More than 200 children will start swinging for the fences after York City Little League leads off its eighth season of baseball with an Opening Day Ceremony on Saturday.

The event is set for noon at Rotary Field at Allen Park at the intersection of Tremont and Hay streets in York.

York City Mayor Kim Bracey will offer brief remarks during the ceremony and throw out the traditional first pitch of the season. The inaugural game of the season will start immediately afterward.

The ceremony will also feature recognition of the program's sponsors and board of directors. Players and coaches will also recite the Little League pledge. York Revolution mascot "DownTown" will also be on hand.

"We're excited to present the community with another great season of York City Little League baseball," said former York City Mayor John Brenner, who is the league president. "It's a great way for children to stay active, improve self esteem, make friends and learn important values, such as teamwork, that will benefit each participant long after they've hung up their cleats."

The program was incorporated in 2005 and is chartered by Little League International as an Urban Initiative program.

This year it will feature 19 teams in five different divisions based on age and skill level. Approximately 215 children will participate.