More than 400 players on 30 teams — 24 baseball and six softball — kicked off the Albany Dixie season on Saturday at the Ken Gardens, Sherwood and Lake Park ball fields. “More than ever, with the bad economy and all, we depend on our corporate sponsors, and we had a record number this year,” said league president Frank Sullivan. “Our program is entirely independent — our funds come from our barbecue and sponsors — we don’t get any funds from the city.” Sullivan added that he is excited about the prospect of the city and county using sales tax funds to building complex to host major youth baseball tournaments.