Celebrate baseball, softball opening day in Lake Zurich

The Lake Zurich Baseball and Softball Association opening day celebration will run from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Staples Fields in Lake Zurich. Free hot dogs, hitting contests and skill sessions will be part of opening day activities.

Events are planned for the entire family.

Upper Deck Concessions, official LZBSA concessionaire, will offer a free hot dog and a drink to all players sporting their LZBSA uniforms. Free barbecue sandwich samples will also be available while supplies last. Culver’s will offer free custard cups to the first 500 guests at the ballpark.

For players wondering the speed of their fastball, trainers from Go Hardball Training Academy will be on hand with a radar-timed throwing station.

Raffles will take place throughout the day where cash, apparel and Cubs and Sox tickets will be the prizes.

The Chicago Cubs trolley bus will be at the field and officials from the organization will be available to assist in signing up players for the Cubs Summer Camp. Lake Zurich High School baseball and softball camp registration will also be taking place.

Athletes from the Lake Zurich High School softball team will offer clinics to softball players from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

A highlight at the opening day celebration is the age-based MLB Pitch Hit and Run contest. Players will compete for the opportunity to advance to the next level of competition. Last year, two LZBSA players advanced all the way to Wrigley Field.