The ‘SA Law’ softball team comprised of San Antonio officers entered the 2010 Texas Police Games in Brownsville, TX with the bitter memory of our miserable 2009 performance. This year was different and members of the team understood their purpose and goal. Win at all cost and prove to other state agencies that ‘SA Law Softball’ was back and stronger than ever.
As a team they wanted to gel, redeem themselves and most importantly show they could compete with any team. They took a cohort of dedicated players that have been competing in tournaments in preparation for this event. The stage was set and with only 11 players they truly had to trust and encourage one another as well as forget the errors on the field. They did however have a 12th man who they all knew was watching from above and of who they could rely on when things got shaky. That 12th man was none other than fallen brother Val Lopez #287.
On the first day of competition they played and beat Harlingen Border Patrol 15-0, Galveston Police Department 20-2 and Waco Metro 17-4. Second day of competition they drew the Laredo ‘Choir Boys’ who has been a thorn in their side for several years. The game displayed a championship atmosphere and true competition from both teams, but in the end they beat them in extra innings by a score of 9-8. Next they faced a tough Team Heat, which was a team comprised of several agencies but SA Law still prevailed, 12-9. For the championship game they played the Laredo ‘Choir Boys’ a second time and this time SA Law opened the flood gates and defeated them 24-9. The SA Law brought the Gold medal back to San Antonio, TX where it truly belongs and next up is the 2011 games. Team leader Manny Morales said, "Next year we team will defend OUR GOLD MEDAL and with our 12th man we will have the edge to over come and be victorious once again."
IN THE PHOTO
Top Row from left: Erik Garza, Joe Carmona, Tony Flores, Ralph Trinidad, Amando Juarez, Manny Reyes. Bottom Row from left: Jaime Alvarez, Chris Davila, Manny Morales, Johnny Gomez
