As the seven teams containing nearly 100 players gathered Saturday morning on the Ted Rand Memorial Field on the opening day of the Watertown Little League, league District Administrator Danny L. Salmon looked on approvingly.

A color guard from a Young Marines group stood behind second base, with players also at attention on the infield. Players were waiting for each of their names to be announced over the public address system. Team members ran up to home plate, careful not to step on the newly chalked white lines, shook hands with their coaches and hurried back to their spots.

Four teams were especially eager for the ceremony to end as the league's season opened with a double header at the field off outer West Main Street.

Mr. Salmon, district administrator for District 37 of the American Little League, said the Watertown league was in danger of losing such tradition and enthusiasm two years ago when it didn't have a president and was in disarray.

"Last year, we didn't have anybody to lead the league," said Mr. Salmon, Lowville. Some people told him he could be wasting his time trying to find someone who could lead the Watertown league.

"I was told there wasn't enthusiasm in Watertown," said Mr. Salmon, whose District 37 consists of 10 leagues ranging from Pulaski to Plattsburgh. "I just didn't buy that. Watertown Little League has always been important for the city."

He said he decided to call Jeffery A. Marra of Watertown to see if he would like to take over the Watertown league as president beginning in 2007. At home plate Saturday, Mr. Salmon told the opening day gathering he was amazed at the Watertown Little League's transformation since then and presented Mr. Marra with the 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award for District 37.

"He took this league and transformed it," Mr. Salmon said later as he sat on the spectator bench awaiting the first game after he threw out the first pitch. "It's something I haven't seen in my 23 years as administrator."

Mr. Marra said when he was called by Mr. Salmon, he knew it was time to step up to the plate. Mr. Marra's grandfather, John M. Marra, who died in 1992, was for 27 years district administrator of the league.

"I said, 'Now's my time,'" Mr. Marra said. "Knowing my grandfather stood on the same ground as I was about to embark on was comforting. And I surrounded myself with the right people."

Mr. Salmon said one thing he appreciates about Mr. Marra is that he asks the players to recite the Little League Pledge before each game, which is not a requirement.

Mr. Salmon, in his opening remarks, also urged the coaches and parents also to follow the pledge, with the simple message of God, country and playing fair.

"As you look out there, the kids are in a happy environment and they are safe," Mr. Salmon said. "The Little League pledge means a lot to me too."