Piru’s “One River Stadium”, located in Warring Park, was again the focal point for baseball fever as the three-day 25th Annual Piru Softball Tournament drew crowds of players and fans for this yearly event. Just cooling off from the successful Piru Youth Sports Baseball Inaugural Season, which attracted 115 boys and girls for the return of organized baseball in this Heritage Valley town, “One River Stadium” came alive with softballs heading over the fence toward Piru Creek and others that were fair, foul or too hot to handle. And we’re not just talking about the triple-digit heat these guys played under!

This year’s tournament featured local ball players from the tri-cities of Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula as well as other Ventura County towns. A regional competition, Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley ball players also stepped to the plate. Competition for this 12-team tournament kicked off Friday night and continued Saturday and Sunday. Congratulations go out to this year’s Champs: 1st Place-Wong’s, followed by Dixon’s, Tea Bags and Havoc in order of finishing. Piru’s teams played under the names of Brewers, Too Nuttz and Young & Old and are recognized for their efforts.

The Piru Parks Commission organizes this annual tournament. A hard-working group, they not only organize this competition but volunteer for long days to make sure it continues to be a success for the community and region. This includes Danny Ramirez and his crew preparing the field and park facilities, then pitching in to do his best Vin Scully role as play-by-play announcer. Behind the home plate announcement booth, commissioners Lorraine Beserra and Yvonne Alverdi make sure the “hydration station” offerings are controlled and available, while commemorative t-shirts and hats were for sale with the assistance of Tina Alverdi.

They also welcomed the support of Ramon Medina who served as tournament director.

In the adjacent Community Center, Sal “Chava” Hurtado and his crew were frantically serving up the popular tri-tip and pit bar-b-q sandwiches and burritos that San Salvador Church is famous for preparing. Finally, Piru Youth Sports member Jim Sanchez, along with Fernando Vancini and crew, again masterfully handled the recently re-opened snack bar just beyond left field. Young boys and girls from Piru’s MAD Youth (Making A Difference Youth) took the time to conduct small fundraisers and help with park clean up.

The Piru Parks Commission is proud to host this popular annual event that serves as their major fundraising activity. This allows them to support sports and youth activities in Piru. Some recent contributions went to park upgrades and modernization, donating funds toward Piru Youth Sports, and sponsoring a field trip for Piru Elementary School’s 5th Grade Class. Pam Gallo of Ventura County Parks, assigned to support their efforts with the Board of Supervisors and other agencies, has also supported the Piru Parks Commission over the years.
For more information, contact Dan Ramirez at 805-217-6354.