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Local softball league brings community and family together

Walkers softball team players Fernando Rangel and Edson “Panda” Landa take a moment to chat during Sunday’s game at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. The Walkers are part of the city of Montebello’s co-ed softball league, which provides recreation and social opportunities for residents. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Walkers softball team players Fernando Rangel and Edson “Panda” Landa take a moment to chat during Sunday’s game at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. The Walkers are part of the city of Montebello’s co-ed softball league, which provides recreation and social opportunities for residents. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Emily Cam and Albert Guzman of the Walkers softball team talk about how to improve her swing Feb. 20 at Montebello City Park. After their 9-to-5 jobs, they come to the softball field every Friday to play with friends and family and release the pressures of everyday life. Guzman works as an electrician and said he uses softball as one way to keep active while having fun and creating memories. “After the COVID-19 shutdown, I couldn’t see most of my family and this just created time for us in the week to have that time and create a fun space to enjoy ourselves and have a fun competition within the community,” he said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Emily Cam and Albert Guzman of the Walkers softball team talk about how to improve her swing Feb. 20 at Montebello City Park. After their 9-to-5 jobs, they come to the softball field every Friday to play with friends and family and release the pressures of everyday life. Guzman works as an electrician and said he uses softball as one way to keep active while having fun and creating memories. “After the COVID-19 shutdown, I couldn’t see most of my family and this just created time for us in the week to have that time and create a fun space to enjoy ourselves and have a fun competition within the community,” he said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Second baseman Edson “Panda” Landa fields a ground ball and throws to first base for the first out of the inning Sunday at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. Landa, who works as a carpenter in Lancaster, is in his fourth season on the team. He is called “Panda” after the song by the rapper Desiigner. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Second baseman Edson “Panda” Landa fields a ground ball and throws to first base for the first out of the inning Sunday at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. Landa, who works as a carpenter in Lancaster, is in his fourth season on the team. He is called “Panda” after the song by the rapper Desiigner. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Friends Fernando Amaya Jr. and Trina Palter of the Walkers congratulate each other after a play March 13 at Montebello City Park. “This team is important to me because we are like a big family, we all hang out after the game and even go on family vacations with each other,” Amaya said. “After a tough day working as a behavior technician for kids, this is a part of my escape in a digital era and the same for many others on this team. I get to play with my father and sister, it gives us a chance to bring back some old memories while creating new ones and continuing the traditions.” / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Friends Fernando Amaya Jr. and Trina Palter of the Walkers congratulate each other after a play March 13 at Montebello City Park. “This team is important to me because we are like a big family, we all hang out after the game and even go on family vacations with each other,” Amaya said. “After a tough day working as a behavior technician for kids, this is a part of my escape in a digital era and the same for many others on this team. I get to play with my father and sister, it gives us a chance to bring back some old memories while creating new ones and continuing the traditions.” / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Walkers softball team players Fernando Amaya Sr., Salvador Ramirez, and JJ McCabe strategize how to come from behind in their game Sunday at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. The Walkers came back and won, 11-5. Ramirez is a director at Sierra School of Alhambra where he works with students with special behavioral needs. He is also manager of the Walkers and has run the team for over 10 years. “This team started as a way for friends, family, or whoever wants to join an opportunity to have a fun time and give a chance for people on any level of skills or knowledge of softball to just relax and meet new people or lifelong friends,” he said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Walkers softball team players Fernando Amaya Sr., Salvador Ramirez, and JJ McCabe strategize how to come from behind in their game Sunday at Pico Park in Pico Rivera. The Walkers came back and won, 11-5. Ramirez is a director at Sierra School of Alhambra where he works with students with special behavioral needs. He is also manager of the Walkers and has run the team for over 10 years. “This team started as a way for friends, family, or whoever wants to join an opportunity to have a fun time and give a chance for people on any level of skills or knowledge of softball to just relax and meet new people or lifelong friends,” he said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Infielder Stephanie Chuc of the Walkers softball team catches the ball coming from third baseman Fernando Amaya Jr. at Montebello City Park on Feb. 20. Chuc played softball in high school and now works as a court clerk in Downey. “This team and league has given me an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy being around friends, and play a sport I grew to love more,” she said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Infielder Stephanie Chuc of the Walkers softball team catches the ball coming from third baseman Fernando Amaya Jr. at Montebello City Park on Feb. 20. Chuc played softball in high school and now works as a court clerk in Downey. “This team and league has given me an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy being around friends, and play a sport I grew to love more,” she said. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
The Walkers and Liquid Legends softball teams walk through the handshake line after their game Feb. 20 at Montebello City Park. After games, it's customary for both teams to give handshakes, high fives, or fist bumps to show a sign of respect and sportsmanship. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
The Walkers and Liquid Legends softball teams walk through the handshake line after their game Feb. 20 at Montebello City Park. After games, it’s customary for both teams to give handshakes, high fives, or fist bumps to show a sign of respect and sportsmanship. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Community league softball players use bright yellow balls for visibility after dark. “Sometimes all you can see at night is the neon glow of the softball that reflects off the blaring lights,” said player Fernando Amaya Jr. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
Community league softball players use bright yellow balls for visibility after dark. “Sometimes all you can see at night is the neon glow of the softball that reflects off the blaring lights,” said player Fernando Amaya Jr. / photo by Stephanie Amaya
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Stephanie Amaya is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. She has previously served as a staff writer.

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