Pirate Alumni Face Off Against MVHS Varsity Team

By ANNIE C. LEAVITT

Moapa Valley Progress

Friends and family gathered at the Moapa Valley High School baseball field on Friday night, braving an evening cold snap for the 11th Annual Robison/Sandoval Memorial Alumni Baseball game and fundraiser.

This yearly matchup has become a spring tradition. It is played in memory of two past MVHS baseball greats: BJ Robison and Shawn Sandoval. The two players, who were teammates during the 1998-2000 baseball seasons, passed away in 2005: Robison in a motorcycle accident and Sandoval of a sudden cardiac arrest.

Approximately 17 MVHS alumni played against their alma mater’s current varsity baseball team coached by Clint Sticker.
“We really enjoyed the alumni celebration,” Sticker said. “It was great to be a part of the tradition here.”

The game started off at the very first at-bat with a home run by 2001 Alumni Shannon Phillipenas. The game went on to keep the crowds entertained all night. MVHS parents cheered their sons as little ones cheered for “dad!” all in the same game. Although the alumni’s speed might be a tad slower than it was in their Pirate glory days, the team still brought a competitive game for the current Pirate varsity team.

In addition to a memorial to passed teammates, the game, coordinated by Phillipenas, is also a fun way to raise money for the Robison and Sandoval Memorial Baseball Scholarship.

“It’s our way of honoring BJ and Shawn by playing the game they both loved to play,” Phillipenas said. “We have a great time playing against the younger guys and I think it means a great deal to the families as we keep their memory alive.”

Lori Walkington Sandoval, mother of Shawn Sandoval, is grateful for all of the effort put into this game every year. “We have to thank Shannon for heading it up every year,” she said. “And to all of the family, friends and alumni that gather every year to make this a great event!”

Overton resident Ben Robison said that his family enjoys helping Phillipenas in putting together the annual alumni game. “We do it to honor of our son BJ and his friend Shawn and their great love for baseball,” he said. “It’s a family team effort that we look forward to every year.”

“We have been in awe of the great support from the alumni team members and the MVHS coaches, team and facilities and the great new concession stand,” Robison added.
Past valley residents Leslie and Mike Hawkins drove from Boulder City to cheer their son and alumnus Danny Hawkins as he played in the game. “It was so fun to see old friends and family and cheer on everyone.” Leslie stated.

The scholarship fund would like to thank Chad Bierstedt and his clothing company, American Stitch for donating the t-shirts; the Pirate team and high school for its facilities; Scott Broiser and Carl Weiss for umpiring and all of the community that support this event.

Every year a $1,000 Scholarship is awarded to a selected baseball or softball graduating senior. The Robison/Sandoval Scholarship Fund account at America First Credit Union is available for donations year round for others interested in supporting this great cause.