On Friday night, professional baseball returned to The Hangar with a crack of the bat, shouts, and KaBoom.
The independent Pecos League Lancaster Sound Breakers lost 18-15 against the Bakersfield Train Robbers in their home opener.
The crowd was filled with JetHawks fans sporting caps, jerseys, and shirts, as well as Sound Breakers merchandise purchased at the door.
As the temperature dropped and the game surpassed 31 2/3 hours in the eighth inning, the crowd decreased.
“I’m happy baseball is back,” Lancaster resident Robin Andersen remarked. I wish it was an associated team, but we’ll make do. Will see. Expecting a lively bunch.
“It’s a chance to see some old friends out here.”
Since 1985, Valley resident Andersen was a JetHawks booster club member and season ticket holder.
“It brings the community together,” Andersen added. I hope they play more than Friday and Saturday next season. It’s convenient for some, but the players have to travel a lot. I’m curious how that goes. Not much about this league. We’ll see.”
Valley native Steve Juhasz, sporting a JetHawks Fourth of July cap, recognized numerous longtime fans.
JetHawks fans called Juhasz Captain Steve with the “Yes” sign.
“Great,” Juhasz replied. “Couldn’t wait. Everyone wants baseball back. I was always here, so they came to me. Will baseball return? No idea. This trade followed.
“Unfortunately, I don’t want to be negative, but this is the third time they said they were coming here. Finally, it’s exciting.”
KaBoom led a continuous stream of kids around the bases in the third inning, continuing many minor league baseball traditions.
Rowdy the Rooster led the Chicken Dance in the second inning for the Sound Breakers.
Four hits and two Bakersfield mistakes gave the Sound Breakers a 7-3 second-inning advantage.
No-outs Lancaster loaded the bases.
Lancaster starting pitcher AJ Chacon drove in a run on a misplayed ground ball, right fielder Michael Haith hit a two-run double, center fielder Luke Smith hit a sacrifice fly, catcher Nate Duarte hit a double, and left fielder Kyle Jenkins got an RBI single.
The Sound Breakers’ starting shortstop, 2017 Paraclete High graduate Jacob Jablonski, just finished his first year of Chico State’s Master’s program in communication. He started at Arkansas State.
Jablonski made his debut on Friday.
The Sound Breakers’ first home run at The Hangar, a solo blast to right field in the third inning, giving Lancaster an 8-3 lead.
Bakersfield scored six runs in the fourth to take a 9-8 lead, but the Sound Breakers tied the game at 9-9 in the fifth when Jablonski walked, stole second, reached third on an error, and scored on a ground ball by Duarte.
Bakersfield scored five in the sixth.
Three Bakersfield mistakes gave the Sound Breakers three runs in the sixth.
Jenkins’ RBI single and Duarte’s two-run double in the eighth trimmed the Train Robbers’ advantage to 18-15.
Jacob’s father, Warren Jablonski, attended his first professional game.
Warren said some local athletes made the roster through tryouts, while others were recruited through word-of-mouth or scouting.
“They said, ‘Where do you want to go?’” Warren Jablonski recounted. Play where? Any more eligibility? Most youngsters play summer ball in the Cap, Pacific Coast League, West Coast League, or Alaska, therefore they lose eligibility. College programs send several of such people. After eligibility, they’re out.
To break in, they join the Frontier League, Pioneer League, or this league. Scouts will see them someplace, hopefully elevate them.”
Warren stated the team recruited locally.
“They made a push this year because they’re coming back and they’re newer here,” Warren Jablonski said. “They recruited everywhere.
“It’s a good chance to keep playing and sharpen their skills for a draft.”
Seattle hosts MLB draft July 9-11.
Despite having some homegrown skill, Andersen was unfamiliar with the players.
“There’s no roster up there,” Andersen remarked. “I don’t recognize any of these guys. I didn’t recognize them from their Facebook photo since they weren’t named. I like to know the players.
Palmdale High School Choir sang the National Anthem and five military hymns.
The one concession booth had a huge line.
The concession counter sells cheeseburgers ($11), hot dogs ($5), nachos ($7), peanuts ($4), churros ($4), beer ($5), soda, and water.
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