Bandit May Birthdays
Bandit Cory Falvey turned 35 on May 9. Cory earned the 2009 Texas High School Player of the Year award becoming the only El Paso baseball player to ever earn the distinction, he was named Final 4 Texas State Championship MVP, he earned High School All State honors, was a multiple All City & All District Selection. Cory was 1 of 4 Bandits to play on the 2009 Texas High School 5A State Champions earning El Paso’s first High School State Baseball Championship since 1949. As a Bandit, Cory played all 3 outfield positions, played 3rd Base and pitched. Happy Birthday Cory!
“Lil” Bandit Julian Esparza turned 16 on May 10. Julian is a member of our 8U “Lil” Bandits who played in the 8U Sportspark League. Julian was named to the 7U Cloudview League All Star team for his Bandit team while he was still 5 years old. “Happy Birthday” Julian!
Bandit Joseph Gonzalez turned 33 on May 14. Joseph earned a varsity letter for each of his four high school seasons at Chapin High School as their starting catcher. His Huskies reached the playoffs all four years. Joseph received multiple 1-4A All District honors. Gonzalez knocked in Chapin’s final run of the 2011 season in their playoff loss and he did so on his birthday. He was a Bandit from age 8 playing with teammates who were always at least 2 years older than he. He was a left handed hitting middle infielder. Happy Birthday Joseph!
Bandit Brayden Peterson turned 26 on May 15. Brayden was a top of the rotation pitcher, who also played center field, third base and shortstop for his Bandit team. He emerged as the team’s lead-off hitter and worked hard not only as a hitter but also was a base runner setting the table for his Bandit teammates. Peterson completed his freshman season and sophomore seasons at Coronado High School earned a promotion to the Varsity as a sophomore. He was a starting pitcher for the T-Birds and earned All District Honors in his Senior season. Brayden is a College Graduate pursuing a Master’s Degree at Texas Tech University. Happy Birthday Brayden!
Bandit Josh “9’er” Bombach turned 26 on May 15. In the Summer of 2015, Josh was selected to the National Under Armour Select team. “9’er” was the Co-MVP in his freshman season on the Coronado High School JV. He pitched, caught, played third base, shortstop, second base and first base for the T-Birds and batted in the heart of the order finishing the season occupying the clean-up spot. In 2018, Josh completed 3 consecutive years of earning 1-6A All District recognition as a Pitcher. Josh pitched, caught, played shortstop and second base for his Bandits. Josh had a superior work ethic and was a positive personality and a great influence on his teammates. Josh completed his degree from the prestigious McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in May 2022. Happy Birthday “9’er.”
Bandit Mom Bonnie Aguilar celebrated her birthday on May 21. Mrs. Aguilar was a unconditional and supportive Mom to Bandit Jacob Aguilar who pitched and played infield for the Bandits and later went on to become a 2 sport (Football and Baseball) All City Honoree for Montwood High School. Jacob earned All Conference Honors on the field and Dean’s List Academic honors for St. Mary’s University from where he graduated. Bonnie and Bandit Coach John have never wavered in the support of older daughter Jennifer and Jacob. The competitive spirit in Jacob and Jennifer has been fueled by the vocal and highly visible support and unconditional love that Mrs. Aguilar has showered on her children. “Happy Birthday” Bonnie!
Ruben Archuleta turned 31 on May 28. Ruben was a two year player with the Bandits. He pitched, caught and played both corner infield positions for his team. Ruben was one of the hardest throwing and hardest working players on his team. He batted in the heart of the order for his Bandit teams. He pitched in the upper end of the rotation. Ruben was a three year starter at Del Valle High School. He continued his baseball journey pitching for Southwestern Christian University and El Paso Community College. He is also “gave back” to our Silver Anniversary Bandits by practicing and working out with them. “Happy Birthday” Ruben!
Pat Lopez celebrated her birthday on May 28. Pat is the Aunt to two of our Bandits who played on all three National Finalist squads. Adam Lopez played on our 1998 and 2000 squads while brother Justin played on our 2002 team. Pat has always strongly supported her nephews and their Bandit teams traveling to all of our local and out of town tournaments including our World Series ventures. She is a great Aunt to her nephews and a great supporter of their life journeys. Happy Birthday Pat!
Bandit April Birthdays
Bandit Matthew “Matty” Ortega turned 35 on April 2. “Matty” was a El Paso All City First Team and All District selection as an outfielder. He was a three year starter for the Montwood Rams. Matt is a member of our 2002 National Finalists and played the outfield, third base, second base and pitched for his Bandit teams. Happy Birthday “Matty”!
Bandit Mom Lisa Plummer celebrates her birthday on April 3. Lisa’s son Trey was a member of our 1997 AABC Texas State Champion, 1998 National Regional Champion and National Finalist team. Her late husband Coach Don Plummer was a coach on those highly successful Bandit teams and has been elected to the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2025. “Happy Birthday” Lisa!
On April 9 Bandit Nathan Pena turned 34. Twenty years to the date of his birthday, Nathan was leading the Bandits to a tournament championship in Midland. Nathan caught, pitched and played all three outfield positions for his Bandit teams. In 2006, Nathan shared honors with a Bandit teammate as the “All Clarke” Boy for his eighth grade class. At Clarke, Pena played football, ran track, and played baseball as well as earning various academic honors and accolades. Nathan competed in Football, Baseball and Track at Americas High School. Tremendous bat speed and athletic gifts including outstanding foot speed helped Nathan rise quickly through his athletic career. Nathan was an outstanding teammate and a fierce competitor. We are Proud to have Nathan as a Bandit. Happy Birthday Nathan!
Bandit Tommy Valle turned 34 on April 19. Tommy has many personal interests and over the years studied and learned Karate (just a friendly reminder to his Bandit coaches and teammates); was involved in weight training (as if the Karate thing didn’t get our attention); and taught himself how to play the guitar. He was a solid A/B student in the classroom. By his pursuits, you can tell that he is a very disciplined and focused young man. Valle strives to lead and excel in whatever he pursues and is very conscientious in his approach to his endeavors. Tommy’s quiet exterior masked a fiery competitor on the inside. He graduated from Americas High School and continued his positive life journey at UTEP. Happy Birthday Tommy!
Bandit Coach Mark Dillon turned 78 on April 22. Coach Mark was the shortstop and top of the batting order star player for the 1965 Austin High School Panthers squad that went to the Texas High School Final 4 becoming only the second team from El Paso to do so. Coach Mark has helped Bandit teams ranging from age 5 to age 16. He was part of the staff that coached our 1998 National Finalists. His son Casey started playing with the Bandits at age 11. “Case” was the first player from outside East El Paso to play for the Bandits. He was a trailblazer in introducing westside players and Parents to “Bandit Ball”. This all started because of a comment to the effect of, “hey who’s the little piss-ant gringo out there?” Coach Mark’s response was “he’s my little piss-ant, what’s it to you?” Amazing how great things can get started because from then on Coach Mark and “Case” were Bandits. Coach Mark was also the proud owner of the first official “Bandit Mobile” or the “midnight (blue) express” that wore ruts in I-10 from Santa Teresa to the Plex… until it fittingly fell victim to some unscrupulous car-snatching banditos. Coach Mark continued to “pay it forward” by coaching our 8-year old “Lil” Bandits in 2018. Thank You for everything Coach and Happy Birthday!
March Birthdays
Corina Maria Hernandez Gasca’s birthday is March 1. After 7 plus years of battling 3 bouts of breast cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, arthritis, back problems and new cancer growths in her lungs and kidneys Corina Maria Hernandez Gasca joined our Lord’s starting line-up on “Good Friday” April 6, 2007. Corina was with the Bandits “Day One, Minute Two” and was our scorekeeper from 1989 to 1995. She was a tremendous Friend to many as evidenced by the outpouring of her support groups. She was a diligent Daughter, a loving Aunt and a fiercely protective Sister for 42 years. Corina was born on March 1, 1965. She was a devoted Wife and inspiring Mother to now 21 year old Victoria Elisa. After 3 years of battling cancer and investigating adoption options, Corina again beat all odds and had a daughter while in a brief period of remission. Victoria (Victory) was named for the personal triumph that Corina and her husband Luis felt after overcoming almost insurmountable odds. A week later she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. For 4 years she celebrated life and her daughter’s birthdays while balancing chemo and radiation treatments. Her journey to beat cancer took her to M D Andersen in Houston, the Mayo clinic and Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. Corina graduated from Burges High School in 1983 and she went back to school after her marriage and graduated from UTEP. A school teacher who started her education career teaching at Ft. Hancock commuting daily. Her final stint was at MacArthur School which she attended as a student from first to eighth grade. Life is a circle and Corina started and finished her education at MacArthur. On Good Friday April 6, 2007 she was called to join Heaven’s Angels. Her then 4 year old daughter Victoria attended Mommy’s services but always with the casket closed because she has been told that her “Mommy” is with the Angels and the concept of her being told that and then seeing her Mom’s body in a casket would be too much for her to bear. Corina continues to leave an example for many to emulate and a life so filled with inspiration that she will never be forgotten. Now she has passed the baton of her legacy to Victoria Elisa Gasca who will be everything her “Mommy” taught her to be and will continue to nourish and nurture Corina’s hopes and dreams for now 22 year old Victoria and Luis. Victoria celebrates her birthday on the 10th of February which is why we call her “10’er.” Victoria won the school spelling bee at St. Clement’s four years. In 2015 she earned the Texas State Private School State Spelling Championship and in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 she added the UIL State Spelling Bee Championship to her resume. She plays the piano and is an extremely high academic honoree. Victoria continued her high academic honors in the IB curriculum honors program, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Editor in Chief of the school newspaper at Coronado High School and Director Coach for the El Paso Chapter of the National Hispanic Institute. She was named to the Coronado High School “Who’s Who” for 2021. Victoria graduated with Honors from Yale University in May 2025 and began Law School in August 2025.
Bandit Coach Brian Forrister turned 50 on March 3. Coach Brian began helping coach Bandit teams while still in high school. Though he played baseball in the El Paso youth leagues, he excelled in soccer. He was the Captain of his Hanks High School soccer teams and played on the varsity since his freshmen year. He led Hanks to District, Bi-District, Area and Regional Championships. He was named to the All City team on numerous occasions and was the Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player for the entire city of El Paso. After graduation, he focused his competitive fires coaching the Bandits. In 1998, he coached a Bandit team to the “Miracle in the Desert” championship of the prestigious High Desert Classic in Albuquerque New Mexico. His Bandit team was composed of high school juniors, sophomores and even a freshmen and they took on all comers including select travel teams from Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico and defeated them all. What makes the championship more impressive is that his Bandit team defeated teams from different states composed of college freshmen, junior college players and high school seniors. Coach Brian now resides in Deer Park Texas and is truly missed. He truly cares about our Bandits as witnessed by his trips to Austin, Dallas and the Houston area to cheer and support Bandits playing high school and college baseball. Happy Birthday Coach Brian!
Bandit 2002 National Finalist and 2009 Socorro High School Texas State Champions “Ace” Pitcher Bobby Mares turned 35 on March 5. Bobby was the top of the rotation Pitcher for our Bandits and played both corner infield positions as well as Catcher on his Bandit championship teams. Mares is a member of our 2002 Bandit National Finalist Team in Little Rock Arkansas. He and his Mom Anita were and continue to be supportive of our Bandit teams and players. Bobby also batted in the heart of the order for his Bandit teams providing key and clutch offensive production as a RBI and run scoring producer. Mares earned a Texas High School All State Selection in 2009 after pitching the Bulldogs to a complete game Final 4 Semi-Final victory. Bobby continued his baseball journey after high school pitching for the University of New Mexico Lobos in the Mountain West Conference earning key conference clinching victories. Happy Birthday Bobby!
Bandit Anthony Martinez turned 39 on March 6. Anthony is a member of our 2000 National Finalist for whom he played catcher, the outfield, third base and pitched. He was our 3 hole hitter known for his outstanding bat speed. Martinez was quick afoot as well and was among the team leaders in batting average, RBI’s and stolen bases. Anthony went to Montwood High School where was an All District and All City Selection and was inducted into the National Honor Society as well. After high school, Anthony enrolled at El Paso Community College where he spent two years making the All Conference team and continued to be a high academic achiever in the classroom. Anthony earned a baseball scholarship from the University of New Mexico Lobos playing the outfield and earning a degree from the Mountain West Conference member. He is in Colorado with his wife raising his Daughter and Son. Happy Birthday Anthony “Birthday Boy” Martinez!
Coach Larry “Papa Bandit” Hernandez turned 71 on March 6. “Happy Birthday Papa Bandit”!
Bandit Jonathan Martinez turned 31 on March 14. Jonathan played with the Bandits for two years and was the most improved player on his team over that period. Martinez played second base and all three outfield positions as well as taking a turn on the mound on occasion. Jonathan showed a dramatic improvement at the plate emerging as a consistent and dependable hitter and run producer. Martinez had a great work ethic which provided a positive foundation for his eventual success. He played both football and baseball at Bel Air High School. Happy Birthday Jonathan!
Cynthia “Sam” Dillon’s birthday is on March 18. Coach Mark’s wife was always supportive of Casey and Coach Mark’s endeavors with the Bandits. She passed away in 2008 and we miss her.
Alejandro “Alex” Guadian turned 16 on March 22. Alex joined the “Lil” Bandits to play in the 8U Coach Pitch Select League. Alex’s Dad (Ruben) played against the Bandits as a young boy and with many of the Bandits during his High School career at Hanks. “Happy Birthday” Alex!
“Happy Birthday” to “Lil” Bandit Mom Amber Montion on March 26
“Happy Birthday” to “Lil” Bandit Rhyan Calderon who turned 16 on Tuesday March 31
Bandit February Birthdays
Bandit Dad Victor Falvey turned 70 on February 28. His Son Cory played as a Bandit. Victor took a squad of 13 and 14 year olds including his Son Cory and formed the Desperados. That squad would become the foundational component for the Socorro High School Bulldogs 2009 State Championship baseball team. Cory earned All State honors, multiple All District and All City honors and became the first El Paso High School Player to earn Texas State High School Player of the Year honors in 2009. The Socorro Bulldogs became the first team in 60 years from El Paso to win the State Crown and only the second high school team from El Paso to claim the State Championship. Victor has been running USSSA Youth Baseball tournaments in El Paso, Ruidoso, Alamogordo, Hobbs, Las Cruces and Midland since 2000 promoting and elevating youth baseball to national levels. He has been named National USSSA Tournament Director of the Year and continues to support the promotion of baseball players to continue their baseball journeys in High School, College and the Professional ranks. “Happy Birthday” Coach Vic!
Bandit Mike Bolaski turned 34 on February 5. “Bo” was versatile and invaluable to his Bandit team playing pitcher, catcher, all four infield positions and even shoring up the outfield when needed. Mike has a tremendous work ethic for the game and a strong desire to be “great”. Bolaski was a clutch offensive threat batting in the middle of the order. He earned four varsity baseball letters, All State, All City and All District honors with the Hanks High School Knights. “Bo” was named to the high school Texas All State baseball team following his senior season. Michael signed to continue his baseball journey by accepting a scholarship with the El Paso Community College Tejanos but when the Major League draft called, he signed a professional contract. “Bo” signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Thursday June 17, 2010. He was chosen during the 23rd round of the draft as a third baseman. In 2013, the Angels began the process of converting Mike to a pitcher. “Happy Birthday” Bo!
Bandit Niece Victoria “10’er” Gasca Hernandez turned 23 on February 10. Victoria is now in the second semester of Law School at the University of New Mexico. She graduated with Honors at Yale University in May 2025. Victoria won the Texas State Spelling Championship for Private Schools as a sixth grader and repeated her State Championship the next two years. In 2016, she finished in second place in the entire El Paso Times Regional Spelling Bee as a seventh grader. In 2019, Victoria was a member of the 6A UIL Spelling Texas State Championship Team at Coronado High School finishing 5th individually to lead her team. Victoria graduated from Coronado High School where she was in the National Honor Society, Chief Editor for the school newspaper for 2 years, National Honor Society member, Spanish Honor Society member, Head Coach for the El Paso National Hispanic Institute Chapter and # 1 rank on her school defending Texas State 6A UIL Championship spelling team. Oh yes and she is a young girl who continues to be accomplished and amaze all who know her because she is growing up without her Mom, Corina Maria Gasca Hernandez who joined our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom on Good Friday April 6, 2007 when “10’er” was 4 years old. Corina was a Bandit Aunt and Board of Director from the first moment the Bandits were formed in 1989 in support of her nephew our “Original Bandit” Champ Hernandez and her brother “Papa Bandit” Coach Larry Hernandez. Happy Birthday “10’er”!
“Happy Birthday” to Bandit Mom Gaby “Stix” Hernandez on February 13.
“Happy Birthday” to “Lil” Bandits Mom Melissa Monge! Her Son Jacob was a member of the original “Lil” Bandits and was selected as an All Star by the Southwest Baseball League.
Bandit Daughter Audrey Lauren Hernandez turned 16 on February 15. Proud Dad, Champ “The Original Bandit” Hernandez and Mom Kerry have seen the years fly by as Lauren charges into life. “Happy 16th Birthday” to Audrey who is in her Sophomore Year of High School. Audrey earned 1st Chair in her All Region Choir in 2024 and All Region honors for the second consecutive year while in Junior High School. She also enjoyed 2 consecutive years of Cheerleading. Happy Birthday to Bandit Daughter and Granddaughter Audrey Lauren Hernandez.
“Happy Birthday” to “Lil” Bandits Mom Kim Capps on February 16! Her Son Nicholas whom she calls “Ni” was a member of our original “Lil” Bandits.
Bandit Jacob Aguilar a College All Conference Honoree and two-sport All City star at Montwood High School, turned 30 on February 18. He celebrated his birthday by going 3X3 in the 2014 high school baseball season opener. Aguilar played third base, short stop and pitched for his Bandit teams. He usually occupied the 3 or 4 hole in the batting order and was a top run producer for his teams. Jacob continues to display his multiple talents playing football, baseball and achieving high honors in the classroom as a member of his school’s National Honor Society. As a freshman, he led the Rams to a district championship as their quarterback. He played on the Montwood Baseball team as a sophomore. He shared quarterback duties on the Rams varsity football team as a junior before earning All District and All City honors as a senior signal caller. He led the Rams to a football first for Montwood when they defeated the Odessa Permian Panthers during the 2012 season. The honors and positive accolades continue for Jacob. In his senior season, Aguilar earned “All City” and “All District MVP” honors in football and baseball. Jacob as a freshman played first base and swung in the “heart of the order” for El Paso Community College and after playing his sophomore year in Junior College in Arizona he was the starting third baseman at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where he earned All Conference honors. He has also top honors academically earning recognition for his President’s Honor Roll listings. Jacob is a proud graduate of St. Mary’s University. “Happy Birthday” Jacob!
Bandit Lance Gruber turned 34 on February 20. Gruber was a four year letter winner at Americas High School. Lance earned All City and All District honors for the Trailblazers and helped the school earn its first baseball District championship. He signed a scholarship agreement after high school to continue his baseball journey at New Mexico Highlands. A injury during his college time shortened his baseball journey but his commitment to a college degree was fulfilled. On his Bandit teams, Lance was a top hitter, run producer and defensive stalwart usually hitting in the clean up spot. Lance pitched, played first base and the outfield showing his versatility and desire to help his teams be successful. Happy Birthday “Dakota”!
Bandit Coach Don Plummer celebrates his birthday in our Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom on February 20. Coach Plummer coached with the Bandits from 1996 through 1998. He was on our staff for our 1997 AABC Texas State Championship and 1998 Triple Crown National Finalist. Coach Don was inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025. Happy Heavenly Birthday Coach Don!
Bandit Jared Schrom turned 39 on February 23. Jared was a starting pitcher in the regular weekend rotation for Stephen F. Austin University. Jared was signed after college to play professionally by the Texas Rangers organization as a pitcher. Schrom continues to live in the Dallas Metroplex where he owns a nutrition store and works for the Texas Rangers organization. He is a member of our 2000 National Finalist. Jared pitched, played third base and the outfield for his Bandit teams. His father Ken was a coach on our Bandit staff and pitched for nearly a decade in the Major Leagues for the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. Schrom continued his baseball journey working with the Texas Rangers organization and now directs site venues near the Ballpark in Arlington. Happy Birthday Jared!
“Lil” Bandit Jacob Monge turned 16 on February 23. Jacob started play with our original T-Ball team which evolved into Coach Pitch earning All Star status in the Southwest Baseball League. “Happy Birthday” Jacob!
“Happy Anniversary” to “Lil” Bandits Founder Marcella and Coach Charlie Bombach on February 25
Brock Henthorne turned 16 on February 26. Brock joined our “Lil” Bandits for the Spring Season of Coach Pitch in 2016. He earned All Star status with our Coach Pitch team in the Southwest Baseball League. “Happy Birthday” Brock!
