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Sports

Young Ballplayers Take to the Diamond to Support Chelsea's Light Foundation

Nearly 1,000 student athletes come out to play baseball for a good cause.

Nearly 1,000 student athletes from across Southern California traveled to San Diego County to play in the Home Run for Chelsea baseball tournament on Sunday at fields throughout the region, including at and 4S Ranch Community Park.

Chelsea King was a teenager with a promising future and a bright and loving personality. She went on a run at Lake Hodges, near her home in Poway, but unfortunately never finished that run. Chelsea was the victim of a horrific crime, and soon after was founded to celebrate her life.

The foundation’s mission is to unite people and communities who are passionate about protecting children and inspiring positive change in the community.

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“Chelsea was on my cross country team,” said 17-year-old Amanda Shoemaker. “She was my good friend and my neighbor. … I want to keep her light going and support her in any way possible.”

Dozens of baseball teams made up of student athletes ranging from 8-14 years old from San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties participated, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Chelsea’s Light Foundation.

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Bill Reh, general manager of the San Diego Show traveling baseball team and chairman of the tournament, was one of the organizers for the first tournament last year.

“Our partnership with Chelsea’s Light Foundation is very special to us,” Reh said.

The hope is to make the tournament an annual event.

“After last year, Show Baseball looked to rally more volunteers and more teams for this year’s tournament,” Reh added.

Show Baseball consists of young players and their families who are not only fans of the game, but also have a passion for serving others. The club, partnering with Chelsea’s Light Foundation and members of the Poway community, shares the sentiment of serving others.

Last year’s event was a solemn affair. This year there was a more positive and excited outlook because of the promise of what the tournament would do for Chelsea’s Light Foundation.

Simply put, the student athletes are coming out to do what they love, which is
play baseball and also support one of their fallen, beloved community members.

With Chelsea’s Light Foundation and national attention through online youth media, the hope is to increase participation and support annually.

“I hope it truly goes national,” Reh said. “Only through grass-roots efforts though, it is community first, community served.”

Parents and community members share the same sentiment as Reh.

Pete Razo, father of one of the student athletes, said, “Awareness allows us to never forget what happened.”

Events like Home Run for Chelsea are put on for a purpose, which is to understand that Chelsea’s name and spirit goes on and always will.

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