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!
January Birthdays
Bandit Adriel Licon turned 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 turned 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 turned 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 political office. Happy Birthday Eric!
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!”
