Historic Moment: Desert Sunrise High Unveils Home Field with First Varsity Game

The Desert Sunrise High School varsity baseball team made history on Thursday by hosting its inaugural home game. This event marks a significant achievement for the school, especially for its first graduating class.

Prior to this, players were part of the Copa A’s, a local club team, which head coach Andrew Dixon described as a “hodgepodge.” Now, the team has an official home field, providing a sense of identity and belonging.

“This is the third game of the season. Hopes are high, and by season’s end, we aim to solidify this milestone,” Dixon said, gesturing towards the newly established Desert Sunrise field.

The players prepared in freshly constructed dugouts and practiced on newly laid sand in the batting cages. In true ballpark tradition, inquiries arose about the possibility of players etching their names into the dugout wood—a way to claim a slice of history.

“Oh, I’m all for it. If he’s a graduating senior, absolutely,” Dixon confirmed regarding the request.

This game was notable for Dixon, who is in his third year coaching. It was the team’s first home game and faced delays due to rain that postponed the earlier scheduled dates.

As the national anthem resonated, anticipation filled the field. The players were ready for the inaugural first pitch, a moment years in the making.

“It’s just amazing to be here. Blue skies,” Dixon remarked, soaking in the atmosphere.

However, the game faced an unexpected delay when an Arizona Interscholastic Association umpire experienced a persistent nosebleed. Per regulations, umpires can’t officiate while bleeding, so there was concern the game might need to be rescheduled again.

Dixon remained optimistic despite the hurdle. “Everything happens in threes. That’s a good rule of thumb,” he noted. “The lack of a full set of AIA umpires is a sign, but hopefully a sign for the good.”

Eventually, the game commenced, with pitcher Leander Vale striking out the first batter. Catcher Jacoby Garcia shared a sentiment of pride in the moment. “We are the first varsity team and the first graduating class. I’ve played with many of these guys since I was 12,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll make a little impact and a little history here.”

Vale, excited for this significant opportunity in his final season, plans to pursue sports therapy next year. He encouraged younger players to embrace the game. “Just have fun. Do your best,” he advised.

As the top of the first inning concluded with Desert Sunrise catching a runner stealing third, the umpire’s nose bled again, leading to another brief delay. Nonetheless, the team celebrated this momentous occasion, relishing the chance to play at home.