On a day where millionaires across the country strapped on cleats and grabbed their gloves for Opening Day of Major League Baseball, dozens of local children did the same.

While the players in the Troy Parks and Recreation Department baseball and softball leagues may not be big league ball players, they play just as intense.

“All of the players, coaches and parents are excited and ready to play in a real game,” said Dan Smith, director of Troy Parks and Recreation. “Coincidentally, it is the same day as Major League Opening Day and the kids get to feel like big leaguers today.”

Smith said that all the teams and parents had suffered through hash weather in the pre-season, and were thankful for “gorgeous” weather on the first day of the season.

“We have had a lot of cold, wind and rain but today turned out to be gorgeous,” said Smith. “It is a great day for baseball and softball.”

The teams and coaches were filled with excitement in taking the field for the first time.

Smith said that the excitement spilled over in to the fans and parents, some of which he said probably had flashbacks while sitting in the bleachers.

“If you are an adult here watching, you cant help but have deja vu moments about playing,” Smith said. “The excitement you had while you were on deck waiting to bar or on defense hoping the ball would or would not be hit to you is still there I’m sure.”

Troy, long considered to be a “baseball town,” has hosted numerous World Series’ and state tournaments in the past, and will do so again in 2013.

Smith said that the Alabama O-Zone State Tournament will be held in Troy in July, as well as numerous district events in both baseball and softball.

“David Dickey, our Youth Sports Coordinator, and the whole staff at Troy Parks and Rec. have done a great job getting ready for tonight, and we are just as excited for the season as the players. We will have another busy summer.”