La Feria Champions – Astros

Updated: July 9, 2023

The undefeated, La Feria Pony League Baseball 6U Shetland Champions for the 2023 Season are Astros -blue team: (Back row) Coach Albert Garcia, Head Coach Santos Botello, Coach Juan Trevino, Assistant/ Team Mom Alma Martinez, Assistant/ 2 nd Scorekeeper Laura Ruiz, Assistant/ 1 st Scorekeeper Imelda Rocha, (front) #7 Christian Botello (All-Star), #9 Ayden Rodriguez,#10 Gunner Jackson, #5 Jeremiah Griggs (All-Star), #8 Brandon Garcia (All-Star), #11 Aldrik Rocha (All- Star) #4 Austin Saldivar (All-Star), #6 Ezra Ochoa, #2 Logan Gutierrez, #3 Elian Bertin, #1 Bryan Trevino – Courtesy Astros-blue

Veterans Memorial Sports Complex Park was bustling with young baseball players as La Feria hosted the 2023 Season.

Pony League Baseball from April 20th – June 2nd. Ten teams from the Shetland division, six years old and younger, played against each other during the season. The Astros-blue went undefeated 9-0-1 and five Astros players were selected to the La Feria All-Stars teams. The city baseball tournament ceremony was held on June the 2nd where the Astros-blue received
their participation medal.

The Astros– blue family hosted a ceremony to recognize their Champions properly on June 30, 2023, at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex Park outside the baseball fields under a white empty tent set up 4th of July celebration for the next day. Despite the bittersweet end of season by the city lack of recognition for the Shetland division champions and high fees, the Astros-blue team and sponsors came together and properly recognized the Champions with trophies, All-Stars medals, and Coaches’ plaques for a successful season. Astros – Blue leaders recognized each player for their hard work, each coach for their dedication, thanked the families for their support, and parents for advocating for their child. It was a sweet, humble, positive ceremony. The kids and families left with appreciation and happiness in their hearts. Ended the season on a positive note for the team and moved forward with this quote for the youth, parents, and coaches. “In this life, you will have some trials and tribulations. You cannot allow what happens to you to dictate who and what you become.”

“Thank you to our sponsors, we greatly appreciate it! Our Astros players deserve it for all their hard work. Your support made it possible to recognize our community of kids. This is why I volunteer to coach not only for the love of the game, but for our community kids have an outlet to learn skills you will learn only in a sport setting, for the community to come together and be good role models for our youth, and a better future for all.” – Head Coach Santos Botello

*Astros-blue Coaches recognizing Astros-blue players with 1st Place Champion Trophies and All-Stars Medals*

“Their talent is undeniable,” said Assistant/Team Mom – Alma Martinez. “They’ve earned a spot in my heart. Their character is what makes them champions. They are confident and compassionate and the most hardworking group of 4-5-6-year-olds I have ever seen, at least when they are on the baseball field.

When it’s game time, they lock in as a team. We focus on working together and helping each other and they have taken to that. The players’ talent, character, and love of the game have carried them and will continue to. They play for each other. To say it has been a summer to remember for Astros-blue would be a vast understatement. Their parents and family didn’t miss a game and were the loudest cheering fans and great role models for their kids! Our dugouts were intense, fun, and a positive experience for each player on the team. It was a heartwarming experience to see families come together with joy, positivity, and support for one another. I met new friends, all the coaches from other teams and all Shetland division baseball players did amazing this season, with great sportsmanship. It’s an energetic baseball community. I love my hometown! God bless La Feria, Texas!” – Alma Martinez

*Alma Martinez recognizing each coach with appreciation award plaques.*

Coaches:
Head Coach – Santos Botello
Coach – Albert Garcia
Coach – Juan Trevino
Asst. Coach/ Scorekeeper – Imelda Rocha
Asst. Coach/ Scorekeeper – Laura Ruiz
Asst. Coach/ Team Mom – Alma Martinez

Team Players

#1 Bryan Trevino
#2 Logan Gutiérrez
#3 Elian Bertin
#4 Austin Saldívar (ALL STARS)

#5 Jeremiah Griggs (ALL STARS)
#6 Ezra Ochoa
#7 Christian Botello (ALL STARS)

#8 Brandon García (ALL STARS)
#9 Ayden Rodríguez
#10 Gunner Jackson
#11 Aldrik Rocha (ALL STARS)

“For more information about joining and volunteering in the La Feria community committee in advocating and implementing better youth programs, community sports, and recreational Activities in our City of La Feria please contact Corrie Miller and Stephany Bauer directly at [email protected]. Choose to do better and be better. Get involved, teach, and protect our youth and our future.” – Corrie Miller