Pony Baseball Opens With Food, Fun

Kids in baseball uniform, coaches and parents were "taken out to the ball game" as this year's Colton Pony Baseball and softball season opened with food, games and fun. Volunteers, coaches and managers joined at Ceasar Chavez Park last Saturday for the event which featured fundraisers for each team which included a raffle with the jackpot of $1,000, $500, and $250 dollar prizes, as well as food and game booths. Colton Pony Baseball has been providing a way for kids to be actively involved for 62 years. 11 years ago, the age restrictions on participants changed from ages 13-14 to 4-18. There are approximately 370 kids participating in Colton Pony Baseball teams this year. There are plenty of teams and divisions for various ages, which include Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony divisions. Softball has two teams in the Mustang division. "This year's opening ceremonies were fantastic. The amount of parent, coach, and kid participation was amazing," Colton Pony president Tony Soto shared. During the ceremony, Max Lofy, who served in the Colton City Parks and Recreation Commission for 30 years, was honored for his years of service in the community. Lofy, who started girl's softball in Colton, will be turning 87 in April. "He has been a mentor and my idol. He is a pillar in the community," Soto shared. Gia Jacquez who was a Colton Pony Board member for 7 years was also recognized. She tragically lost her life to leukemia after she was diagnosed last July. As a tribute, her husband Carlos Jacquez received a plaque in her name, and her initials G.J. and an orange ribbon are on each of the uniforms this year. Two of Jacquez sons, Nathan and Kevin threw the first pitches of the season.