Community Corner
Young Ballplayers Take to the Diamond to Support Chelsea’s Light Foundation
Nearly 1,000 student athletes come out to play baseball for a good cause.
Nearly 1,000 student athletes from across Southern California traveled to San Diego County to play in the Home Run for Chelsea baseball tournament on Sunday at fields throughout the region, including at and 4S Ranch Community Park.
Chelsea King, 17, of Poway was murdered after going on a run near Lake Hodges last year. Soon after, was founded to celebrate her life. The foundation’s mission is to unite people and communities who are passionate about protecting children and inspiring positive change in the community.
“Chelsea was on my cross country team,” Amanda Shoemaker, 17, said. “She was my good friend and my neighbor. … I want to keep her light going and support her in any way possible.”
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Dozens of baseball teams with 8 to 14-year-old student athletes from San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties participated, with proceeds going to Chelsea’s Light Foundation.
Bill Reh, general manager of the San Diego Show traveling baseball team and chairman of the tournament, was one of the organizers for the first tournament last year.
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“Our partnership with Chelsea’s Light Foundation is very special to us,” Reh said.
The hope is to make the tournament an annual event.
“After last year, Show Baseball looked to rally more volunteers and more teams for this year’s tournament,” Reh added.
Show Baseball consists of young players and their families who are not only fans of the game, but also have a passion for serving others. The club, partnering with Chelsea’s Light Foundation and members of the Poway community, shares the sentiment of serving others.
Last year’s event was a solemn affair. This year there was a more positive and excited outlook because of the promise of what the tournament would do for Chelsea’s Light Foundation. With Chelsea’s Light Foundation and national attention through online youth media, the hope is to increase participation and support annually.
“I hope it truly goes national,” Reh said. “Only through grass-roots efforts though, it is community first, community served.”
Parents and community members expressed a similar feeling.
Pete Razo, father of one of the student athletes, said, “Awareness allows us to never forget what happened.”
