Tracy Press

 
High school standouts gather for one last game at UOP.

Even with all of the talent on the field, there wasn’t that much pressure on the players. It was the 18th annual All-Star Classic, and for the players selected as the best graduated seniors on their teams, it was a way to commemorate the good times on the field and to play on the same team as their former high school rivals.

“Here you can have fun and do stuff instead of trying to straight-up win every game,” said Tracy High shortstop Stevie Ramos during a break in the baseball game.

He and teammates Vince Canale, Brett Maddox and Ryan Scornaienchi represented their school on the North team, and they were having a bit more fun than the South team in the fourth inning when they launched a four-run rally to take a 9-8 lead. The North team ended up winning 11-8.

“It’s still competitive,” Ramos said. “We’re still trying to win.”

People in the stands said it was fun for them — a chance to see their favorite players among the area’s best in friendly competition.

“You want to see all the kids do good. It doesn’t matter who wins,” said Anthony Salsedo Sr., whose son Anthony Jr. was one of West High’s All-Stars on the South team.

Second baseman Josh Thomassen and Catcher Mike Wentz also were on the team representing West High, as were their coaches, Jim Rice, Gary Moore and Ben Lopez.

The North softball team, which included Tracy players Melissa Turney and Katie Stutz, won their game 3-2.

West High’s Caitlyn Girard and coach Steve Anastasio were on the South roster, but weren’t at the game.

Fans in the crowd said that while it wasn’t as intense as playoffs or league games, they still saw some good ballplayers in a serious matchup.

“There’s a lot of talent out there,” said Marty Turney, Melissa’s dad. “The pitchers have definitely raised their game.”

The game is a way to honor seniors and give them one last chance to get together as high school players. Game organizer Oscar Anzaldo said he helped start the game 18 years ago as a member of Tracy Sunrise Rotary Club and now runs it as a benefit for the United Way and Mitts 4 Kids.

The United Way also gave out two $500 scholarships at the end of the game. They went to West’s Josh Thomassen and Tracy’s Stevie Ramos.

Mitts 4 Kids founder Kris Cadieux said the money raised helps pay for a baseball and softball camp for kids between 5 and 12 years old. The camp is usually the day of the All-Star games. Cadieux said his family took this year off because of scheduling conflicts, but he expects it will be back next year with about 250 kids.

The camp gathers youths who haven’t played sports because their families can’t afford equipment. Money raised buys gloves, T-shirts and treats participants to a day of baseball and softball instruction.

“We give them a day for them and their families,” Cadieux said. “I’d say eight of 10 kids have never had a glove before.”

• To reach Sports Editor Bob Brownne, call 830-4227 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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