Chris Yount, a former Bonita outfielder, says he's still got it.
Under threatening skies at Bonita High School, the 2012 varsity baseball team humbled a collection of former Bonita baseballers (relics?), 14-6, in the school’s first alumni game.
Bonita varsity coach John Knott brainstormed the idea of inviting former players back to the Bonita diamond to relive their glory days. Several eras of Bonita baseball were represented with players like Ralph Ortega and Carl Davis who couldn’t quite hide the wisps of gray beneath their baseball caps.
Other players like Michael Dewhurst, Michael Jacobellis, Zak Ols, Matt Baudino, Brett Heslop, and Gio Mier (currently in the Astros farm system) looked as if they never left the diamond.
Although the alumni lost, there was already talk about practicing as a team a week before next year’s second installment and stacking the line-up with former Bonita greats, who had missed the inaugural.
Surprisingly, all the former Bearcats squeezed in their uniforms, showing a variety of Bonita logos from years past.
Alumni manager Pete Dewhurst grudgingly gave props to the current Bearcats: “They looked really good,” said Dewhurst whose sons Michael and Tim played in the program. “We’re just thankful we didn’t have to face Justin Garza (who was showcasing his talents at a Major League Baseball showcase) and his 95 mph fastball.”
Zak Ols said it was weird sitting in the visitors' dugout.
Justin Tardiff said he gave away all his Bonita jerseys, so he decided to give the Angels a shout-out.
Michael Dewhurst was sharp on the mound, crediting his solid performance to throwing sessions with former Bonita standout Scott Nestor.
Brett Heslop, right, played center field for the alumni. His brother plays catcher on the 2012 on the 2012 team. It was a Heslop affair. Dad Brad did the announcing.
Pesky Chris Yount managed to wiggle into multiple photos.
Gio Mier, currently in the Astros organization, shared hitting and fielding tips before the game.
Terry Paredes, left, played third base for Bonita in 2006-2008.
Bobby Diebold and Carl Davis weren't afraid to mix it up with the younger Bearcats.Post-game congrats.Coming through!The only things hotter than the 2012 Bearcats were the hot dogs and burgers coming off the grill.If you can pick out any of these alumni, you have good eyesight and should consider suiting up for next year's alumni game.
Congrats all around.
Coming through!
Only things hotter than the 2012 Bearcats were burgers and dogs coming off the grill.
If you can pick out all alumni in this photo, you've got great eyesight and should consider signing up for next year's game.
After the game, head over to Mario’s Pizza Barn, a longtime supporter of La Verne Online. Every day, Mario runs a special.
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