Fans, Little League players and Osos honored one of the most colorful sports fans to grace the field and the court of not only Raton sports but those in Springer and the surrounding area.
Henry “Sugar Bear” Tapia could often be heard cheering on the players with encouraging words while giving the officials fits for a bad call. Oso Zach Kreegar noted during a short ceremony before the game that Sugar Bear’s passion for the game is what impressed him most.
Sugar Bear will be missed and last night was no exception as the Osos really needed his encouragement as they fell to the Trinidad Triggers 19-5 kind of a revenge game after the Osos tripped up the Triggers 16-4 on Wednesday night. The Triggers posted two 5-run back to back innings in the game as they worked toward their 14 run win.
A lone bat stands at home plate as it awaits the return of its batter, kind of fitting since it was Sugar Bear Memorial Night at Gabriele Field. Sugar Bear was a passionate sports fan, one who touched many lives even those of the Osos players that knew him from last year. Zach Kreegar made note of the passion Sugar Bear had for the sport in remarks during a small memorial ceremony before the game Friday night.
Sugar Bear, front row third from the left, (July 2013) the ultimate sports fan was a part of the Osos and made an impression on all of them during the season. Friday night was Sugar Bear Memorial night at Gabriele Field as they honored this great sports fan in a small ceremony before the game.
Here comes the pitch as the Osos struggle defensively against the Triggers Friday night
Another great play at second base as Andre Oliver makes the tag on Nicholas Bruce
Just inches from home plate comes the tag as Chris Williams slides wide hoping to be missed by Trigger Catcher Nicholas Bruce
2nd Baseman Andre Oliver makes the tag on Sammy Carter well before the base Friday evening
Triggers’ Sammy Carter starts his slide into second base
