July Birthdays
July 7: Bandit George Stoltz turned 33. On June 13, 2009, he was part of history as he helped lead his Socorro Bulldogs to the first El Paso High School State Championship in 60 years. In 2009, Stoltz suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in a tournament in Houston while pitching. That did not stop George as he earned First Team Honors in 1-5A as a designated hitter while having to wear a brace on his injured wing. In June 2008, George was named “Defensive Player of the Year” for District 1-5A. Stoltz was also a starter on Socorro’s football team playing in the secondary for the Bulldogs. Coach George returned from Iraq in time to share in his Son’s extremely memorable senior season which saw him earn All District honors in two varsity sports. George played three seasons with the Bandits and is a member of our 2002 National Finalist. George batted lead off for his Bandit teams as he did for his high school team. He also played primarily at third base and saw time as a second base, shortstop and pitcher. A documentary was made of the 2009 Socorro Bulldogs’ championship journey. As the lead off hitter for the Texas State Championship squad, George played a prominent role. Stoltz led off the semi-final game against Austin Westlake with a first pitch double to the right center field fence setting the tone for a championship final appearance. Happy Birthday George!
July 9: “Lil” Bandit Miguel Salazar turned 15. Miguel played on our “Lil” Bandit 8U team which competed in the 8U Coach Pitch Sportspark League and was a part of the Regular Season and Post Season Tournament Champions. Miguel’s Dad Tony is an accomplished baseball player who competed against the Bandits from age 9 to age 14 before being a star player in high school and New Mexico State. Miguel’s Grandpa knows as “Big Tony” was active playing baseball into his later years and was a well decorated umpire. “Happy Birthday” Miguel!
July 13: Bandit Vince Centeno turned 32. Vince was named to the All District 1-5A team 3 times as a third baseman for Americas High School. Centeno gained honors in his sophomore, junior and senior seasons for the Trail Blazers. He was an intregral part of helping Americas High School to their first baseball district championship in school history. “Vinnie” was a 4 year varsity starter and signed a college agreement to continue his baseball journey after high school. Vince was a pitcher, shortstop, catcher and third baseman for his Bandit Championship squads. Happy Birthday Vince!
July 14: Coach Ruben Rodriguez turned 47. Coach Ruben helped coach Bandit teams for 2 and 1/2 seasons. Tournament championships were won in El Paso and throughout the State of New Mexico. He is responsible for introducing the Omaha Nebraska tournament and having our Bandits witness a College World Series in person. In June of 2019, he was named Head Football Coach for Eastlake High School and earned honors as the 2019 District High School Coach of the Year. At the conclusion of the 2020 season he repeated honors as the 1-6A District High School Football Coach of the Year. Coach Rodriguez has been named District High School Coach of the Year 2 seasons he has been in charge. Happy Birthday Coach Ruben!
July 23: “Lil” Bandit Aiden Gutierrez turned 15. Aiden played four years with the “Lil” Bandits. “AG” as he is affectionately called played catcher and outfield and hit in the middle of the order for his “Lil” Bandit championship teams. “Happy Birthday” Aiden!
July 27: Happy Birthday to our Bandit Web Master Josh Rodgers. Josh created our web site in 2010 and continues to do the coding update and picture uploads.
