Yakima Sports Programs - Parker Youth & Sports Foundation

Welcome!

The 12th annual fundraiser, Sports Legends Reunion and High Hopes Tournament, will be held June 9th and 10th.

The 11th Sports Legends Reunion was hosted at the Howard Johnson Plaza of Yakima on E. Yakima and 9^th Street, returning for a third time. The night featured Honored Guest, Pete Orgill, who was recognized post-humously. He was represented with over 20 family and friends in attendance. Short news clips gave the audience an insight into Pete's commitment to the Davis High School health program, baseball program and educating the valley preparedness on the Breathe of Life. Son Peter and daughter Katie shared moments of life with dad and mom.

Lane Phillips served as the High Hopes Tournament Honorary Chairman. Lane continues to recover from a spinal injury and made the trip from Lewiston at great discomfort. Lane's daughter Dr. Chani Phillips produced a fantastic DVD that touched on Lane's life. Lane treated the audience with a few minutes of remarks.

Other Sports Legends Reunion highlights and presentations included:

Swede Lindquist Memorial Grant recipient Brady Lamb, Yakima Valley Umpires Association;
Joe Donahue Memorial Scholarship recipient Vivecca Campbell
Faller Brayton Endowment Coaches Award recipient Tanner Parker;
Contributor of the Year Sherrie Parker;
Introduction of Mary Lindquist Herche, founder and financial supporter of the Swede Lindquist Memorial Grant; and
Mel and Mel Stottlemyre Jr. provided autographed baseballs [Edgar Martinez, Robertson, Nelson Cruz, Taijuan Walker, Felix Hernandez and Harlond Clift (Mystery Ball)].

The High Hopes Tournament featured 27 team field distributed into 3 flights: Orgill; Phillips; and Parker.

Goals

Provide, preserve and support parks, public sports and recreation facilities and youth sports programs.
Preserve the legacies of Shirley D. Parker and Rose B. Larson in safeguarding Parker Field and Larson Park for the parks and recreation purposes intended by those donors
Award scholarships to Yakima Valley Community College student-athletes and grants to individuals and organizations contributing to the best interests of YVCC athletic facilities and programs.
Promote the history and heritage of sports in the greater Yakima area.
Provide education on the lifelong value of sports and physical activity and the need for parks and recreation facilities to encourage and enhance these activities

"High Hopes" is an original creation by award-winning Yakima artist Don Crook. Commissioned by the Foundation to create a scene representing our mission, Don used old photographs of the original Parker Field and his own memories in his depiction of the grandstands, press box and lights while incorporating youth and their dreams to further convey the purpose of the Foundation. An alumnus of Yakima High School and Yakima Junior College, he played football and baseball in the original Parker Field.