(Contributed by Thelma Torres Cerda and dedicated to the surviving family of Mr. & Mrs. Santos Nieto)

While attending Mc Reynolds in the 60's, Della Archer informed us there was a girls' softball team at Denver Harbor Park and they needed players.

I loved the sport and I got my neighbors, Lorraine Ybarra and Jo Ann Rendon (we lived on Hahlo) to try out for the team. Lorraine was an exceptional batter who could hit the ball, which resulted in a double or a triple. Della Archer was our powerful player and could play any position like a pro. Jo Ann Rendon played first base and our fastest runner. Pam (can't remember her last name) was our second baseman. We had two clean up batters: Joy Segal, who lived on Henke Street played third base and Carmen Sandoval who lived on Hoffman was our catcher. My position was pitcher/left field but I was better at left field.

We did not have uniforms, Nikes, Reebok or any other desiger sport shoes; we just had our PF Flyers and had to run very fast to make a good play.

At that time Mr. and Mrs. Nieto were the park directors and Mr. Nieto was coach of the girls' softball team and Robert Ortiz was our assistant coach. When Mr. Nieto called practice at 4:30, it was at 4:30 sharp; no excuses. He taught us to be punctual and never miss practice or the game because your team depended on you to be there. He was strict and taught us discipline and to always respect the other team.

Mr. Nieto would have us play the younger team for a practice game, which consisted of Sylvia and Cynthia Ortiz as the main players. At that time they were 10 and 11 years old and would beat us every time, without mercy; it was always a slaughter by at least 15 to 20 runs. Sylvia and Cynthia loved the challenge and would tease us, but it was all in fun.

We had no choice but to improve and we eventually did. Every Wednesday night the lights would go on and the game would begin. It was SHOWTIME!! We did not have cheerleaders or concession stands, it was just good old Denver Harbor American softball. We would always have a good crowd show up, as it was cheap entertainment for everyone.

We lost more games than we won, but it was the experience and the good times we had that I remember the most.

I remember Edward, Rudy, Martin Rodriquez, Robert and Tony Ortiz would play basketball and they were all so good. The park was their hangout and they were always there along with Sylvia and Cynthia Ortiz.

We had our Brownie troop meetings at the gym and our Brownie troop leaders were Mrs. Jones, who lived on Shotwell, and Mrs. Mary Salinas, who lived on Hahlo. Every year we would receive our quota to sell Girl Scout cookies and wear our Brownie pin.

I became friends with Beverly Rivera who became an encouraging influence on me with her positive attitude about selling those delicious cookies. One time the park had a talent show; there some of the local boys who played in a band and played the latest rock n roll tunes. Jo Ann Rendon, Liz Luna, Elia Ozuna and I were the Beatles and sang "She Loves You". It was not "Star Search" - just a great place to be since we did not have a local mall to hang out. I always remember how friendly and helpful we all were to each other.

As the years, passed my parents became very good friends with the Nieto's and they would take vacations together. One year they went with us to our family reunion out by Dickinson, Texas. There must have been about 25 adults and we decided to play a game of softball. I was chosen captain for one team, and my cousin Richard the other. I won the toss of the coin and my first choice was Mr. Nieto; he was about 70 years old by that time. My second choice was my husband so you can imagine the looks I got from him for not choosing him first.

Mr. Nieto pitched and struck out quite a few of the younger guys and they kept asking, "Who is that little old man?

I did the batting lineup and Mr. Nieto was my clean-up batter. When he first went to bat all the outfielders came in closer; but when he hit the ball it went way over their heads and again they asked, "Who is that litte old man"?

When the game was over we won by 10 runs and it was great! At the end of the game, all my young cousins went to shake Mr. Nieto's hand and commented on how well he played. When we walked off the field Mr.Nieto gave me the biggest smile and wink, which I still treasure today.

Mr. and Mrs. Nieto played a strong role in Denver Harbor at that time. They made a strong effort to keep the park going and keeping it clean for families and especially the children. They did not tolerate any confrontation or disrespect to anyone who attended. It was a time where children were not abducted, it was a drug free environment, and children could walk the streets at night without feeling scared. They were such an inspiration to all because they gave so much time to the communty. The park was open Monday through Friday and it was full with kids, teenagers and adults.

It was a great place to and be and great time to grow up in such a safe environment. That is why Denver Harbor Park was so special for me. It was truly a golden time for all who went there just to hang out for the day.

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Nieto for all your hard work.