Talon Marks Online Sports

Before starting its game against Mt. San Antonio College on Feb. 21, the Cerritos College women’s softball team and fans bowed their heads in a moment of silence to mourn the loss of their former Falcon fan.

Known to the team as Grandpa Ray Gonzalez, he passed away several days before the game at the age of 76.

Outfielder Sacheen Contereras said, “He had an accident at an away game three Fridays ago when he was walking to the field and he just never came out of it.”

Contreras is currently a sophomore on the team and had known Gonzalez for a couple of years while playing.

She added, “He came out because this was his favorite past time.

“He looked forward to this every morning. He would get everything done before we would come out to play. It was not just a sport. He cared for us as individuals.”

After the Pledge of Allegiance and the moment of silence, Gonzalez’s oldest son threw the first pitch as a small tribute to his father.

The team then went up to Gonzalez’s son and gave a group embrace.

Outfielder Maiya Tallakson said, “He was always happy to be on the field. When you look at him, he always had great smile on his face.

“He kept his own stats, he rode the bus with us and it made his day just to come out and watch us play. That was the happiest part of his day.”

Tallakson, also a sophomore, knew Gonzalez for a couple of years from being on the team.

She continued, “Everyone loved and adored him so much. He was so supportive to the whole team and he didn’t miss anything.

“He called us all his granddaughters, just like one of our coaches.”

Gonzalez was the actual grandfather of one of the assistant coaches for the Falcons’ softball team.

“He was a huge part of our softball family.”

In honor of its love for Gonzalez, the team made wristbands in memory of him and the players also left flowers on his seat that he was always known to sit at during the softball games.

Tallakson said, “He was at every game, home or away. He was one of the faces we new was always going to be there.”

The Falcons won their game against Mt. SAC and dedicated their win to Gonzalez.

Tallakson said, “Everyone misses Grandpa Ray and it’s heart breaking because he was the number one fan of the women’s softball team.

“Now he will no longer be attending any more games, but the ladies will always remember and love him dearly”.

The women were happy that they were able to honor Gonzalez and win their game at the same time.

Contereras said, “It’s amazing how consistent Grandpa Ray was.

“Just him doing what he loved the most made him a major factor in these young women’s lives.

“Even though he is not in the stands, he will always be remembered by his team the Cerritos Falcons.”