Excitement reigns as Hanger opens

By JON MICHAELS and ED HARBOUR
Valley Press Sports Writers

And everyone associated with the Lancaster JetHawks' home opener could feel the excitement in the cool Hangar breeze on Wednesday night.

For first-year Lancaster coach Mark Parent, who had a 21-year professional career with eight different major league clubs, it is a familiar feeling.

"The team's very excited, they were out here early to work out," Parent said. "I'm very excited for me and for the guys to finally get out there. The players have been treated very well out here in the past and it seems like they're being treated well here now. I hope they continue to support the team."

Parent feels the players are eager to reciprocate the feelings.

"I think the players want to show their appreciation to the folks here like every other team I've been on," Parent said. "When you're playing in front of a home crowd it makes a difference and our team is anxious to make these folks want to back them. We have some real characters on the team."

What makes Parent most proud is the fact that the boisterous crowd welcomed in a team that got off to a fast start. The JetHawks returned from a weeklong road trip in which they went 5-1 in Bakersfield and Modesto.

"It's nice to be 5-1, but it will be even better to be 6-1," Parent said. "My big goal is to win the Cal League. It will be nice to do for the people of Lancaster and for the management."

For Kevin Younkin, who is spending his first season as JetHawks general manager, Wednesday was an evening he had penciled on his calendar for ages.

"I'm really excited that the game is finally here," Younkin said. "And it makes it even better when the weather is beautiful like it is tonight. In five Aprils, this is as nice as it gets. Combine the weather with the team starting off 5-1 and our ticket office has been humming.

"There's a lot of excitement around the town and there's a lot of positive talk about the team."

Perhaps the most excited people in the park were returning players Brandon Parker, Peanut Williams, Harvey Hargrove, Neil Longo, Craig Kuzmic, Julio Ayala and Scott Maynard, who have already been welcomed by their JetHawk faithful.

"It's really nice to be back at the Hangar," said Hargrove, who also played in Lancaster during Fall League play for the Stealth. "We're excited to be back, there's a good group of guys here and it will be nice to finally play in front of the home fans.

"We've got a great group of fans and we have a great turnout just about every night. The booster club is great. All us guys that have been here have spread the word and the new guys are excited about playing here."

First pitches

The first pitch came from two prominent members of the community on Wednesday.

Lancaster mayor Frank Roberts, fresh from a re-election rout, was a natural choice for the club to throw one out.

But Antelope Valley Press Editor-In-Chief Dennis Anderson?

Never played organized baseball Dennis Anderson?

"I put all the concentration that I could possibly put into it," Anderson said, "because I am known by reputation as a person who is not a good thrower.

"Basically the idea was for me not to embarrass the family."

That reputation stems from a hand grenade accident early in his military career.

"I almost killed all of my friends with a hand grenade in basic training," Anderson said.

Even with the burden of athleticism, Anderson by no means let the specialness of the moment escape him, especially for someone who does not consider himself a major sports fan.

"I was delighted," Anderson said. "Sometimes people in media get opportunities all kinds of other people might take more joy in.

"You have to treat it with more humility in realizing there is some unfairness in it."

Opener festivities

The JetHawks started the evening by presenting a special group of fans with JetHawks jackets.

The fans were honored because they endured a tough 1999 season but still attended all 70 home games.

National Anthem

The Antelope Valley High marching band was invited to play the national anthem at this year's home opener for the JetHawks.

They did that and entertained fans before the game as they entered the park.

Uploaded April 13, 2000