Robert Lopez graced the pages of the Sun about five years ago as an Athlete of the Week.
“Second baseman Robert ‘Speedy’ Lopez may be a Little Leaguer in stature, but the 10-year-old has a genuine Big League heart,” the article said. “While he’s excelled as a two-time Southside League All-Star, the fact that he can take the field at all is no small miracle.
“When he was just 18 months old, doctors discovered Robert had a brain tumor in his frontal lobe. Surgeons were only able to remove part of it during a several-hour operation,” it continued. “Robert’s parents were told their son would be completely paralyzed on his left side due to nerve damage.”
These days, the 15-year-old is still slugging away at the ball with his team, Santa Maria Babe Ruth, which recently made it to regionals. However, now the players need at least $1,000 to pay their way.
“We’re taking 14 boys,” said Gloria Ramos Lopez, Robert’s mother.
She said the team has held a couple of fundraisers, including a car wash, but its members are still in need more money by Aug. 2, when they leave for the tournament.
To make a donation to Santa Maria Babe Ruth, call Lopez at 264-2997.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via mail, email, or fax.
This article appears in Jul 31 – Aug 7, 2014.