BY
KRISTINE ESCOTO - KESCOTO@SIERRASTAR.US
KRISTINE ESCOTO
YHS student Adam Harkenrider throws out first pitch at Grizzlies
game
KRISTINE ESCOTO
Adam Harkenrider is pictured fifth from the right. Behind Adam is
his YHS choir teacher, Dr. Tony Mowrer (beard and glasses). Next
to Dr. Mowrer are Adam’s parents Jeff and Doreen Harkenrider.
KRISTINE
ESCOTO
YHS student Adam Harkenrider smiles while in the stands during the
Grizzlies' game Tuesday night.
Yosemite High
School senior Adam Harkenrider had no idea when he moved to the
Mountain Area in February 2004 that he would be throwing out the
first pitch at the Fresno Grizzlies game just five months later.
The Harkenrider family moved from Carlsbad in late February. Doreen
and Jeff Harkenrider’s three sons, 17-year-old Adam and twins Eric
and Matthew, began attending Yosemite High School the same month.
“Adam loves baseball,” said Mrs. Harkenrider. “He made varsity and
Matthew and Eric made JV. Adam started as the team’s designated
hitter. He began in right field and also plays catcher. His preferred
position is catcher.”
It has always been Adam’s dream to play with a professional team.
He got close - he was selected to throw out the first pitch of the
July 6 Grizzlies game.
Hannah Costa, a fellow student, and YHS Choir Director Dr. Tony
Mowrer, helped Adam get close to his dream. Hannah and Adam were
both students in Ellen Peterson’s U.S. History class and both are
also in the choir class with Dr. Mowrer.
Mrs. Peterson put the students into pairs and gave them a project
called, “It’s a wonderful life.” The project entailed finding the
history of the other student and preparing a presentation. Students
were encouraged to find out nicknames, quirky stories, interests,
childhood stories and other facts.
“Hannah was very detailed while finding information about Adam,”
said Mrs. Harkenrider. “She took hidden videos of Adam practicing
his solo for the final concert of chamber singers as well as video
of him around school and while he was at baseball practice. She
did an excellent job on the project; she is very creative.”
Hannah knew of Adam’s wish to play or practice with a professional
team. She made a cold call to the Grizzlies and was told that she
would have to purchase 200 tickets for Adam to be eligible. At a
standstill, she then spoke with Dr. Mowrer.
“Hannah told me what she was trying to do but she didn’t have any
contacts,” said Dr. Mowrer. “I made a phone call and one thing led
to another and we were put in contact with the right person to get
the job done.”
Vice President of Tickets, Andrew Stuebner, was able to work with
Dr. Mowrer. Adam was soon to schedule a date to throw out the first
pitch. “Andrew Stuebner was very generous,” said Dr. Mowrer.
“Hannah’s mom told me she was trying to get Adam to practice or
pitch with the Grizzlies and we had to choose a specific date,”
said Mrs. Harkenrider. “We chose July 6 because it was a home game
and Adam’s older sister Vicki was in town. She coached Adam’s Pony
team and wanted to be there.”
Approximately 20 people from the Mountain Area came to watch Adam
throw out the first pitch. Unfortunately Hannah wasn’t able to be
there; she is in Europe for the summer.
Adam and his father Jeff walked out on the field at approximately
6:45 p.m. to await instructions from the Grizzlies coordinator.
Father and son were told that Adam would walk onto the mound at
approximately 6:55 p.m. after the starting lineup was announced
and Mr. Harkenrider would stay on the warning track to take pictures.
“I am excited but a little bit nervous,” said Adam. He confidently
walked to the mound, warmed up and threw a perfect pitch to the
Grizzlies catcher, Trey Lunsford.
“This was a chance of a lifetime and I’m grateful,” said Adam.
The
Game - Grizzlies vs. the Sacramento Rivercats
The Grizzlies broke out of their losing streak with a 10-6 win against
the Sacramento Rivercats. Rivercats outfielder Matt Watson hit a
three-run homer over left field ending the inning with a 3-0 lead
for the Rivercats.
At the top of the second, Rivercats outfielder Nick Swisher hit
a three-run home run. At the bottom of the second, Damon Minor slammed
a home run over right field. Grizzlies players Dave Doster, Francisco
Santos and Trey Lunsford hit singles loading the bases. Jamie Althas
hit a line drive to right field and bringing in Doster and Santos.
Adam Shabala later hit a double down first base line brining in
two runs. It was a long half-inning bringing in five runs for the
Grizzlies.
At the top of the third inning Grizzlies pitcher Jack Taschner walked
two players and Grizzlies fans began to heckle him. Taschner eventually
settled down. No runs were scored.
Damon Minor started off the bottom of the third with a homer that
nearly hit the scoreboard. Minor’s home run tied the game at 6-6.
Santos and Althas hit singles bringing Jason Ellison up. Ellison
hit a double brining both Santos and Althas in ending the third
inning at 8-6 in the Grizzlies favor.
At the top of the sixth inning Grizzlies pitcher Jack Taschner was
replaced by Jason Jacome. Fans had a bit of excitement at the bottom
of the sixth when Jason Ellison tapped a bunt that led him to third
base on a Rivercats’ error. Unfortunately Ellison ended in a pickle
between third and home that eventually had him thrown out by Rivercats
catcher Mike Rivera. Adam Shabala hit a line-drive single landing
him on base. Brian Dallimore hit a short drop to center bringing
in Shabala ending the score at 9-6 at the end of the sixth.
The Grizzlies score a final run in the bottom of the eighth finalizing
their win ending the score at 10-6.
A small
token
The final highlight of the evening occurred at the end of the game
when the Grizzlies threw out victory balls to the fans. All-star
player Brian Dallimore motioned to a three-year-old Oakhurst fan
presenting him with a genuine T141 game bat signed by San Francisco
Giants catcher Yorvit Torrealba.
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