The Visalia Rawhide made a visit to San Bernardino for a three game series against the 66ers. I took baseball cards of former major leaguer Gil Heredia with me since he is the current pitching coach for the Rawhide.

I arrived early and waited for Gil to come out of the dugout. When Gil made his way onto the field I called him over to sign my items.

I honestly believe Gil has a strong resemblance to former major league star Nomar Garciaparra, except Gil is much larger around the waist area.

Facts about Gil

• Full name is Gilbert Heredia.
• Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 1987 amateur draft.
• Member of the Arizona Wildcats 1986 College World Series team.
• Had a career high 15 wins in 2000 with the Oakland A’s.
• Had a 10 year major league career.

Wikipedia

A couple of weeks ago the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes came to San Bernardino for a series against the 66ers. I met former Dodgers pitcher Matt Herges, who is currently the Quakes pitching coach.

Matt was surprised that I had photos of him and asked where I got them. I knew he wanted some for himself and told him I would bring him photos to keep the next time the Quakes came to town.

I kept my word and went back a few weeks later to give Matt several photos of him wearing a Dodgers uniform. He was very thankful and just as last time, signed everything I brought.

Here are some of the signed items.

The rival Rancho Cucamonga Quakes made a visit to San Bernardino for a three game series against the 66ers. I attended a game knowing that former Dodgers pitcher Matt Herges is on the Quakes coaching staff. In case you don’t remember Matt, he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1999 to 2001.

Just as the other games I’v attended in San Bernardino, I arrived early and made my way down to the visiting teams dugout. When Matt came out of the dugout I called him over. He was very nice and signed all of my items.

Here I am with Matt.

Matt was surprised that I had some of his photos. 

Facts about Matt

• Full name is Matthew Tyler Herges.
• Was signed by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1992.
• He appeared in 151 games for the Dodgers between 1999 and 2001.
• Is the brother in law of former major league outfielder Todd Hollandsworth.

Wikipedia

The Lake Elsinore Storm made a visit to San Bernardino for a four game series against the 66ers. I headed out to one of the games knowing the Storm have two former Major Leaguers on their coaching staff. One of the coaches for the Storm is Shawn Wooten, who is a member of the Angels’ 2002 World Series team. The other is former Padres pitcher Brian Lawrence.

I arrived at San Manuel Stadium shortly after gates opened to the public. After entering I made my way down to the field and to my surprise noticed that Shawn was already out there. He was meeting with a little league team well before game time. When Shawn was done meeting the kids I called him over.

Here I am with Shawn.

After getting my autographs from Shawn I waited for the Storm pitching coach Brian Lawrence. He was very nice and talkative.

After receiving autographs from Shawn and Brian, I made the decision to stick around to get autographs from top prospects in the Padres organization. Then all of a sudden an announcement was made that former Major leaguer Cecil Fielder was going to throw the games first pitch. This caught me by surprise since I had no clue he was going to be at the game.

Cecil threw the first pitch and went over to the sideline to sign autographs for some kids. I was on the opposite side of the ballpark and hurried over. By the time I arrived he was being escorted to a suite by 66ers staff. I asked Cecil if he could sign my ball and he told me “not right now”. 

Cecil was with whom I believe were his two grandkids. I just let it be.