opener brought out a large number of parents, grateful for the opportunity of activities for their children.  For sports-loving Slovakia, having an alternative to soccer and hockey for their children is very much appreciated by the town and community leadership as well.  Later in the season, the Slovak Little Leaguers will travel to Budapest to play against Hungarian teams, a welcome chance for youngsters from both countries to learn about each other in a positive forum, rather than in the context of border region rivalry.