A lot has changed in the last 50 years.
A lot has changed in the last 50 years.
Although Hollister Little League has grown from just eight teams to the 55 that it has now, kids still come out and play the same game their parents and grandparents played when the organization was formed in 1954.
The annual opening night ceremony at Veteran’s Park on Friday kicked off the official start to the 2004 season. The highlights of the 50th anniversary evening were the fireworks show and the two skydivers who landed on the field.
Adventure Skydiving donated the cost of the plane for the skydiving. One of the divers was Little League parent Beth Matsui.
The main expense for the event was the fireworks, which cost about $2,500.
“It was an awesome show with music and everything,” said event chairwoman Kelly Sepulveda. “It was worth every single penny. The best part is seeing all the little kids faces.”
Including friends and family of the 660 players, there were approximately 2,500 people who attended the 50th anniversary.
When the organization was founded, it was originally the San Benito County Little League. There were four teams in the Majors and four in the Minors.
Now the organization is considered as two leagues: American and National.
Muenzer’s Cyclery & Sports Center was one of the original sponsors of the the league. Jan Muenzer Holthouse threw out the first pitch.
Bill’s Bullpen was honored as another major sponsor of Hollister Little League.
The store donates prizes such as autographed memorabilia and other sports items for the skills contest and pledge drive winners.
Jakob Rice was the top earner, gaining $1,130. The bat-athon has raised about $21,000 to date with some still coming in, Sepulveda said.
Other members of the committee who helped organize the event were Colleen Lucas, Michelle Wynn, Jo Ann Schlie and Danielle Jolley.
“This one was so hard to plan,” Sepulveda said. “I had so many things I wanted to do because it was the 50th anniversary. But it all turned out beautiful.”
Mike Sanchez, the principal at San Andreas, once again was the MC for the event.
This is the third year that teams have made banners to be judged.
The AAA Pirates won the competition. Several of the players wore patches over their eyes. Their banner was decorated with gold coins and balloons.
The Major Rangers came in second with their sign decorated with lights.
Last year’s postseason champions and all-star teams were also honored.
