The Ceres Youth Baseball Organization hosted the First Annual Toys for Tots Tournament, Nov. 2-3, at the George Costa Complex.

CYB didn’t charge a tourney fee.

Each coach and player donated one toy instead to participate.

“We collected 170 toys,” tournament director Jorge Guerrero said. “It’s very satisfying especially when you’re teaching the boys about it (the importance of giving back). It was eye-opening for some of the kids.” 

Stanislaus County Toys for Tots Coordinator Ray Bael picked up a stockpile of goodies from the Costa Complex on Nov. 2.

“It’s always a good feeling to give back to the community,” Ceres Blaze 11-year-old travel baseball team head coach Gerardo Hernandez said. “That’s pretty special. A lot of people put a lot of time into this tournament.”

“I thought it was a great idea,” Ceres Blaze 16s head coach Antone Lopez stated. “I wish we had more teams there.”

“As long as I’m here, I’m going to try to do it every year,” Guerrero added. “I wanted to do it (hold the tournament) last year but couldn’t because I had to work in Alabama for a month.” 

The Toys for Tots Tournament featured a total of 12 teams, including five in the 18-and-under division, four in the 12s and three in the 10s.

The Ceres Blaze 16s claimed the 18-and-under crown.

The Blaze edged the Ceres-based CC Rockers 2-1 for the championship.

The Ceres Blaze 11s won the 12-and-under division title.

The Blaze topped Riverbank United 5-1 in the finals.

The Ceres Sandlot captured the 10-and-under crown with a 7-4 win over the Ceres Blaze 9s.