June Birthdays

Hampton and Heaton Hughes celebrated their 16th Birthday on June 8. Both were championship members of our 8U “Lil Bandits” who played in the 8U Sportspark Select Coach Pitch League and started with our inaugural “Lil Bandits” T-Ball team. “Happy Birthday” to the Hughes twins Heaton and Hampton!

Jonathan Bustamante turned 34 on June 8. Jonathan pitched in college and was a four year varsity baseball player at Montwood High School. Jonathan was the # 1 starter for the Rams for two years. Bustamante earned 5A All-District recognition three years in a row and garnered All City honors his final two seasons. Jonathan is also a member of our 2002 Bandit National Finalist for whom he pitched and played both corner infield positions. His brother Jesse is a member of our 2000 National Finalist. Happy Birthday Jonathan!

Carter Salome turned 15 on June 12. Carter was one of the youngest members of our championship “Lil” Bandits 8U team which played in the 8U Sportspark Select Coach Pitch League. “Happy Birthday” Carter!

Bandit Esteban Martinez turned 30 on June 12. Esteban was a member of our 9 and Under Bandit State Championship squad. Esteban batted lead-off and played center field. In 2014, Esteban earned District 2-4A First Team honors as a pitcher for Del Valle High School. He continued his athletic journey playing football and baseball at Sul Ross State University. “Happy Birthday” Esteban!

Bandit Brycen Horn turned 24 on June 15. Brycen started the year for our 2014 undefeated League Champion Bandits as one of two 12 year olds on our 13U roster. Age was not a factor as Brycen emerged as the team’s top shortstop and a positive contributor for the offense. Brycen celebrated his birthday on the field at the USSSA State Tournament going 2X3, with a double, a run scored, an RBI, 3 defensive assists, 1 defensive put out and turned a double play with a diving stop catch of a line drive and throwing from his knees to double up the runner. Horn was one of the more naturally gifted athletes on the squad and was always a focal point in all the team’s practices and games. Brycen enjoyed a star football career in High School. “Happy Birthday” Brycen.

Matt Guerra turned 25 on June 30. “Matty” who is also known as “Captain” or “Cap” for short was a relentless force on the baseball field. One of the greatest work ethics that any Coach could hope for is what Matt provided. A constant source of positive energy and drive and a “will” to do better and accomplish more were trademarks of his play. Matt pitched, caught, played first base, third base and even helped in the outfield when needed as he did on the team’s tournament trip to Arizona. A power bat, a plus work ethic and a true great teammate. Just a “sheer pleasure” and joy to be around. Matt continued his baseball journey as a Catcher at Coronado High School where he earned All District honors. “Happy Birthday” Matt.

May Bandit Birthdays

Bandit Cory Falvey turned 34 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 15 on May 10. Julian is a member of our 8U “Lil” Bandits who are playing 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 32 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 25 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 25 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 has a superior work ethic and is a positive personality and a great influence on his teammates. Josh completed his degree from the prestigious McCombs School of Business and 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 30 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 celebrates 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 34 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 33. Eighteen years to the day 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 33 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 77 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 Bandit 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 will graduate with Honors from Yale University in May 2025.

Bandit Coach Brian Forrister turned 49 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 34 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!

Coach Larry “Papa Bandit” Hernandez turned 70 on March 6. “Happy Birthday Papa Bandit”!

Bandit Anthony Martinez turned 38 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!

Bandit Jonathan Martinez turned 30 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 15 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 15 on March 31