In the world of youth sports, the Junior Giants are in a league
of their own.
There’s no scoreboard, no fees, and boys and girls play on the
same teams.
Gilroy – In the world of youth sports, the Junior Giants are in a league of their own.
There’s no scoreboard, no fees, and boys and girls play on the same teams.
“As far as I know, there are no other low-cost league activities in Gilroy.” said David Montes, head of youth employment services at the Mexican American Community Services Agency, which runs Gilroy’s branch of the Junior Giants, a free co-ed league sponsored by the San Francisco Giants.
The Giants supply their Juniors with equipment – bats, balls, and bases – but the rest is up to the team. No money is allocated to run the league, which Montes estimates costs at least $700 per summer in Gilroy. One hundred and fifty kids went to bat with the Junior Giants in Gilroy this summer, said Montes, running bases instead of surfing channels.
“Parent volunteers are our backbone,” said Montes.
Sandra Sanchez is one such coach and parent. Her team is shilling hot dogs between 12 and 6pm today and Sunday in front of Nob Hill Foods, hoping to raise the cash to send the Junior Giants to San Francisco, to meet with baseball greats at AT&T Park.
“Bottom line, it’s fun,” said Montes. “The kids are loving it.”
