I could not have imagined this day– me, a stay-at-home mom, now coaching two baseball teams.

I always volunteered and chose to help and give back wherever I could, especially being a military family; that's what we do! The moment I learned about the Junior Giants was when my son wanted to play baseball and a lady overheard me saying in Costco how I couldn't afford to do it. She stepped in and said, “Hey the Junior Giants is free and I can even give you my son's old gear if you want!” From that moment on, I knew this was my time to make a difference.

I've volunteered for years, but this summer was a trying time. I've been going through a lot of personal issues and when the Commissioner asked if I could coach two teams, I admit I was nervous. A t-ball and minors team? “Wow, this will be challenging”, I thought to myself.

Yet, coaching has been such a special time in my life. When we were at Oracle Park, I heard a child holler, "Hey, Coach Penny!" That simple phrase just made all the difference - I know I touched a child's life and helped create memories for them.

We made it through and had so much fun! My kids even enjoyed helping their Ambassador every chance they could! Some of the kids made me special drawings; this journey was so unforgettable.

I'm truly thankful for the opportunity that Junior Giants has given to me and my family. Coaching has definitely made an impact on me and made my kids so proud. Thank you so much, Junior Giants!

It was my daughter's first year and she was so excited to learn how to play baseball and enjoyed every practice. When we went to Oracle Park to watch a game, she enjoyed it to the fullest! This summer, she had a great time doing exercises, attending practice, and playing games every week with all the children. I am super grateful for this opportunity with the Junior Giants and to all the coaches who are super kind.

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Es el primer año de mi hija y estaba tan emocionada de aprender el deporte. Con cada práctica la disfrutaba mucho y cuando fuimos al estadio a ver un juego de los Gigantes lo disfrutó a lo máximo y con cada entrenamiento la llenaba de mucho entusiasmo. Le encantó jugar con todos los niños este verano la paso muy bien haciendo ejercicios y asistiendo cada semana a la prácticas y juegos. Simplemente estoy súper agradecida con los Junior Giants por esta oportunidad y a todos los entrenadores que son súper amables

Picture this, it's 2018. A shy little boy from a small town, who's always had a little trouble making friends, finally gains the courage to join his very first Junior Giants league. With a tremble in his voice and shake in his steps, he walks out onto the field and picks up a bat for the very first time. Many of the players before him got hits on their first or second try. This little boy missed his first pitch. Then his second. His third and fourth, too. He didn't give up, though. He kept giving it all he had and finally, a hit! He ran to a base. He didn't know which one he was supposed to run to, so he ran the opposite way. Still, he was so proud he got that hit and his teammates still cheered him on, giving no indication he was headed in the wrong direction.

In the next game, he got it down a little more. This time it only took three tries to get a hit! Homerun! He ran to first base, ran to second and proceeded to make it all the way home. He was elated! Each game, he got a little better. He gained a little more confidence and he started coming out of his shell and interacting with his teammates a little more. By the end of the season, he had 10 new best friends and he was a more confident, happy, social kid who had a newfound love for baseball.

Through the pandemic, he never lost hope that he'd step out onto the field again one day. He continued practicing at home and daydreaming about the day he'd get to be part of a team again.

This was the year! Suddenly, all his hard work, dedication and passion for the game had paid off and he got to step out onto the field once more. The sparkle returned to his eyes and his joy-filled smile spread across his face once again.

Junior Giants isn't just a game for him and many other players. It's a way for kids to gain confidence, socialize, learn how to make friends and have something that they're proud of. It gives them something to work toward and gives them something to be proud of. Our family is so grateful to Junior Giants for allowing our son the opportunity to find passion and courage within a sport and more importantly, a community.

Story #4: Monica Sandoval, Coach - Sacramento, CA

Daughter- Samantha Contreras

This was my first time hearing about Junior Giants. My brother sent me a link to sign up my daughter. At first, I wasn't sure if I wanted to sign her up, but when I told her it was the "Junior Giants" she screamed. I can't forget her scream! She started cheering, "Let's go, Giants!" As a mom of two kids, I want them to get involved in sports as much as they can. I used to play softball in high school and my family has always loved baseball.

My daughter, Samantha, was diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year and that was another reason to sign her up. She needs to get all her energy out. Also, she had Kawasaki disease when she was 14 months old, so to make sure her heart continues to be strong, she needs to be active.

When we first started the season, I noticed that our team did not have a coach yet. I decided to step up and sign up to volunteer. I wanted my daughter to feel important and that her mom is always going to be there to support her. I have lower back issues and that still did stop me. It was hard, yes, but worth it. I had my son behind the fence in his stroller always there cheering on his sister.

The Round the Bases Reading Program had a HUGE impact on her! She is starting kindergarten this year and to get her to love books is amazing, not only for the reward at the end but because she wants to educate herself. We read books in English and Spanish together.

During this summer, she was able to make new friends. Her first language is Spanish, so to hear her out on the field talking to her friends makes me more proud. She is not only learning how to play baseball along with others, but she's also learning a new language. I cannot thank our Ambassador, Sabrina Cadena, enough for all her help and time. We are definitely signing up again next year! Thank you for everything, Junior Giants!

As told by Samantha’s mother, Monica Sandoval

Coach Ariel is an inspiration to all, but her inspiration is her son. It all started fifteen years ago when she coached her son Chris’ baseball team - not as Coach Ariel, but as Coach Zane (Dad). She found not only joy and excitement from coaching the kids, but the creation of a bond between her and her son that would last for years.

It was only five years ago that Zane began transitioning into Ariel. In 2021, with the pandemic in full effect, Ariel felt alone and isolated from the world. Once things began to settle down and the world was opening back up, she wanted to get out there. She just didn’t know how. Ariel was nervous to go out as herself, nervous to even be out in general.

Then one day, her son Chris signed up his grandson for the Junior Giants. Chris encouraged Ariel to sign up so she could coach her great-grandson, just like she coached Chris when he was younger.

Ariel was very hesitant at first; scared of what people would say or think about her, but her son was persistent. He continued to encourage her to recreate old memories and have some fun. Soon enough, Ariel set aside her fears and signed up for her grandkids, even if she still had her doubts. The best part is her son signed up after she did! He was right by her side cheering her on along the way.

The inclusiveness of Junior Giants is incredibly important to the community, and Ariel found this out firsthand. When signing up to be a coach, the registry asked what her gender identification and pronouns were. At that moment, she felt relief and stress lifted from her shoulders. She felt comfortable knowing that the Giants supported the LGBTQA + community and that she had allies.

Although she may have felt better knowing that the Giants and the Junior Giants program as a whole supported her, she had another worry: would Lodi support her? As she grew up in Lodi the community was not always so kind, they discriminated against a lot of communities and people. In this case, it was against the LGBTQA+ community. Lodi’s past history led her to some hesitation in meeting the other Lodi coaches and parents, but once she had a chance to meet the other coaches, she felt good.

There were no strange looks, bad words or hatred toward her. She emailed all of the parents from her team and thanked them; she felt so welcomed and accepted. Parents felt comfortable with her and so did the kids. One thing she did tell the kids was: “I'm not Ariel or anything else, you can address me as ‘Coach’.” With no problems or hesitation, the kids and parents did as they were told, and the team went forth and created their own special bond. The season was great, she loved the team and was glad to be out on the field again.

One person she thanked is her son, he stepped up and encouraged her to get out there. Coach Ariel may be an inspiration to all, but her son is her inspiration.

As told by Kassandra Foster, Junior Giants Ambassador

Daughter - Aubrey Dimmick

This is Aubrey; she has grown so many skills with Junior Giants. She has always done things that we were told she would never do. With the help of Christine (our Commissioner) and the Junior Giants, Aubrey has been able to hit the ball with no tee.

This is amazing because she has 1P36 Deletion Syndrome and we were told she would never walk or sit up on her own. The love and time that was put into her has changed her life and every summer she looks forward to Junior Giants starting. You can tell how proud of herself she is in this photo. She received this and ran straight to show us. Playing baseball has really helped her hand and eye coordination, built the strength in her legs from running, and really helped her social skills by being a part of a team.

As told by Aubrey’s mother, Jessica Collins

My son Oscar has always been friendly and loves being surrounded by people and friends. However, he has severe communication problems that prevent him from socializing with others. When we decided to enroll him in the Junior Giants last year, we were surprised that they gave us accommodations and allowed us to support him on the field.

His coaches were terrific with him and helped him all the time. Because of our wonderful experience last year, we re-enrolled him this year. His confidence on the field was [incredible]. He learned to say "high five", greet his coaches, work as a team, follow instructions and make eye contact with his friends. Watching him grow during this summer is a satisfying experience as a mother.

I also want to add that the Round the Bases Reading Program was a success. That challenge kept him motivated to read at least 25 different books with many characters and stories.

Going to the field [at the Junior Giants Festival] was one of his dreams. When he touched the grass, he told us, "I play field!" I know what he meant… that he was playing on the field of the San Francisco Giants. I replied, “Keep working and remember that you are SMART, STRONG and UNIQUE. Anything is possible.”

Thank you, Junior Giants, for giving us the gift to meet wonderful people who help our children grow, the magic of dreaming of being like one of the Giants players, and for teaching our kids to continue to work to achieve goals despite difficulties or impediments that present us in life. The inclusion of all, regardless of the differences, [is so important].

As told by Oscar’s mother, Evelyn Martinez

Lofton and Kaspian joined the Junior Giants team along with their cousin, Zack. Being from Finland, they had never met their American cousin before and had never seen or played baseball. I would tell stories of my home country and family, and finally, they were here to experience it all.

Being on the Junior Giants together with their cousin helped them all work together and have fun. They adapted to the California heat and learned to drink plenty of water and apply plenty of sunscreen. They would often encourage me to be a helper for the team, but my work schedule did not allow it. This made the children even more aware of the service provided by the team coach and other parents that stepped in to help lead practices and matches. Without those involved parents, it would not have been possible. Their Aunt, Grandmother, and even childcare provider often took them to games in my absence. The whole experience was the highlight of their week.

At the end of the season, the boys said they never imagined they would need so much help in the USA. It was explained to them that it is a part of a community. We all help when we can- everyone knew how important their games were to the boys, so the community pulled together and made it happen.

I believe these two boys will be lifelong Giants fans. Just a few months ago, they were new members of this community and now I have seen them be great teammates and stand up to bullies. The values taught during Junior Giants are just what they needed to help them integrate into their new surroundings and really feel like they belong. It also gave them friendships that followed them into their new school, so they do not feel like outsiders.

They were so excited to attend the Giants baseball game in September with the tickets provided by Junior Giants. Thank you, Junior Giants! We will join again next year!

As told by their mother, Robyn McGuire

In June, Brennan got very sick and after lab work and a doctor's visit, it was discovered that he had Type 1 Diabetes. He went into DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) and was rushed to the hospital for IVs and insulin.

During his hospital stay, Brennan learned that many professional athletes have T1D and that remaining active in sports is a great way to stay healthy while living with the autoimmune disease.

The day he was released from the hospital, he went to his Junior Giants practice. No one knew what he had just been through and he was brave enough to keep living his normal life even though his life had forever changed. We are grateful to the Junior Giants for providing this outlet for him to stay healthy while doing what he loves.

Daughter- Johana Garcia

I am a proud parent of not one, but two Junior Giants players! My daughter, Johana, is so into watching the San Francisco Giants. When she told me she wanted to join the Junior Giants, it was a beautiful honor for her dad and I. We also love baseball. My husband loves helping out their Triple H team.

Johana at first was shy and so nervous! After a few weeks, she absolutely loved it. She loved practicing and loved playing on Saturdays. Let me tell you - and I know a lot of you parents will agree - when you see your children happy, excited and really enjoying something they love, it feels so good!

I have seen her grow so much since she joined the Junior Giants! She is not as shy anymore and is much more talkative. Most of all, she is so confident in herself that she is accomplishing something she loves and has been wanting to do (play baseball/softball).

I am very excited for my family to be part of this beautiful experience and meet some of the nicest people! It feels so good as parents to see our kids happy and excited about something. I want to give a big shout-out to her coach Heather from Triple H! She's such a cool coach and very kind, she is always making her players feel great with their performance (which I love because they get so confident).