The north wind that blew through town yesterday brought with it
visions of fall, even though it is still officially summer.
The north wind that blew through town yesterday brought with it visions of fall, even though it is still officially summer.
The huge trees along San Benito Street near Nash were dropping their leaves and the Diablo Range to our east was shrouded in fog. My sons asked if we could get our fireplace going. I said no, that’s reserved for days when the temperature is in the 50s or below, not the 60s.
When I’m spending nights debating which running back to start on my fantasy football team, I know it is fall.
But the best local sign is the lights at Andy Hardin Field. When they are illuminating the football field, it seems half of Hollister is under their glow.
Last Friday’s regular season home debut for the ‘Balers proved once more that football in Hollister is part competition, part community pride, and part social event.
When the ‘Balers score, we celebrate. When they fumble, we groan. When they sack the quarterback, we cheer. When they win, we win.
My boys love going to the games because it’s a chance for them to play football. Not on the field, mind you (maybe that’ll happen in five or six years), but on a patch of dirt in a corner of the stadium. They want the ‘Balers to win as much as any of us do; it’s just that they have more pressing concerns – like being little boys who would rather play in the dirt with their friends.
Not two minutes after we go through the front gate, they’ve already spotted their buddies and start picking teams. I tell them to check in with me in the stands at every quarter, and they dutifully obey, fearful that a late check-in might result in a revocation of their privileges.
From our spot in the stands, my wife and I can look to my right and see them running routes, arguing about whether someone’s foot was in-bounds or not, or celebrating a long touchdown pass.
Meanwhile, I’m living and dying with the ‘Balers. I’m not a demonstrative cheerer, but I stand up on kickoffs, cheer the touchdowns and complain if there’s an iffy call by a referee.
The multi-generational presence at games is another sign of how ‘Balers football is not just a game – it’s an event. Last week I sat by Juan and Linda Vasquez, whose sons Nathan and Anthony were standout ‘Balers defenders in recent years. Anthony is continuing his football career at Gavilan College and Nathan is continuing his career on defense in a different sort of way – as a military man. Juan and Linda felt the pull of Andy Hardin Field just like the rest of us did on this night, even though their sons were no longer playing on the field below.
Nathan, just back from duty in Lebanon, did spend some time on the field he once patrolled, this time chatting up friends on the sideline before heading out of town once more to serve his country.
Behind me was a group of local men whose children are now adults. But their reactions to the action on the field would have you believe it was their doing the running and tackling.
To my left were Breyon Canez and Karson Klauer, who helped the ‘Balers to the CCS crown last year and are now playing baseball at San Jose State. They are Spartans now, but, like many of us, they are ‘Balers forever.
Like always, the cheerleaders yelled “5-4-3-2-1, ‘Balers Number One!” and the band played on the sideline. The ‘Baler Barn served hot dogs and sodas and announcer Mike Sanchez welcomed everyone to the field in his friendly way, like always.
Young boys wore their Hollister Vikings jerseys, no doubt dreaming of the day that they would see their name on the back of a red jersey. Girls walked in groups along the foot of the bleachers, no doubt ignoring the boys who wanted them to take notice.
Adults chatted about their careers or their families between plays and waved to their sons as they headed to the locker room at halftime. Even though the game was in hand, most of us stayed until the time expired, soaking up every moment of this annual ritual.
It could have been any year, and it could have been every year. And that’s why it’s so special.
See you at the game tonight.
Adam Breen teaches journalism and yearbook at San Benito High School. He is former editor of The Free Lance.
