📷 Opening Day brings excitement to Hays Rec baseball, softball

By: ALIN HETTHays Post

Opening Day for the Hays Recreation Department baseball and softball season brought together dozens of teams, players, coaches and families for a celebration of youth sports.

Two grills were set up serving food, while children spent time playing in bouncy houses.

The recreation center had two grills going with three cooks ,including incoming Hays Rec director Matt Cook, right. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

Children playing in one of three bouncy houses set up during Hays Recreation opening day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

The Hays Recreation Department also organized several competitions for players, including pitching, hitting and base running challenges.

Pitching contest at Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

Hitting contest Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post

Speed Contest Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

Additional activities included games, such as cornhole, Connect 4 and a ball toss stations for families and players to enjoy between ceremonies and games.

Kids playing corn hole during Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

A member from the team The Royals is participating in the ball toss. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

Kids playing Connect 4 during Hays Rec opening day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

During the ceremony, recreation department officials reminded everyone in attendance, including parents, coaches and players, that the games are for the youth not the adults and encouraged good sportsmanship throughout the season.

Teams pose together in a unified lineup. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post. <br> — Teams pose together in a unified lineup. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

Hays Recreation staff gather around the table to congratulate Roger Bixenman on 34 years of service to the department. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

The ceremony final moments included Myah Mattheyer singing a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.

Myah Mattheyer performing the national anthem at Hays Rec opening day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.

A special moment took place when longtime recreation director Roger Bixenman threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his son, Shane Bixenman. Bixenman will be stepping down as director this year after 34 years of service. Recreation center staff honored his dedication by wearing shirts that read “Thank You for 34 Years” on the back.

Roger Bixenman throwing the ceremonial first pitch of the 2026 season to his son Shane Bixenman while his other son Derek Bixenman acts as the umpire. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post

Teams participating in this year’s opening festivities included The Cheetas, Lazer Kittens, The Bunnys, Pink Sox, Twister Sisters, Honeybees, Victoria Rec T-Ball Team, Sparkling Sluggers, Victoria Rec Boys T-Ball Team, Sparkly Rainbow Unicorns, Mighty Max Sluggers, Diamond Slicers, Young Bucks, Rattlers, Tee-Rex, Bulldozers, Royals, Fireballs, Sunflowers, Diamond Divas, Cherry Bombs and Strawberry Sliders.

The 7-under division teams included Diamond Divas, Frozen Iguanas, Sharknados, Raptors, Red Hots, Sandlot Sluggers, Bananas, Bulldogs, Diamond Dogs, Diamond Dragons, Superstars, Dolphins, Legends, Yard Goats, Chill Squad, Thunder, Freedom Force, Howlers, Vipers, Ballers, Sassy Sluggers, Blaze, Golden Bat Breakers, Sparks, Hit and Runs, Pitch Perfect, Dingers, Warriors, Bald Eagles, Hooligans, Bombers, Monarchs, Hays Bananas, War Birds, Wildfire (15U), Panthers, Red Hawks, Diamond Kings and Legends.

Families line up for hot dogs at Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo courtesy of  Colton Potts/Hays Recreation Center. — Families line up for hot dogs at Hays Rec Opening Day. Photo courtesy of Colton Potts/Hays Recreation Center.

Hays Recreation Board Member Dustin Armbruster and his daughter Paityn Armbruster being the MC's for opening day. Photo by Alin Hett/Hays Post.