The 12th annual Baseball Day in Orillia event is happening at Kitchener Park today.
The event brings baseball and slo-pitch teams from around the community together intending to raise $800 for the Orillia Sports Hall of Fame.
"The Orillia Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of our athletes," said event organizer John Hammill. "It's important that we celebrate our athletes, past, present and future."
During the event, Orillia Legion Minor Baseball, Challenger Baseball and the Orillia Slo-Pitch League fielded teams.
"You'll see a lot of smiles here today," Hammill said. "It's great bringing everyone together for a fun day."
Hammill says Baseball Day in Orillia is a marquee event for "like-minded" people in Orillia who enjoy the game. He thanks Orillia Metro, Orillia Home Hardware and the City of Orillia for contributing to the event.
Clara Deluney was playing with Challenger Baseball on Saturday afternoon. The baseball program allows children with disabilities to be on a team and learn the game's fundamentals.
"Today's been a lot of fun," she said. "I like batting. It's my favourite part."
Deluney, 12, says Baseball Day in Orillia has been the highlight of her summer.
"I like being out there with my friends," she said.
Tyler Milligan played slo-pitch with the Wagner Lawn Care Couchiching Rockies on Saturday.
"This is something my teammates and I look forward to all year. It's always the best day of the season," he said.
Milligan, 22, says the annual event gives players a sense of camaraderie.
"Nobody is out here to be competitive today; it's all just for the love of the game," he said.
Milligan and the Rockies will cap the day's festivities at 7 p.m., when they take on the Studabakers Stallions.
