As Fresno City baseball season begins, the memory of assistant coach lives on
The passing of Fresno City College baseball assistant Sam Flores was once again on the minds of the Rams.
Fresno City began its season Friday against Skyline at John Euless Ballpark. The 2020 season is dedicated to Flores, who died in September from a sudden brain aneurysm at 41 years old.
“We have a ball on the wall with his name and number, which we will meet in front of,” Fresno City coach Ron Scott said. “He will be forever in our hearts.”
To honor Flores, the Rams wore pregame shirts with “Flo 9” written inside a baseball image and “Flo 9” is stitched on the back of the team’s caps..
Rams public address announcer Woody Wilk made opening remarks, and players and fans observed a moment of silence for the former Hoover High coach and Rams assistant.
Former Rams pitcher Alec Gamboa, drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019, threw out the first pitch in honor of Flores.
“He did a lot, not only for this team but for the Valley,” Gamboa said. “It’s that extra chip on your shoulder when you’re playing out there that those nine innings are played for him.”
This story was originally published January 24, 2020 at 9:51 PM.
