POULSBO — As the North Kitsap Little League season kicked off Sunday morning, several parents eagerly sipped coffee.

But for their children, it was opening day. They didn’t need caffeine.

The youngest baseballers — the T and C-ball teams — began the season with their 10 a.m. opening ceremonies, and before the ceremony started, chased each other behind the backboard. They sprinted to the batting cages. They eagerly clutched gloves and dragged bats.

“There’s nothing better than watching young people play baseball. It’s just a good time,” said Daryl Allen, who is vice president of North Kitsap Little League.

Allen announced the teams over the loudspeaker system; as he did, the teams hustled onto the field and lined themselves up the first and third base lines until they ringed the entire infield, clad in everything from flashy, Barney-colored purple to a lighter cornflower blue.

“Hey!” One manager said, crouching down so he was eye-level with his ballplayers. “No more digging holes!” (The players continued to burrow into the infield dirt, chickenlike, with the toes of their sneakers.)

Hole-digging aside, the players waited patiently as the Little League board members were announced, and requests for volunteers to help man the concession stands and maintain the fields were made.

Some adjusted their hats endlessly. Others gazed across the Snider Park Fields.

They clapped with each board member, and when the National Anthem was played.

Finally, when Allen boomed, “Let’s play some baseball this year!” the players sprinted off the field.

“I’m looking forward to hitting a lot of home runs,” said 9-year-old Matthew Robison, “because I’m his number.”

Robison indeed has the Yankee slugger Roger Maris’ number 9 across the back of his uniform.

Other players were not as specific, but just as eager.

Robison’s teammate, Korey Coleman, was asked what he was looking forward to most about the season.

“Playing games,” he replied.

Behind him, a team clad in bright orange sprinted to the batting cages.