The “Real Niner” Checks In
Aaron Forrister who was the first Bandit to sign a Division 1 scholarship agreement is doing well in Hobbs New Mexico. Aaron started playing for the Bandits at age 9 and played all the way through his junior year in high school. Forrister was on the Bandits first City Championship team in 1990. He pitched, caught and played every position in the field. He was the lead-off batter for his Bandit teams and lead in hits, stolen bases and home runs. He helped lead his team to the Texas Baseball Classic Championship in 1992 and the Desert High Classic Championship in Albuquerque New Mexico in 1998. He played for Coach Larry Hernandez from age 9 to 14 and for his brother Brian from age 15 to 17. Aaron was All-District and All-City at Hanks High School before signing with Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos Texas. Aaron finished his collegiate career at College of the Southwest where he helped lead his team to conference championships and was named NAIA All-American. Aaron was named in Collegiate Baseball as one of the top 3 NAIA shortstops in the nation. With degree in hand, Aaron is a marketing director for a radio station in Hobbs. The number 9 is one of 4 “controlled” Bandit numbers (7, 9, 10, 24) and are earned not asked for. Willie Rueda who wore the number 9 after Aaron is a freshmen second baseman at Texas Tech University. Willie played on the 1998 and 2000 National Finalist teams. He went on to earn All District and All City Honors at Bel Air High School. He claims to be the “Real Niner”. Its about competition and we are proud of how our Bandits compete. Let the debate continue they all wear their numbers proudly. Their actions on and off the field made the numbers distinctive. Check out Aaron’s entry in our guest book. It speaks volumes for the class and quality Aaron represents. Aaron always has and continues to make us Proud!