O’NEALS — If you know someone who has served or remains active in the military, or someone who loves baseball (now we’re talking about pretty much everyone) — set aside time on Tuesday, May 3 starting at 4 p.m. for a very special event as Minarets takes on Fowler on behalf of the U.S. Military.
Minarets Baseball will hold its first-ever Military Appreciation Game of baseball, in honor of all that have served in the past and continue to do so today. The event is being organized by Minarets freshman Aaron Hall, whose father Lt. Col. David Hall is currently deployed overseas. Besides serving up some of America’s favorite pastime, a complimentary tri-tip dinner will be served to all veterans. The cost of the meal for non-military is $10. The snack shop will be open for business as usual.
Coarsegold resident Aaron Hall, 14, is the son of Lt. Col. Hall and Christina Lowry Hall, and the brother of Grant Hall, 18, who is currently at West Point and graduated from Minarets last year. The Halls also have a daughter, Adrienne, 10.
The Military Appreciation Game and tri-tip dinner is part of Aaron’s Senior Legacy Experience (SLE) at Minarets — he’s starting now even though graduation is still a few years away. Aaron was named a starting freshman on the Minarets Varsity Baseball team — he plays right field, first, and is a starting pitcher.
Besides honoring veterans and having a good time at the game between Minarets and Fowler High School, what’s planned to be an annual event will be made extra-special as Aaron’s dad will be watching on FaceTime from overseas.
“Even though he is a freshman, Aaron wanted to start now with encouragement from new Varsity Baseball Coach Jesse Darah,” explains mom Christina. “Aaron hopes to build upon his SLE every year.”
Aaron would like to attend West Point himself, after graduating from high school in 2019, and play baseball for the Academy.
“West Point is where his father went and brother is currently a plebe (freshman),” Christina continues.
“My husband is deployed in Kuwait with the 40th CAB from California. He graduates from the Army War college this summer. Dave and his troops have been gone since September, 2015, and will return to the states this fall. Aaron’s dad has been active duty Army for 21 years this June.”
Veterans who attend will receive a delicious tri-tip dinner with sides.
“We have been blessed by sponsors and a great deal from The Meat Market in Fresno to provide a great thank dinner to our military service members past and present.”
Other sponsors include Fiesta Insurance, McCormick Barstow LLP Attorneys at Law, the Pillsbury family, the Lynch Family, and Rubber Soul Bicycles.
Later on this year, Aaron will take over another important project, Wreaths Across America. Brother Grant and Minarets grad Cierra Bordwine started the campaign as their dual SLE and now Aaron is stepping up to carry on the legacy where they left off.
The public is encouraged to attend the event on Tuesday, May 3 at 4 p.m. ast Minarets, to honor active duty military and veterans, and asked to please share the information so that anyone who can participate knows about the special day.
The family hopes for a great turnout and Christina says, “God bless America!”
Minarets High School in the Chawanakee School District
