Sports
THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | MAY 15, 2022
SPORTS
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Chandler baseball using power of family for special season BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor
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ob Martínez was a trailblazer for Baseball in Chandler. He helped establish Chandler Youth Baseball. He played his high school ball for the Wolves and went to two state title games during his career. His name is forever engraved into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame as one of the first-ever inductees. So, when he passed away at 84 years old in February, it hit the community hard and his son, David Martínez, even harder. Like his father, Martinez played high school baseball at Chandler. He loved being a part of the Wolves and returned to the school nine years ago to become an assistant coach for the program he once called home. He joined forces with Ralph Baldenegro, whose father Eduardo played alongside Martínez’s at Chandler. The bloodlines – which include Martinez’s nephew Tim Barraza – that date back to the 1950s have fueled the Wolves run this season. And it started when every player attended Bob’s funeral to pay respects to a man who helped build the program they love. “Winning is great, but the family atmosphere we have, you can’t beat that,” Martínez said with tears in his eyes. “For them to be there for that, that’s way more important than winning ball games to me. There isn’t a second that goes by that I’m not thinking about my dad.” Hiring Chandler alumni was the plan all along for head coach Dave Lopez when he was brought in nine years ago. He wanted individuals who knew the school, the community and the rich tradition it offered. More importantly, he wanted to set a foundation that players could build upon year after year that alumni would be proud of. That foundation has quickly become one centered around a familial aspect. Just like Martínez and Baldenegro experienced when they were legacy players in the program, every current player is shown they belong.
the program in year’s prior. He believes they helped fuel this run that has included postseason wins over powerhouse Mountain Ridge, Perry and Brophy. The Wolves entered Friday’s game in a good position with Perry having to beat them twice to advance. All Chandler needed was one win to reach just its eighth championship game in program history and first since 1972. “We’ve talked about that Left: From left: Chandler baseball assistant coach David Martinez, head coach Dave Lopez and assistant Ralph since we were freshmen. I Baldenegro have all bonded over the death of their fathers and with that, have created a family-like atmosphere remember five years ago that has fueled the Wolves’ run in the postseason. (Dave Minton/Arizona Staff) Center: Bob Martinez, who passed Balde would talk about this away at 84 in February, was the father of assistant coach David Martinez. A trailblazer for baseball in Chandler, he with my older brother,” said played for the Wolves alongside Baldenegro’s father, Eduardo, and eventually went on to start Chandler Youth senior outfielder Tate Scott, Baseball and was inducted into the Chandler Sports Hall of Fame, among several other accolades. (Courtesy Tim who set the single-season Barraza) Right: The Chandler team carries Martinez’s No. 25 jersey with them at every game. When he passed, the team showed up to the funeral to support their assistant coach, who to this day says he believes his father home run record at Chandler against Mountain Ridge. is in the dugout with him giving him tips throughout the game. (Dave Minton/Arizona Staff) Even if Chandler doesn’t make it to Diablo on Tuesday, That’s created chemistry between the know their fathers are there with them Scott said his career has been group and a bond that hasn’t been bro- all the time and would be proud of what one he will always cherish. ken yet. Even when facing adversity on they’ve accomplished this season. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done,” and off the field. “This has probably been one of the Scott said. “I’ve made memories that “Our gritty kids have bought in, and most special things in my entire life,” I’ll always have and friends that will go they love each other,” Lopez said. “They Baldenegro said. “It would mean the off to college but when they come back, don’t lead by their words but by their ac- world to me to be there (in the champi- we’ll start where we left off.” tions. They are all close enough where onship). If it doesn’t, we will learn and Lopez’s father, Rigoberto, made a name they can tell each other when they’re grow from it. We are going to learn and for himself on the field in Globe as a coach. slacking and to be better. These kids, this teach with whatever happens.” When he passed away five years ago, Lopez senior class, it’s been fun to be around.” Chandler entered the 6A Conference went to the mound and said a prayer for him. Attending Bob’s funeral was some- playoffs as the No. 6 seed. It’s the highest He told both Martínez and Baldenegro thing every player volunteered to do ranking for the Wolves since 2019 when that his goal was to make it to Tempe back in February. To this day, the thought they were No. 5 and fell in the first round Diablo Stadium Tuesday and have them of it brings tears to the eyes of Martínez. to Desert Vista. join him in a prayer for their fathers. The team has also carried with them At 25-6, this is the most wins in a sea- Should it happen, it would be an emohis No. 25 jersey throughout the sea- son for the program since the Wolves tional moment for the three coaches. son, hanging it in the dugout of every won 27 in 2007. They still could have hit “My dad was a big baseball guy and at ballpark they’ve played at this spring, that mark as they faced Perry Friday in the end of the year he would always pray big and small. Martínez still talks to his the semifinal with a trip to the title game with our clubs,” Lopez said. “I was lucky dad in the dugout, often asking him what on the line slated for Tuesday night at enough to go home in '09 and win one pitch to call. Baldenegro does the same Tempe Diablo Stadium. and we did that. talking to his late father. Lopez, too. Making a run to the championship has “It’s kind of my way showing my faith The three coaches have bonded to- been a goal all along for Lopez, his staff to these guys without pushing it and a gether over the same heart-shattering and this group of players. Lopez also way to honor my dad and the impact he loss they’ve all gone through. But each credits the players who came through had as a baseball guy and on me.”
