Murray Liberty Little League opened its 2026 season with a ceremonial first pitch from Murray Police Chief Craig Burnett, a former league outfielder and coach. League president Christy Baker said participation has surged, with the program doubling in size from last year. Baker attributed the growth to a renewed sense of nostalgia drawing families back to the sport. National trends reflect the shift, as Major League Baseball reports a 19% increase in interest. The season’s strong start signals renewed community enthusiasm. Those interested in joining or learning more can visit Murray Liberty Little League’s social media pages.