The Upper Moreland Little League (UMLL) celebrated its 60^th opening day ceremony on April 14.

Over 800 players, representing 65 teams paraded around the diamond, and were cheered on by hundreds of proud parents, guardians, league officials and supporters.

This year the league recognized immediate past president Jeff Stainback as the 2012 Volunteer of the Year and Bux-Mont Transportation as the league’s 2012 Sponsor of the year.

Accepting the Sponsor of the year award was Sam Valenza, CEO of Bux-Mont Transportation, who has volunteered in almost every position UMLL offers since 1994.

Also this year, UMLL Opening Day ceremony participants lined up to have their hair buzzed or braided in a fundraising event called, “Buzz Cuts and Braids for Bobby.”

The event is designed to help raise funds and support for Bobby Taggart, 14, who is a long-time UMLL player, and was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

Boucher shared that her daughter, Becky, in 2007, had the same rare bone cancer that Bobby. She said that a similar event was held at both UMLL and Hatboro Little League for Becky, which turned out to be successful.

While Becky succumbed to her illness in 2010, Boucher said that Bobby’s diagnosis is much more positive.

“When Bobby was diagnosed with the exact same thing, you can only imagine what these kids are thinking,” Boucher said. “So it’s just so vitally important to get these kids together in a positive note.”

According to Boucher, Bobby’s event also took place during Hatboro Little League’s Opening Day ceremonies.

According to event co-coordinator Jen Vogt, over 250 people got their hair buzzed or braided during the UMLL Opening Day ceremony. Combined with Hatboro Little Leagues contributions, the total Buzz Cut for Bobby event raised over $6,000, surpassing event organizer’s initial goal by $1,000.

[editor's note: The photo of Bobby Taggart featured in the video is courtesy of Bob Steck]