Softball: Rivals come together in support of a good cause

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

They may be fierce rivals on the softball field, but San Pedro and Carson are coming together for a cause bigger than the City Section championship.

Their Marine League opener at Carson on Thursday, 3 p.m., will have a Big Purpose feel to it as the teams try to create awareness and raise money for breast cancer prevention and research. The idea came from Carson Coach Cam Werner and was inspired by the Ignacio family, which sent seven daughters (and now their daughters’ children) through Carson.

Two of the seven sisters, Lorna and Eileen, have succumbed to cancer. Lorna died 18 years ago, but her daughter, Kori Willis, played for Carson two seasons ago. Eileen Everhart, the aunt of former City Section standout shortstop and Carson grad Christina Schallig, died two years ago.

‘I’ve gotten to know the family really well because of Christina, and I also feel it’s one of those teachable moments,’ said Werner, who is in her third season as the Colts’ coach. ‘The kids on our team, we need to be thankful. We always want better facilities and equipment, but we have a nice field, and we have a community that supports us. It’s good for the kids to give back.’

Both programs have sold pink backpacks and visors, and additional sales from food concessions will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Eileen Everhart’s daughter, Jennifer, 8, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Werner and San Pedro Coach Tony Dobra hope to make this an annual event.

‘It’s a great thing for everybody, especially the girls, to get involved in something like this,’ Dobra said. ‘You’ve got two teams, a pretty good rivalry, and we’re able to expand it and bring a lot of people together for something beyond softball.

‘I told the kids, I said, ‘Everyone put your hands in the air if you have a friend or family member who has been affected by cancer,’ and everyone had their hand raised, including me. I’m looking forward to this game.’

For more information about cancer and treatment, check out the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, or Loma Linda’s proton treatment.

-- Martin Henderson

-- Image from www.wpclipart.com