Coach Larry says: In 1989, the journey began. Thanks to Champ, Aaron, Josh, David, and many other special individuals our road was marked by great success. You guys laid the foundation and suffered through the necessary growing pains of building the name and the tradition. The groups that followed don't fully understand what you provided but those who were there at the beginning, do! The players that followed have built on your foundation and taken us to the highest levels youth baseball in El Paso has ever experienced. Having twice played for a National Championship the journey can only be completed by winning one. To the current Bandits, your hopes and dreams are in your control, go reach for them and find out. A special thanks to all our Bandits, Coaches and Parents we are what you have allowed us to become. El Paso's best!
HIRBY 4Ever says: Seem to recall another SUPER PROGRAM in the 70's and 80's sponsored by Hirby Pest Control. They ruled like no other. They were also Coached by the same people. I would like to be able to see the best Hirby team play the best Bandit team. Hirby 14 Bandits 3. Hirby would run rule them. But since 1989, no program can compare with the Bandits. Its your turn, take no prisoners, continue to BE THE BEST in everything you do on and off the field. HIRBY RULES!!!
hirby 4ever says: BANDITS PUMAYA!!! BANDITS PUMAYA!!!
Saw the tourney in San Antonio and was quite impressed with team's performance given how they were "ranked" going into tournament. The team demonstrated to anyone who watched them play that it only matters what you do ON the field that determines a true champion.
Not sure that the organizers in San Antonio were too happy that an out of town team comes in and takes home the championship hardware while their teams get bupkas.
Great job bunch!! keep that same focus throughout your entire season.
Rocky says: Congratulations to the Bandits 11 and Under players and coaches for winning the Championship of the Midland Tournament! You demonstrated outstanding talent, discipline and sportsmanship. You are a super group of guys. Thanks for making it a memorable weekend for my son, Javi. Good luck for the rest of your season.
Rocky Valdes
Midland, TX
Coach Miller says: Bel Air Baseball
Congratulations to the Bandits on another outstanding season. 2,000 wins for the organization and 1,000 wins for Coach Hernandez are awesome accomplishments. It is always a special treat to watch the team practice. Keep up the great work…the best is yet to come!!
Rocky says: Congratulations to the Bandits and coaches on a fabulous run at the National Championship! We are very proud to have seen you guys crowned as Champions in the Midland tournament. We hope that you will return to defend your crown next year.
Special congratulations to Coach Larry (Papa Bandit) for his 1000th victory. Your dedication to the youth of El Paso is worthy of recognition. Keep up the good work!
Best Wishes,
The Valdes Family and especially Javi!
Midland, Texas
Coach Brian says: The El Paso Bandits are the most respected and talented baseball organization that I have ever seen or been involved with. I am proud to be a part of this organization. Much thanks to Coach Larry Hernandez for the opportunity to be a part of something so great.
Coach Larry says: In 1989, the journey began. Thanks to Champ, Aaron, Josh, David, and many other special individuals our road was marked by great success. You guys laid the foundation and suffered through the necessary growing pains of building the name and the tradition. The groups that followed don't fully understand what you provided but those who were there at the beginning, do! The players that followed have built on your foundation and taken us to the highest levels youth baseball in El Paso has ever experienced. Having twice played for a National Championship the journey can only be completed by winning one. To the current Bandits, your hopes and dreams are in your control, go reach for them and find out. A special thanks to all our Bandits, Coaches and Parents we are what you have allowed us to become. El Paso's best!
HIRBY 4Ever says: Seem to recall another SUPER PROGRAM in the 70's and 80's sponsored by Hirby Pest Control. They ruled like no other. They were also Coached by the same people. I would like to be able to see the best Hirby team play the best Bandit team. Hirby 14 Bandits 3. Hirby would run rule them. But since 1989, no program can compare with the Bandits. Its your turn, take no prisoners, continue to BE THE BEST in everything you do on and off the field. HIRBY RULES!!!
hirby 4ever says: BANDITS PUMAYA!!! BANDITS PUMAYA!!!
Saw the tourney in San Antonio and was quite impressed with team's performance given how they were "ranked" going into tournament. The team demonstrated to anyone who watched them play that it only matters what you do ON the field that determines a true champion.
Not sure that the organizers in San Antonio were too happy that an out of town team comes in and takes home the championship hardware while their teams get bupkas.
Great job bunch!! keep that same focus throughout your entire season.
Rocky says: Congratulations to the Bandits 11 and Under players and coaches for winning the Championship of the Midland Tournament! You demonstrated outstanding talent, discipline and sportsmanship. You are a super group of guys. Thanks for making it a memorable weekend for my son, Javi. Good luck for the rest of your season.
Rocky Valdes
Midland, TX
Coach Miller says: Bel Air Baseball
Congratulations to the Bandits on another outstanding season. 2,000 wins for the organization and 1,000 wins for Coach Hernandez are awesome accomplishments. It is always a special treat to watch the team practice. Keep up the great work…the best is yet to come!!
Rocky says: Congratulations to the Bandits and coaches on a fabulous run at the National Championship! We are very proud to have seen you guys crowned as Champions in the Midland tournament. We hope that you will return to defend your crown next year.
Special congratulations to Coach Larry (Papa Bandit) for his 1000th victory. Your dedication to the youth of El Paso is worthy of recognition. Keep up the good work!
Best Wishes,
The Valdes Family and especially Javi!
Midland, Texas
Sportspark El Paso says: LARRY,
TELL THE BOYS EL PASO IS PROUD OF THEM. GOOD JOB.
SHAWN
Marv Thompson - - Pe says: had to be a huge disappointment……..but what a great year for you and your kids.
2nd in the nation larry. 2nd in the nation from el paso TX. congratulations. what an exceptional job. if appropriate, please congratulate your staff and the boys. WOW!!
marv
Coach Mark Dillon - says: Jeez, I'll bet you're worn out. Sounds like the defense came to play the whole tourney. Pitching wasn't slouchy either….
Thanks for letting me be involved. It was fun to work with them and look forward to hearing great things next year.
Vic Falvey says: LARRY;
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FINE EFFORT AND DEDICATION TO KIDS AND BASEBALL IN THIS COMMUNITY. I AM VERY HAPPY FOR YOUR KIDS AND EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR LOVE OF THE GAME. YOU HAVE PUT EL PASO BASEBALL ON THE MAP AND CONSISTENTLY RAISED THE BAR OF COMPETITION.
Coach Mark says: I've come to believe that the secret to coaching is recognizing opportunities for your players to succeed and then making sure you get your players into the situation to succeed. Timing, more specifically. Looks like you matched the situations to the players/pitchers and let them experience success.
Confidence comes from success—-not success from confidence….they'll be a lot more confident next year.
Good job.
Coach Vic Martinez says: El Paso Red Raiders Baseball
You guys also did El Paso proud with your successful tournament showings.
Your hard work and success is something all youth coaches should attempt to follow.
Coach Vic
Gil Amparan says: WIN #1000 FOR PAPA BANDIT
Well congradulations on your huge victory along with that important win. It could not have happened to a nicer person. Hope you enjoyed every moment of it and will continue to do so in the future.
Best wishes,
GIlbert
Bandits Fan - - Hous says: There is only one coach I know that could have molded a group from a location like El Paso and turn it into a national championship contender. I know these words do not offer much as a consolation, but they are the truth.
Your kids have alot to be proud of, and they should use this to build for next year.
In case i never said this before, I am proud of you and your efforts in helping kids learn not just the game of baseball, but how to play it properly and with a passion that our generation can only wish we had at their ages.
When I read the tourney brackets it gave me goose bumps seeing all the teams that competed
You are indeed a one of a kind coach/person.
The one constant in taking 3 teams to the National Finals is you were the coach
Congratulations to the Bandits and to all the players that have played for you since 1971, whatever happens we all share in the pride they must feel and the example I am sure they are expected to set
Texas Bandits Fan
Trey says: I really enjoyed watching the Bndits play at this years National Tournament. I got the oppurtunity to speak to the kids and was told these specific kids will no longer be coached by Larry Hernandez. I wish the kids the best and hope they are able to stay together.
Rocky says: Congratulations to Coaches Larry, Javier and the Bandits Baseball Team on another outstanding season and impressive showing in the World Series at St. Louis this year! In addition to demonstrating excellent athletic ability, you have demonstrated outstanding character and goodwill. These attributes will serve you very well in life. We hope to see you back in Midland next year to defend your title for a third consecutive year. Best wishes to all of you and your families.
Rocky, Diana and Javi Valdes
Dylan says: Chez Sidney Bandits
All Bandit teams are really cool! Hope you guys get another awesome coach. Sorry to hear that your coaches are leaving. We hope to see you guys again next year.
Darrell says: Coach Darrell J. Patin
Chez Sydney Bandits–Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Coaches Larry and Javier and Gator, Thanks for the signing our web page and thank you for all the compliments. But let it be known that you guys, parent and all the players and family are eqaully as classy as we try to be if not more. Allthough our victory in 2002 was one of the greatest times our coaches, players and kids have experienced, it has become a greater gift getting to know the the Elpaso Bandits and parents. After watching the vidio a gazzillion times, you guys are starting to seem like family. We were all hoping that the 2003 Elpaso Bandits would be this years SUPERSERIES CHAMPIONS to share the experience, but after our visiting with all of you it appears that you ARE!!
Best of luck to you allways and tell Goerge to behave.
Coach Darrell
Chez Sydney Bandits
gone-yard says: El Paso Tribe
Coach Larry,
On behalf of Tribe baseball we want to congratulate you for all your success in making the Bandits the best show in town! Your dedication to the youth of El Paso is proven by the many successful athletes that have come out of the El Paso area, many which have played under you. You are a role model to every coach and player that loves the game of baseball. Keep the Bandits tradition going as El Paso's best youth baseball organization!
Coach George Sanchez
Sonny says: Grandparent
My name is Alex Abeyta, I am a grandparent of one of Larry's players (Bandits). I have not been a baseball fan untill my Grandson
Alex started playing, but I have not really
injoyed the sport so much as I have since he started playing for the El Paso Bandits.
the high quality of teaching by Larry & his staff has really amazed me. keep it up guys.
an ardent fan, Alex Abeyta.PS:Its like a miracle that you are playing the older team
leagues, and you still keep winning. When I seen the size of those older teams, I never thought you guys could beat them, but to my amazement, you just go on winning. Love you
all, Hang in there.(Love Love Love your Baseball) Alex Abeyta
Proud says: Just wanted to state that I was very impressed with what I read about your team. Congratulations for touching young lives the way you do! Keep up the great work…May you reap the rewards that you so much deserve!!!
Steve says: Whats up coach Larry see on the dimond
Steve says: Good luck Bandits. Stay strong
Ana says: US Forest Service
Great website. I am very proud of my godson/nephew Noel Pinon!
CD says: Bel Air HS
I WANT TO THANK COACH LARRY AND COACH JAVIER FOR AN OUTSTANDING YEAR AND CONGRATULATE THEM AND THEIR PLAYERS. GOOD LUCK IN 2005!!
bigdog says: Whats up Coach Larry I was actuall looking at the web site when I decided to sign in. Its pretty cool. Well I gotta go to practice now, so i just thought that i'd give u a holla! See Ya Adam Lopez
Harry says: We were there for the tournament and it was great. You guys are good and we are proud of you and of our grandson, Dakota. Keep up the good work.
Harry and Millie Gruber
justin says: whats up coach larry i just wanted to say thank you for helping me out in baseball and never giving up on me even though i did have a bad attitude.you tought me to never give up and to always work hard at what i do.And everything you tought me is paying off and hopefully i play varsity this year.So thank you
Wildcat Boys says: Coach Larry,
1st let me say thank you for all you have done to help further my sons' careers. Because of the two of them playing with Bandit Baseball, for Coach Larry and Coach Javier they are now playing D-1 baseball with the top ranked University of Arizona in PAC-10 baseball. As a parent I can not express the feeling inside when you see your son's play at this level in the PAC-10. The fundamentals, work ethic and winning attitude given them through Bandit Ball has transferred over the years to both of them excelling at the game and a true love for the sport, and it will carry with them their entire lifetimes.
In real life, our young men may have all the talent in the world, but if as a parent you do not provide him with the experience of playing the best competition, playing on the better teams to see that competition, going to better camps and showcases, and most of all as a parent providing an avenue for our young men to excel and you as their parent not helping with the marketing of your player, i.e. emails and letters to potential programs/schools/coaches and follow-up, then their careers and dreams can not be met to their fullest extent. Don't rely on your school coaches to do everything for your player; you as a parent have to take that lead. Larry, you and I have lived it and done it and watched many of the young Bandit Ball players mature into some of the best ball players in this countries baseball programs. Thank you Larry for starting and leading us along this fantastic path of life and helping my 2 wonderful sons achieve their ultimate goals of playing D-1 baseball, in a MAJOR program. Jared and Lance have realized their potentials and are living their dreams and hopefully will be talented enough to receive the opportunity to play at the next level. Only time will tell.
If any Bandit parents would like to contact me, I would would be happy to try and shed a little light on the do's and don'ts of helping your son get that next level. Bandit Ball definitely helped both of my sons and we are so proud to have been a part of their programs and tradition.
Best Regards to all the Past, Present and Future Bandits, Coaching Staff and especially Coach Larry!!!
Sincerely,
Allan Sewell
asewell@naber-solutions.com
877-798-5770 toll free
602-390-8759 cell
bandit 38 says: banditball
great game last night. If we can beat them once, we can beat them twice.
Chris R.
manny says: Larry and Bandit Baseball Family the Caban family is doing well here in Indiana. We know it's been some years but we miss all you and remember those great times. Thanks
NINER says: Coach Larry,
Wanted to drop you and my fellow Bandits a quick line. First, congratulations on the continued success! Not only with "wins" vs. "losses", but developing children playing ball into young men. I must say aside from my dad, mom and brother (Brian)…you, Champ and the Bandit Family has always been a family to me. Let the team know how important the Bandits organization is and the history we continue to build! The guys are very lucky to have the opportunity to be schooled by THE BEST head coach in competitive baseball (at any level). Coach please keep in touch. Tell my better-half hello. Talk to you soon Coach.
Regards,
A Product of Bandit Baseball,,,,,,,,,
The Real Niner.
Account Executive
KZOR/KIXN/KPZA
505.397.4969 business
505.318.4140 celluar
619 N. Turner
Hobbs,NM 88240
Dallas says: HEY COACH,
THIS IS JOSH#5 AND JULIO#4 WE JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT THANX FOR HELPING JULIO AND I REAL BALL PLAYERS, EVENTHOUGH JULIO AND I PLAY ON DIFFERENT TEAMS WHEN WE LEFT THE BANDITS WE AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE BACK TOGETHER AT RIVERSIDE. ALSO MY GAME HAS IMPROVED AND I NOW START AT SECOND BASE AND IM SECOND BATTER WITH ALOT OF POWER AND NO STRIKEOUTS. THIS IS JULIO AND I WANT TO MAKE A SHOUTOUT TO COACH JAVIER, CHAMP ,COACH BRIAN, AND TO CESAR "EL PELON".
Wildcat Boys says: I wanted to get this to ALL Bandit High School ball players to help them in writing to schools where they might have an interest in playing, not only D-1, D-2, Juco's etc. Here is a VERY helpful website – with tons of tips, even some sample letters to write to a coach about yourself. Just a tip from me- when looking at the potential school click the website 1st and make sure there hasn't been any coaching changes, sometimes this site is slow in updating the changes and the new coaches email address. You may also check the athletic staff directory for coaches phone numbers and also email address. Remember NCAA rules do not allow coaches to contact you until after your JUNIOR year. You can call and email them but they can't call you, but they can talk to you if you reach them on the phone. Don't always go for the head coach, look for his designated recruiting coach!!!! Email all pertinent info on yourself i.e., baseball stats (parents need to maintain them or get a copy at the end of season), personal info, tournaments, camps, showcases, etc. Remember you are competing against 1000's of other kids that write them throughout the season. I have been in D-1 coaches offices and they have a stack 2" tall every few days from prospective players. Make sure if your are going to play or be in a showcase somewhere close to their areas or that you think there will be a coach from a school you want to see you, let them know way ahead of time when that game/showcase is!!! Good luck in 2006 gentlemen! Have a Happy Holiday season and if you need anything I might be able to help with let me know!
asewell@nabers-solutions.com
http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/d1_addresses.htm
Allan Sewell and the 2 Sewell Boys!
superraton says: Cleveland Indians Major League Coach El Pasoan
Coach read your website and looks like the Bandits Baseball Club has had great success. If your kids, parents or yourself ever have anything I can help you with feel free to let me know. Having played professional baseball, collegiate baseball and coached at the college level for 5 years and currently coaching in the Major Leagues with the Indians I hope to help out my hometown community however I can.
Thanks,
Ruben Felix
Cleveland Indians
Bullpen Assistant Coach
Major League Staff
NINER says: To my fellow Bandits and of course Mr. Willie "Niner-in-Training" Rueda,
This is the original NINER signing in to wish you all a happy halloween. And a very special Happy B-Day to "Niner-in-Training". Good job guys on the approach to becoming great baseball players and young men. You continue to win and win with pride. Keeping the tradition of how a successful baseball team can be great in the win-column and do it with class! And to Mr. Rueda. I'm very proud of you. To play D-1 baseball is an accomplishment in itself, but to do it at Tech in the Big 12 and start! The honors of Freshman All-Conference that is something amazing. Happy Birthday bud, have fun and keep the focus. Remember you are a role-model to Bandits everywhere (young and old!). Coach Larry, best of luck as you teach the guys the game of baseball and the game of life. I love the Bandits very much. And Coach, tell my brother Champ I said hello.
"The Original Niner" signing out.
Bigcatjb says: Bandits from the past
congragulations on all the bandits that are now on varsity every bandit is making an impact just being on the field just shows how well the bandit coaches prepare you to the next level i see the diffrence Thankyou for your support Parents of bandits now be proud to be a Bandit parent Thanks B#31#21 B21
VHuerta says: Checking on this,I see no mention of a special group of 17 year olds that Brian Forrester took to Albequerque as a special invite to the Southwest Classic back in 1998. You wanna talk about blood, sweat, and tears poured out into a tournament. Losing one game to a group of Junior College all-stars from Cali, this group of talented Bandits set the standards for how a Bandit is to act. For the most part, this is the same group of 13 year olds that took state in Plano, to get a national invite to Houston. The "Original Bandit", "Niner", and all a solid group of kids were part of this class. We were the same group of kids that future D-1 stars like Willie Rueda would look up to everyday at practice at ol' Hanks High.
Mr. Larry Hernandez was the first to have teams looking good as they played great. "Red Jersey, Peppercorn undershirt, black pants, black socks (swoosh), and black cleats" Not to take away from the way we played, but we were the originators in style on the field. M-Frame Oakleys mandatory, this group of Bandits were the first retirement class for Larry. But, never to be "sold short" I am glad he has been a staple to the El Paso community.
I'm surprised I haven't written in sooner. If I would've known about this, you would of bet that all of the thousands of pictures that my family has would be posted on this site.
I'm proud to be called a Bandit, even when those that weren't hated on the program. Shout out to all of the Bandits that I stepped on the field with and against. It was the best time to be a Bandit.
V-HU 1993-1999 Bandits (1998 team would have beaten any team, hands down…including the infamous Herby team that Larry started with)
RValdes says: Congratulations to Coach Larry Hernandez and the entire Bandit Organization for their continued success! We look forward to seeing the teams back in Midland sometime soon.
Rocky, Diana and Javi Valdes
Midland, Texas
BigPlum11 says: Wanted to Drop by and say hey to all the past, present, and future bandits. Coach Larry and my father we're definatley the foundation of my baseball career and my passion for the game. It brought a smile and a lot of good memories reading the main page of the sight knowing I was apart of the team that help lead the way. Not many teams can lose the first game of a tournament and come back to win 5 back-to-back games on the final day to claim the championship. I stick with my team and our claim that we would give the old bandits a run for their money in a game. I know at a minimum, we lived up to the expectations.
Good luck to all the bandits, it was a blast wearing the Bandit Logo, and had even more memories umpiring a few of your games at the plex.
Catcher
Trey Plummer #2
Brian C. Forrister says: Bandit Baseball
Coach Larry,
I was extremely saddened to learn that Mr. Hernandez had gone to be with our Lord and Savior. I check the Bandit website almost daily and I just learned of his passing late last night and I immediately called my parents and Aaron to inform them. Our prayers are with you, Champ and the rest of the family. I know that we live hundreds of miles away, but you all are always in our thoughts. My son is at the age where he has a ton of questions about my playing days, coaching days, Uncle Aaron’s playing days, etc. I can’t tell you how many times I have shared stories with him about you, Champ, Beaner and your dad. After one of his games last week, we were joking about a mom that was in the dugout and how we thought that there was no place for a female in or near a dugout. I told Andrew that I only knew one female that I would allow to touch a scorebook and sit in my dugout and that person was Beaner. I remember when I heard you speak on the day you were inducted into the El Paso Baseball Hall of Fame, you talked about the greatest game of catch that you ever had was with your father and with Champ. Those words penetrated my heart and though at the time I did not have a son it had an impact on me. Now that I do have a son, I know EXACTLY what you meant. I never pass up an opportunity to play catch with my son Andrew. Oh what a celebration it must have been on Saturday as our Heavenly Father welcomed Mr. Hernandez home and he was able to hug his daughter, in perfect health, for the first time in a long time. I am sad, but grateful, that he is gone. It was truly an honor to know your dad.
Coach Brian
casey5mouse says: Larry-
Thanks for the birthday wishes to my mom. I'm sure she gets a kick out of it every year.
I am just now getting around to writing on the team's web-page (sorry, i have been meaning to do this for a while now).
It was great to catch up with you a couple months back. I am glad you were able to meet Maria.
Being back in El Paso and back on the East side brought back so many great memories. To see where the organization has come over the years is amazing. I am proud to be always affiliated with the black and red (although i miss the hats with the lines and the bruised baseball—those were classic like the clown hats of the Expos—you guys should bring those back). I can still remember those long weekends at the Sportsplex like it was yesterday. It was there that I developed mental toughness and respect for the game of baseball.
Thank you for the hard work,
Casey Dillon
1994-1997 #43
OldCoachJoe says: Congrats To Kyle and his family on this great signing! Saint Mary's is one of the best University's in the Southwestern part of the country. I do not want to knock going to a Junior College, but Kyle is way to smart for that. I hope he has a great experience at Saint Mary's, I also hope the Coaches there think outside of the box and do not label him a Pitcher and or a Hitter. Kyle excels at both, he has always been a awesome pitcher but I always thought he was a better hitter. Good Luck Mr. Hitting Machine hope to see you play once in a while since we do spend time in San Antonio every now and then. LONG TIME FAN!!!!
Ruben Rodriguez says: Happy Birthday Jeremy Carrillo, from Grandpa in WI
Allison Ramos says: I am Dillon Smith’s aunt and happen to come across this website. It is so awesome that you all acknowledge former Bandits!!! I will forward this on to him. He is still in Africa and will return December 2015. Still a long time but getting closer.
Best wishes to all current, former and yet to come Bandits! Allison Ramos
Melissa Santoscoy says: So excited for my twins to play tball with the Lil Bandits!
Don Plummer says: Great web site , Thanks for the Birthday Wish.
Eric Montanez says: Stopping by to say Thank you to the Bandit organization and the coaches for giving my son Joshua De La Pena the opportunity to play and to teach him to love the game as much as he loves it now. Greatest organization!!!
Chris "Doc" Henthorne says: Thank you to coach Larry and coach Charlie for continuing the Bandit tradition and giving Brock the opportunity to play the Lil Bandits
The El Paso Bandits are the most respected and talented baseball organization that I have ever seen or been involved with. I am proud to be a part of this organization. Much thanks to Coach Larry Hernandez for the opportunity to be a part of something so great.