Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

I just got back from playing baseball in Cooperstown, New York. It was a lot of fun. We played teams from other states and I hit a grand slam to win one game. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity to go if it weren’t for the many businesses and individuals that sponsored and supported me. I would like to recognize my sponsors: Accent Carpet One, Simply Irresistibles (Naomi Clark), Cynthia Fitzpatrick, Fairway Financial, Richard & Linda Silverman, Louie & Ruth Aquila, Fagundes (Frank Teixeira), Dr. Peralta, Dias Farms, Bob & Mary Ann White, Magpie Antiques, Vince Hernandez, Athens Abell, Fry & Son (Ken Summers), J & J Printing, Joel MeCrea, Manteca Development Group (Bill Filios, Art Nunes, Daryl Quaresma), Building Dreams Foundation (Bob & Toni Marie Raymus), Steve & Veronica DeBrum, and my dad, Frank Aquila, as well as a sponsor that wishes to remain anonymous.

I thank the Manteca Baseball Softball Academy (MBSA) for putting the team together. I thank Greg Wilson at MBSA for teaching me how to pitch and all my other coaches – Mel Abrew, Mark Kiser, and Jason Cook – for teaching me how to play baseball. I want to thank Coach Chavy, Dakota, and Vaughn for coaching the team.

Louis Aquila

Manteca