BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

Jim Abbott, the baseball star and Anaheim Angel who inspired fans by

making it to the major league despite having only one hand, was supposed

to speak today to hundreds of eager kids.

But continuing rain in the area forced board members of the Newport

Harbor Baseball Assn. to tone down their usual opening day ceremonies.

Along with Abbott, a parade of the association’s 650 players around

Mariners Field and a picnic have been canceled, said Kim Christensen, the

association’s president.

“There are sea gulls out there,” she said, adding that the ground is

too wet for kids to enjoy the festivities.

While a silent auction will be rescheduled for a later date,

Christensen said the kids will probably have to wait for another parade

next year.

Starting at 7:30 a.m., the photo sessions for each of the 62 teams

will still happen inside Mariners School, Christensen said, adding that

drinks and doughnuts will be provided.

While most games have been called off for today, the players --

ranging in age from 5 to 14 -- will soon get batting. Playoffs are

scheduled for the end of May.

Information: (949) 451-2228 or https://www.newportbaseball.org.