One day after officially sending four teams to regional
tournaments and crowning three teams Central California state
champions, Babe Ruth players, coaches and parents gathered at
Veterans Memorial Park to reminisce on what they’ve done and what
they’ll do next.
Hollister
One day after officially sending four teams to regional tournaments and crowning three teams Central California state champions, Babe Ruth players, coaches and parents gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to reminisce on what they’ve done and what they’ll do next.
More than 60 players of all sizes and ages were in full uniform walking around the Babe Ruth field Wednesday in disbelief of what the program has done.
“This is pretty incredible” San Benito Babe Ruth President Angel Rueda said. “We’ve never done this before and we are trying to figure out what to do.”
What the president – and parents – wanted was a something to remember the occasion. Rueda believed a full four-team picture was in order.
“We want to get this picture done,” he said.
As the parents watched from the stands, the kids gathered in centerfield for the large, once in a lifetime picture. Once the camera flashed, it was back to bragging about what they’ve done – and rightfully so.
Rueda happily proclaimed it a first for San Benito Babe Ruth – and was in the process of figuring out if it was a first for the state or country.
“This has never happened here before,” he said.
In the past 10 years, the program has sent two teams this far, he added.
A member of the 14-year-old team, Tony Amaral thought the accomplishment showed how good Hollister baseball is or could be.
“It’s a big deal to get this far as a group,” Amaral said. “If feels good – it’s exciting.”
Some players thought it was an example of the hard work put in by parents, coaches and players.
“I think it says a lot about all the people involved,” a member of the 15-year-old team, Edgar Arriola said. “We’ve worked so hard for this because we are a baseball place. To get to this level is exciting.”
After the get-together, former league president Steve Ferranti echoed Rueda, calling the accomplishment almost unheard of.
“Well it … it’s been surprising to send all three teams to the regionals,” he said. “I can’t remember a league ever sending three.”
He added, “it might never be duplicated.”
But they aren’t done just yet, Arriola said.
“I look forward to keep on winning,” he said.
Regardless though, the accomplishment will have a lasting impression on the program and the players.
“I think it shows that a small town can compete as good as anybody,” said Richard Beltran, a member of the 18 or younger team. “I think it helped us because we are a small town.”
The 15s will open the next round in Fowler against Utah on Tuesday. The 14s will play Vermal, Utah on Aug. 2. And the 13s will open the next round in Taylorsville, Utah on Aug. 1.
