MIDDLEBORO — Two small words had big meaning for those in attendance at Battis Field April 21.

“Play ball!’’

The message, delivered by exuberant voices of the players on the T-ball team, signaled the start of the Middleboro Youth Softball league spring season. 

Those classic springtime words were preceded by a parade of all teams into the field. The girls were then introduced by team, followed by team photos being taken.

Fourteen teams, with a total of about 180 players, will play through June. The league has been in existence for at least 40 years, said Stephanie Hewins, Chair of the Field Improvement Committee of Middleboro Youth Softball League. Players range in age from 5 to 18.

Opening day allows the girls to gather together at the start of the season, said Erin Maher, wife of league president Matt Maher.

They develop skills through league participation, she said, and not just about hits and home runs.

“It teaches our kids about work ethic and coming together as a community,’’ she said. “They learn to be leaders.’’ 

Skills such as “teamwork, camaraderie and support’’ will help them well beyond the base paths as they move into their futures, she said.

The MVPs of the day might well have been the many volunteer parents, who lend a hand in a variety of roles, including helping with the snack shack, which provides sustenance for the kids and support for the league. Hewins credited the parents for “making it possible for the kids to have something to do.’’

Based on the high energy and wide smiles, the kids thought the day was a home run. 

“I’m excited because it’s opening day,’’ said Eva Cotti. She said she was particularly excited about the “bouncy house’’ brought in for the day.

Peyton Tullish, 7, said she looks forward to being a pitcher and catcher this year.

But the batter’s box also appeals to her. “I like hitting the ball,’’ she said.