The Greatest Day in Oakland Recreation

Back in 2006 Softball Commissioner Dan Logatto coined the phrase “Welcome to the Greatest Day in Oakland Recreation” which is the perfect representation for the annual baseball & softball parade and Fever Pitch extravaganza! After a 3-year hiatus because of the pandemic the Greatest Day roared back last year and is scheduled for this Saturday June 3rd.

The morning always starts with great anticipation as the baseball and softball players line up in their places by the Oakland Public Library. They then make their way through Veteran’s Park, down Oak Street and a left onto Lawlor Drive – down the Canyon of Hero’s. The athletes then gather on Field 7 for the Presentation of Banners, as Master of Ceremony Dylan Balsamo kicks off the festivities. This year we are honored to have Teresa Gurnari sing the National Anthem, who is an 8th grader at Valley Middle School and who will be attending Indian Hills High School in the fall. The ceremony always concludes with Mayor Schwager throwing out the first pitch which begins the raucous excitement to the Fever Pitch Party.

This year’s party will once again include bouncy rides, DJ, games and dunk tank.  No need to eat breakfast as there will be a host of free food, including hot dogs that will be grilled by Baseball Commissioner Steve Catalano, cotton candy, snow cones……..and a table of fruit.

As always, the Recreation Commission Thanks the Public Events Committee and the Oakland Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the Fever Pitch party. Thank you to the Oakland Police Department, Oakland Fire Department and First Aid Squad for leading our parade. We Thank the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Jimmy McWilliams and his crew as well as every parent who cheers on and brings their child to practice, games and to this year’s Greatest Day in Oakland Recreation!