Former Bulldogs will get a chance to field a ball or two once again today, at the second annual Turlock High Alumni Baseball game.
“We do this event in hopes of raising money for player scholarships,” event coordinator Kristin Bettencourt said. “The money goes to the baseball awards scholarship program to a player who is going off to college to play ball.”
The event will begin with a Home-run Derby scheduled for 10:30 a.m. followed by the game that is set to begin at noon. There will be a concessions stand along with music and a live announcer.
Recent Turlock High graduate and Bulldog baseball alumnus Tyler Murphy will be throwing out the first pitch. Murphy sustained an injury in a boating accident during the summer.
Last year’s inaugural event saw a total of 28 participants who were split into two teams of 14 players each. The event was able to raise $1,500, with all proceedings going towards the scholarship fund.
“I do a lot of fundraising in my community and I am always pleased with the turnout; we plan to do it as a yearly event,” Bettencourt said.
Only alumni are allowed to actually play in the game — due to California Interscholastic Federation rules —however some current players will act as umpires, as well as assisting in the event.
“To be honest, we really like that it is a fun family day,” Bettencourt said. “You see four generations out there playing; it’s a fun family day. We hope to make it continue to grow and we're looking to raise $2,000 this year. "
As of Thursday, there were 35 alumni signed up to play. All alumni are encouraged and welcomed to sign up on the day of the event.
“I want to encourage the people to come out and watch,” Bettencourt said.
Tickets are $5 at the gate for adults and $1 for children.