The 1926 New York-Pennsylvania League season was duly opened yesterday afternoon with appropriate ceremonies and the Williamsport Grays, holders of the 1923 and 1924 championship buntings, launched the campaign with a clean cut 5-1 victory over Glenn Killinger’s Shamokin Indians.

The weather was more suited for football then baseball. Overcoats were comfortable. The sudden cold spell is probably responsible for the fact that not more than 3,100 fans attended the game.

The game itself at the new ballpark was preceded by the regular opening day program which had added significance this season. The Imperial Teteques Band headed a parade of ballclub officials, players and businessmen over the downtown business section.

John R. Heim sang one verse of “America” accompanied by the band. While the band played the “Star Spangled Banner” Mary Louise and Sarah Jane Lentz, granddaughters of J. Walton Bowman, donor of the flagpole and flag, raised the flag and the championship banners of 1923 and 1924 to the top. The procession returned from the flagpole with the players and band, creating an inspiring scene to the accompaniment of snappy tunes.

Williamsport Baseball Club President, Allen P. Perley tossed out the first ball. President Perley tossed a hasty peg which was called a “wild pitch” by Umpire Lohr.