Over 350 fastball players and coaches gathered on the field at Optimist Park on Monday evening to kick off the 2018 season in the Moose Jaw Minor Girls Fastball League.

There was excitement in the air as the league held their annual opening ceremonies.

11-year-old Peyton Mengel plays with the Crush in the Squirt Division and she said she’s looking forward to hitting the field for her first season in the division.

"I'm excited to play out on the field with my team and having some fun," said Clarke. "We've had a couple of practices and we're ready to play."

Marie Wright throws out the first pitch during Monday's opening ceremony at Optimist Park. (Photo: Marc Smith)

The league has 307 Moose Jaw girls signed up to play fastball this season, as well as out-of-teams from Assiniboia, Davidson, Rouleau and Wilcox.

They've refurbished the diamonds behind the Western Development Museum for use this year.

Aubery Clarke is getting set for his fourth season playing fastball as she suits up for the Fury in the Squirt Division. The 11-year-old said she enjoys playing catcher and hitting the field with her friends throughout the season.

"I like just being in a team sport and having teammates to play with," said Clarke.

Paralympic bronze medallist and fastball coach Marie Wright had the special honour of opening the season on Monday as she threw out the first pitch to wheelchair curling national championship teammate Moose Gibson during the opening ceremonies.

The season kicked off with six games on the field on Monday and there’s six more on tap for Tuesday night.