THE MADRES SUPPORT YOUTH BASEBALL Nearly 2,000 kids are playing organized ball this last year because of the Madres! These kids play on teams in more than 63 leagues, including teams in 10 Challenger Divisions!* Click here to see a list of these leagues. Does your team or league need a sponsor? Click here to get an application for sponsorship. This form must be printed and mailed to the Madres. For any questions or issues, you may contact Kandi Rehard on her e-mail at kandikay@cox.net or on her phone, 619-964-6568. Print the application, fill it in, and have your league president or authorized representative sign it. Then, send your application to: San Diego Madres Youth Baseball Liaison P.O. Box 600113 San Diego CA 92160-0113 *The Challenger Division of Little League offers children with special needs the opportunity to experience the thrill of baseball, the excitement of hitting a home run, or the pure enjoyment of throwing a runner out at home. Challenger Little League shows the special needs child, as well as the rest of us, that nothing is impossible, as long as the desire is there.   At the Madres monthly luncheons, a child representative from one of the Madres-sponsored teams is an invited guest. This young person sits at the head table, gets to meet the other special guest, and addresses the group. April Youth Player: Keith Reed Our Youth Baseball Guest was Keith Reed. He plays pitcher, catcher, and shortstop for a major league team in the Mid City Little League, a team that has won “lots of games.” His former favorite Padre was Trevor Hoffman, but now he really likes Kevin Kouzmanoff. Koooos!! May Youth Player: Luke Martin By Kris Hardesty; Photos by Rick Zambori Our May youth player was Luke Martin. Luke plays for University City Little League in the Challenger Division Padres.  The Challenger Division was established as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental challenges, ages 5-18 to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. Luke is 11 years old and has been playing for 3 years. His favorite position to play is second.  One of his favorite moments came this year being able to hit a pitched ball rather than off of the tee.  When not busy with baseball or school, Luke also likes to play basketball, play video games or watch Padres games.  He told us his favorite Padre is Adrian Gonzalez. Luke’s’ mom told us baseball has opened Luke up in many ways. He has become so interested in baseball; he spends hours on the internet researching the players’ information and stats.  It has made the whole family big baseball fans. June Youth Player: Blake Pryor By Kris Hardesty; Photos by Rick Zambori A Very Smart Ball Player Blake Pryor was our youth player for June.  Blake played for West Hills Little League Majors.  He is now playing for the West Hills All Stars. Blake is 11 years old, will enter the 6th grade in September. He has been playing youth baseball for 5 years. He plays centerfield and catcher, centerfield being his favorite. One of his favorite memories was making All Stars for the first time when he was 9. Blake is not the only athlete in the family; his older sister played softball and his older brother plays semi-pro baseball. His dad keeps involved coaching Blake’s team.  Adrian Gonzales is Blake’s favorite Padres but his favorite player of all time is Mickey Mantle.  When not playing baseball he also likes to play soccer and ride his bike.  He is also pretty good in school; he had a 4.0 GPA and made the Honor Roll. And according to Coach Kentera he knows how to wear his uniform; the pant legs up at the knees, not dragging on the ground.  Keep up the great school work and continue to have fun playing ball. July Youth Player: Cade Highfill By Kris Hardesty; Photos by Rick Zambori An All-Star Patriot Our youth player was Cade Highfill. Cade is 14 years old and is playing for the San Carlos Patriot League All-Stars at this time.  He has made the All-Stars 5 out of the 6 years he has played for the league.   Cade has played several positions; 1st base, outfield, 3rd base and even pitched a little. Cade is the youngest of 3 boys. His dad Scott, who also joined us for lunch, has spent the last 19 years coaching youth baseball, first for his older sons and now for Cade.  When Cade is not playing baseball he likes to hang out with friends and play basketball.  He will play basketball in the fall when enters Christian High as a freshman. In the spring he will play baseball for Christian High on the JV team as they do not have a freshman team.  For now his favorite memory from his 9 years of playing youth baseball was hitting 17 homeruns in one year in 2003.  When asked who his favorite Padre was his answer came with a disclaimer; it was Scott Hairston, since he is no longer with the Padres he said it would be David Eckstein.  But his all time favorite is Tony Gwynn...Senior that is. The Madres wish Cade good luck with High School and all of his sports endeavors.   Youth Player: Luna Rosalies By Kris Hardesty; Photos by Rick Zambori She’s No Ball-player, She’s an Athlete! Our youth player for August was nine-year-old Luna Rosalies. Luna plays for Clairemont Girls fast pitch softball. Luna, who will enter the 4th grade when school begins, has been playing since she was five years old. Her favorite position to play is catcher, but she does play third as well. When asked if she has a favorite memory, she told us it was when she threw out a runner trying to steal second. Luna’s mom Veronica also joined us for lunch. Veronica is very active with Luna’s team. She is not only team mom and scorekeeper but also a coach and has been for all five years Luna has played. Luna also has a Madres connection; she is the niece of Delia Moore and cousin of Summer Serrano. Luna told us her favorite Padre is Tony Gwynn, Jr. When Luna is not playing ball, which she does year round, she spends time at the gym boxing or in the pool swimming. This little lady is a real Athlete! The Madres wish Luna good luck in school and with all of her athletic endeavors.