This website is all about competition, and community.  Because we cover sports, the former gets the vast majority of our attention, but every now and then we get to take a step back and remember how competition makes our community stronger—in the middle of a hectic Winter playoff schedule, the Long Beach Poly baseball team, its booster club, and a few local corporate sponsors delivered that message loud and clear.

Earlier this year, Jordan coach Marc Prager sent a plea for assistance out.  Prager runs a competitive program with a small budget, and cuts were endangering his ability to put uniforms on his players, and equipment in their hands.

The Poly Baseball Booster Club heard that plea, and rallied in an incredible way—on Thursday night, the Poly baseball family presented coach Prager with a check for $4,720, as well as equipment.  “I was hoping we could raise a thousand dollars, a ‘grand slam,” said Poly coach Toby Hess.  “And then the first donation came in, and it was $1,500, and I said, ‘I need to adjust my expectations.'”  Aided by former Jackrabbit and current Major Leaguer James McDonald, who chipped in $1,000, the Booster Club raised the nearly five thousand dollars in just under two weeks, with half the money coming in the form of small donations from Poly parents and players.

D & D Sporting Goods will help with the equipment, and hosted the event; Hess specifically credited booster Renee Hunt with being the driving force behind the fundraising efforts.

Speaking before the presentation of the check, Hess said, “We want to emphasize that a meaningful baseball experience in the community is more important that maintaining a competitive edge.”

Accepting the check, Prager expressed his thanks.  “Especially coming from a league rival, it really means a lot.  It’s great sportsmanship, and we really appreciate it, and thank you.”

A thank you from this website to everyone who worked to make this happen.  It’s a great demonstration of the character of this city, and a reminder of why we couldn’t–and wouldn’t–do this anywhere else in the country.  Stories like this are what make high school sports special, and you’ve lent a depth of meaning to this rivalry (and the whole baseball season) that would have been otherwise unattainable.

Poly player Thomas Walker presents Jordan coach Marc Prager with equipment

Poly players and Jordan coach Marc Prager with the giant novelty check

Poly coach Toby Hess, the owners of D & D Sporting Goods, Jordan coach Marc Prager and the Poly players