NATCHEZ — Local ballplayers and their parents gathered at the Frazier School baseball field Saturday to celebrate the start of little league baseball.

T.M. Jennings Little League Baseball had its opening ceremony to begin its 33rd season that starts Monday.

League president Eric Fry said the event helps kickoff the season.

“I (just) want to thank all the parents and coaches for coming (out to be) a part of the 2011 season,” Fry said.

“I (also) want to talk about how important it is to keep the league going and getting kids involved.”

Fry said the league has approximately 140 kids this season, ranging from ages 4 to 12. There will be 12 teams separated into leagues for tee ball (4-6 year olds), coaches pitch (7-8 year olds), 9-10-year-old live pitching and 11-12-year-old live pitching.

Players received their team jerseys at the ceremony.

Fry, who is in his fifth season as league president, also wanted to emphasize the history of the league, he said.

As part of the ceremony, two kids read aloud the Little League Creed and a history of T.M. Jennings Little League.

The league was started in 1978 because there was a need for organized baseball on the north side of Natchez, Fry said.

Games begin 6 p.m. Monday at the Frazier School fields.

“We have got a lot of good kids (who) are enthusiastic,” Fry said. “I’m looking forward to the year starting and to trying to grow the league.”