THE HEART OF A CHAMPION is always beating but it always remembers to beat AS ONE. . . We Pray that our Roots helped you find your Wings – – “That God will Fill your Heart with Dreams and that Faith gives you the Courage to Continue to do Great Things”. . . In 1993, Coach Mike coined the phrase “It’s a Great Day to be a Bandit” and it remains True Today – Bandit “Round-Up” Unite & Celebrate – Prayers for You and your entire Family. May the challenges that you encountered and met head on in 2025 reflect your resilience and persistence in being elite. Stay relentless in your pursuit of Excellence. You are a role model for those you know and probably for many you don’t know . . . Our Home Page Picture is of our Bandits 2000 National Finalist Championship Squad after winning the National Regional Tournament in Tucson Arizona . . . “Prepare, Anticipate, Adapt, Care and Compete Relentlessly” . . . IRON SHARPENS IRON: “If you don’t do the little things you won’t get the opportunity to do the big things” – – Our Site now Offers Music, Click the tab to listen
Bandit Adriel Licon turns 33 on January 18. Adriel played on our “worst to first” Championship squad. He was versatile playing all three outfield positions as well as pitcher, catcher, third base and second base. Happy Birthday Adriel!
Donald “Trey” Plummer III turns 39 on January 19. “Trey” was the catcher on our 1997 AABC Texas State Champions, our 1997 AABC National Regional Finalist and our 1998 Triple Crown National Finalist. Trey was an All District baseball player at Hanks where he also was a high academic achiever and in the National Honor Society. He continued his baseball journey playing at College of the Southwest and El Paso Community College. Trey is a Partner in the Family business and finished his degree requirements at New Mexico State University. Trey is also working as a Big XII, WAC and Mountain West College and High School Umpire. In 2019, Trey served as a Standby Umpire for the Pacific Coast Minor League El Paso Chihuahuas. In 2024 Trey has received Umpire assignments for the Big 12 and American Athletic Conference. In 2025, Plummer will continue to do his college conference assignments and has been selected to work the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction Colorado. “Happy Birthday” Trey!
Eric Stoltz turns 33 on January 28. Eric was always the youngest player on his Bandit teams. Eric was an outstanding clutch hitter and used his left handed hitting to create a gap to gap situational advantage for his Bandit teams. He played second base and all three outfield positions using his speed and quickness to great advantage. Stoltz was honored by his middle school as their top academic and athletic student athlete. In high school, Eric participated in baseball, track and cross country and continued to achieve high academic recognition. Eric continues to care for our community and has run for El Paso City Council. Happy Birthday Eric!
Bandits Flashback: 2000 National Regional Championship
Bandits Flashback – – March 10, 2000
The Bandits opened the 2000 season with their third consecutive trip to Tucson Arizona for the Triple Crown National Regional Tournament.
The first game saw the Bandits defeat Snoqualmie (suburb of Seattle) Washington 20-3. Jessie Bustamante tossed two innings and Jared Schrom tossed 2. Anthony Martinez went 3-3 with a home run and 4 runs scored; Dillon Smith was 2-2 with 2 runs and 2RBI’s; and Tommy Heck was also perfect at the plate going 1-1 with 2 RBI’s and 2 runs scored. Robert Gallegos who also contributed a home run and Bustamante each went 3-4. Bustamante had 5 RBI’s. Willie Rueda was 2-4 and John Norris was 1-2.
Game 2 saw the Bandits defeat the Arizona Storm from Chandler 13-3. Dillon Smith tossed 6 innings as the Bandits overcame a early deficit and finished strong with a 8 run 6th inning. Heck was 1-1; Gallegos went 3-4; Martinez and Bustamante each went 2-4; and Norris and Jason Luna each were 1-2 at the dish.
In the final game of pool play the Bandits defeated Team Bike from Salt Lake City Utah 12-2. Rueda was 3-3, Bustamante 1-1, Martinez 3-4, and Gallegos was 2-4 to lead the offense. Rueda tossed the first 4 innings and Adam Lopez completed the game with one inning of work on the mound.
The Bandits met the El Paso Seminoles in the semi-finals and won 11-1. Gallegos was 2-2; Bustamante was 2-3; Smith,Luna and Rueda and Schrom each went 1-2. Bustamante worked 5 innings in the win.
The Bandits met the Utah Stars for the third consecutive year in the finals. In 1998 they won 21-1; in 1999 they lost 1-0 and in 2000 they triumphed again winning 17-0. Gallegos tossed 5 innings in the win. Gallegos was 3-3 and Jason Luna was 2-2 to lead the Bandits offensively. Norris, Schrom, Rueda and Martinez each went 2-3. Gallegos was named the tournament’s top defensive player and Rueda was named the tournament’s top offensive player.
Bandit December Birthdays
December 3: “Original Lil” Bandit and Bandit Tré Bombach turned 16. Tre is a member of our historical first ever “Lil” Bandit T-Ball and “Lil” Bandit Coach Pitch teams. Tre played Pitcher, Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base, First Base and the Outfield for his Bandit team or in other words all positions except for Catcher. He hit in the heart of the order sliding between the first and third spots in the batting order. Tre is Blessed to enjoy the unconditional support of Team Mom Marcella and Dad Coach Charlie. He plays middle infield and pitches for the B-17 Legends and is the “Original” B-17 Legend as well. He is a Sophomore at Coronado High School enjoying success in multiple sports including earning 2025 District 1-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year in Football. Happy Birthday Tré!
December 4: Tommy Heck turned 39. Tommy is a member of our 1998 and 2000 National Finalists. At the 1998 Triple Crown World Series in Steamboat Springs Colorado, Tommy finished in 3rd place in the 60 yard national sprint behind teammate Robert Gallegos. Heck went on to become an All District baseball player at Eastwood High School. During his college years, Tommy competed in college rodeo competitions. Happy Birthday Tommy!
December 9: Aaron “The Original Niner” Forrister turned 45. He played for Coach Larry Hernandez from age 9 to 14 and Coach Brian Forrister from age 15 through high school. Aaron pitched, caught and played mostly shortstop and second base during his time with the Bandits. He usually batted lead-off and was a major “offensive force” for his teams. Aaron was usually called on to pitch the toughest games. He played on the Bandits first city championship in 1990. Every year he played, the Bandits won a league championship. He was a member of the team which won the first El Paso youth championship on the road winning the Texas Baseball Classic at Fort Worth Texas in 1992. In 1998 he was a member of the Bandit team which won the High Desert Classic in Albuquerque New Mexico defeating high school seniors and college freshmen with a team of high school juniors and underclassmen. Aaron lettered in soccer for the Hanks Knights his freshman year. He lettered all four years in baseball. Aaron earned All-City and All-District honors multiple times during his high school career. Aaron was a member of the National Honor Society in high school. Aaron earned his degree from the College of the Southwest in Hobbs New Mexico where he currently resides and works in marketing media communication. Forrister earned Most Valuable Player team honors, All-Conference and All-American recognition while playing collegiately. Aaron is very protective of his Bandit # 9 and openly refers to himself as the “Original and True Niner”. Aaron is a joy to the world, to his Forrister family including his Son Christian Michael and wife and to our Bandit family. Happy Birthday to “The Original Niner”!
December 10: Ruben “Niner” Rodriguez turned 30. Ruben played both middle infield positions and pitched for his Bandit teams. On his last Bandit team he batted leadoff on his 12 and under squad even though he was only 11 years old. Rodriguez was known for his numerous web gems and was a clutch hitter offensively. “Niner” is well respected by all of the older and younger Bandits who have watched him play in games or participate in baseball camps. He always seems to “wow” those in attendance. In the first year of varsity competition for the school, Rodriguez was named to the All City team as a infielder for Eastlake High School. Rodriguez was named District 2-5A Most Valuable Player and was the first athlete to sign a college athletic scholarship in Eastlake High School history. He played as a freshman on scholarship at Paris Junior College. He also played collegiately at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Tarleton State University where he earned All Conference Tournament honors. He spent his summers playing in Canada. He has been Blessed with extraordinary athletic Most Valuable Player at the USSSA World Series. The “Youngest Niner” got 19 hits in 23 at bats for his National Championship squad. Rodriguez was a multiple All District and All City selection for his Eastlake High School Falcons including earning an District MVP selection. He continued his baseball journey coaching collegiately at Tarleton State University and completing his Master’s Degree and now is the Head Baseball Coach at Texas A & M International University in Laredo Texas. Happy Birthday “Niner”!
December 11: Justin “10’er” Lopez turned 35. Justin is a member of our 2002 National Finalist. Lopez pitched and played middle infield on his Bandit teams. Justin was primarily our shortstop and hit in the heart of the order. He earned the right to wear one of our Bandit “held” numbers with his play and brought additional distinction to the number 10. Justin played at Riverside high school where he lettered in both football and baseball. Lopez was named to the Texas 4-A All State Football team as a defensive back. Justin was an All District performer in both football and baseball and a top student in the classroom. Lopez wore one of the Bandit “held numbers” donning the # 10 in his final year. Justin is a member of our 2002 National Finalists who along with his Bandit teammates played in the four hour 11 inning 3-2 National Championship Game. His older brother Adam is a member of our 1998 and 2000 National Finalists meaning the Lopez Family has contributed to all of the Bandit National finalists. Justin is a star in every endeavor he engages. Lopez teaches science and coaches football at Little Elm High School in the Dallas Metroplex and is a Proud Dad of 3 daughters and 1 son. Happy Birthday Justin!
December 12: Bandit Mom Marcella Bombach. Marcella and husband Coach Charlie are the inspiration and foundation that led to the creation of our first ever “Lil” Bandits. Happy Birthday Marcella!
December 21: Isaac “Ice” Herrera turned 35. Isaac is a member of our 2002 National Finalist. Issac pitched, caught and played both corner positions for his Bandit teams. Isaac played at Del Valle High School where he earned four varsity letters in baseball and received All District recognition. “Ice” continued his baseball journey after high school earning a scholarship playing at El Paso Community College. Happy Birthday “Ice, Ice” Isaac!
December 22: Bandit Joe “Joey” Calderon turned 45. Joey joined the Bandits for their State Playoff run at the age of 12. The Sportspark League Championship game won by the Bandits over the Rockies was tagged as the “Calderon Bowl”. The Bandits chose Joey as the first pick to add to their roster for the AABC State Tournament. Calderon helped the Bandits gain a berth in the 12U State Finals. He continued play with the Bandits through age 17 and part of 5 League Championships, Final 4 State Berths in Round Rock and Dallas, a Texas State Finals Berth, a National Regional appearance in Houston and a role on the “Miracle in the Desert” Championship squad coached by Bandit Coach Brian Forrister in Albuquerque in 1998. He was a top of the rotation Pitcher and played Shortstop. Joey went on to play at Ysleta High School. He currently lives in Denver with his wife Jeannette and their children.
December 25: Noel Piñon turned 31. Noel is a member of our 2004 9 and under State Championship squad. Noel pitched, played first base and all three outfield positions. Noel is our “Christmas Bandit” and a pleasant, hard working young man. He was a high academic achiever in the classroom and a clutch performer at the “yard”. He was a member of the District Champion and “Sweet 16” Montwood High School Rams in 2012. In his senior year in 2013, he helped pitch the Montwood Rams to a repeat District championship and playoff berth. Happy Birthday Noel!
Bandit Mom Irma Lopez celebrated on December 27. Two of her sons Adam and Justin have played on all three Bandit National Finalists Adam Lopez in 1998 & 2000 and Justin Lopez in 2002. Adam celebrated his birthday on November 30 and Justin on December 11 so the past month has been filled with birthday cake at the Lopez residence. Happy Birthday Irma!
Marv “Marvelous” Thompson celebrated again on December 27. Marv completed his baseball career as a Major League Scout with the Milwaukee Brewers organization serving as Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Previously Marv worked with the Major League Scouting Bureau rising from the amateur ranks to the Professional scouting circuit. He started his association with Coach Larry Hernandez and the Bandits in 1990 when he launched the Doyle Baseball Schools training sessions here in El Paso. Marv was also the Director of Operations for the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team under Coach Murphy. Many of our Bandits from the inception attended and/or received instruction from Mr. Thompson and his staff. Our relationship is as strong as ever and because of Marv we have expanded many of our contacts in the college coaching and professional scouting ranks. Happy Birthday “Maravilloso”!
“Ram” Guzman celebrated again on December 28. Mr. Guzman started his association with the Bandits as a sponsor in the early 1990’s. He has always supported the Bandits and their positive endeavors in whatever manner we ask. He is a true and loyal friend to our organization. He is the Co-Founder along with Bandit Coach Larry Hernandez of the baseball and softball programs at El Paso Community College. Happy Birthday “Ram!”
November Birthdays
November 1: “Lil” Bandit Matthew Ryan Chavez turned 15. Matthew played 2 seasons with the “Lil” Bandits in the 7U League and helped lead the team to a USSSA Tournament Title. “Happy Birthday” Matthew!
November 6: Sergio Vargas turned 31. Sergio played for the Bandits for 2 years. He was a middle infielder, pitcher, third baseman and played all three outfield positions. Vargas was usually found in one of the two top spots in his team’s batting order. Happy Birthday Sergio!
November 17: Kobe Nelms turned 25. Kobe was part of our Southwest Baseball League undefeated Bandit squad. He played second base and all three outfield spots finally claiming the Centerfield position due to his speed and ability to read “ball off bat.” He was the leading hitter at the October 2013 “Halloween Scream” hitting .667 with an on base percentage over .800. Nelms was a clutch RBI producer for the Bandits and an excellent base runner. Kobe shared the lead for the Bandits in RBI during our undefeated Southwest Baseball League season. Nelms was a High School All State Wrestling contender at Franklin High School. “Happy Birthday” Kobe!
November 24: Steve Vizcaino turned 35. Steve played varsity baseball all four years at Del Valle High School earning All District honors. Steve was an outstanding student in the classroom and mastered three languages in which he is very proficient including German. Vizcaino is a member of our 2002 National Finalist. Steve signed a scholarship agreement to play baseball at the University of the Southwest following his time at Del Valle. Happy Birthday Steve!
November 28: Bridgett Bumpas turned “29” again. Bridgett and her entire Family in Monahans were always been big supporters of the Bandits and our program, even before Kyle started playing, she was Robert “10’er” Gallegos teacher back when he was in elementary school, Robert is a member of our 1998 and 2000 National Finalists, Bridgett’s son Kyle is a member of our 2002 National Finalist squad, Kyle’s play on the first District 1-5A Championship baseball squad at Americas, saw Kyle honored again with All City and All District honors in baseball, Bumpas was honored as the Most Valuable Player in District 1-5A, Mrs. Bumpas received along with her Mom Kyle’s award for being named the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame Player of the Year in 2010, in 2011, Kyle earned All Conference honors as a freshman pitcher for St. Mary’s University and was a 3-year letterman for the Rattlers. Happy Birthday Bridgett!
November 29: Mandy Franco turns “29” again. Mandy is an outstanding educator in the classroom, a nurturing Mother to her sons Ruben “Niner” and Robert and daughter Amanda, a tolerant and patient woman, a devoted daughter andsister and a tremendous friend. She has enormous patience and compassion for the people in her life. Thanks Mandy you are truly a class act. Happy Birthday Mandy, we know you are Special and they even wrote a song about you, “Oh Mandy you came and . . . .”
November 30: Champ “The Original Bandit” Hernandez celebrated his 45th birthday. The “Original Bandit”, he started in 1989 playing with the Bandits from age 8 through his senior year in high school. He was an All-District and All-City selection at Hanks High School. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and was an academic scholarship award winner. Upon graduation, Champ played in Tucson Arizona with the Pima Junior College Aztecs before completing collegiate play at Sul Ross State University in Alpine Texas. He played shortstop, second base and filled the role of designated hitter in college. He played for Coach Larry Hernandez from age 8 to 14 and Coach Brian Forrister from age 15 through high school. He played infield his first year batting lead-off and leading the Bandits to the first of many League Championships in 1989. He played on the Bandits 1990 City Championship squad. Every year he played the Bandits won at least a League Championship. He is a member of the first El Paso youth baseball team to win a major tournament championship in the Dallas Metroplex winning the Texas Classic at Fort Worth in 1992. In 1998 he was a member of the Bandit team which won the High Desert Classic in Albuquerque New Mexico defeating high school seniors and college freshmen with a team of high school juniors and underclassmen. Happy Birthday Champ!
November 30: Happy Birthday to “Grandpa Bandit” Hernandez who was a strong, vocal, visible and unconditional Bandit supporter from Minute One, Day One. He celebrated his 16th Year watching from his Sky Box in our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom. I Love You Popper!
November 30: Adam Lopez turned 39. Adam played four years of football and baseball for Riverside High School where he earned All District and All City honors in both sports. Adam played two years of junior college baseball before returning to El Paso and is currently running a travel club baseball program in the Dallas Metroplex called the Bandits. Adam is a member of our 1998 and 2000 National Finalist. His younger brother Justin is a member of our 2002 National Finalists. The Lopez family provided the Bandits with players on all of our National Finalist teams. Happy Birthday Adam!
November 30: Nathan Volpi turned 34. Nathan graduated from Franklin High School playing four years in their baseball program and being a mainstay on the academic honor roll. Nathan earned two varsity letters pitching and playing in the outfield as well as serving as a designated hitter for the Cougars. Happy Birthday Nathan!
