The Springfield Metro Baseball League kicked off its 12th season Sunday afternoon at Barnhouse with a trio of former Major Leaguers speaking at the opening ceremonies.
The namesake of the baseball complex, Bill Virdon, was the featured guest. The West Plains native was the 1955 National League Rookie of the Year for the St. Louis Cardinals and a manager for the Yankees, Astros, Expos and Pirates.
Also in attendance were former Royals Dennis Leonard and Brian McRae. Leonard pitched for KC from 1977 until 1986, including the 1985 World Series championship team. McRae, the son of manager Hal McRae, was drafted by the Royals in 1985, later playing center field for 5 seasons from 1990-94.
