A ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory, was held on April 25th, 2024. The ceremony marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. A rededication ceremony will take place when the new Booty Sanchez field is completed.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Sanchez family, The Friends of Booty, and the Fillmore Unified School District. DJ Danny Ibarra played all of Booty’s favorite songs. The ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.

Fillmore High Principal Keith Derrick was the Master of Ceremonies. Booty’s wife Debbie, and Sanchez family members in attendance were all introduced by Pokey.

Jack Morales provided a moving memorial of Booty, and talked about how The Friends of Booty was formed, and the history of how and why the field was dedicated to Booty’s memory.

Former long-time Flashes head baseball coach Tom Ecklund was unable to attend the event. Current long-time Flashes head baseball coach Matt Suttle spoke about his memories of playing baseball on the field as a player and as a coach.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle spoke about her personal memories of Booty, and shared the school district’s plans for the design and rededication of the new Booty Sanchez field.

Booty’s grand-children (left to right) Erika, Gabriel, and Alexis.

(left to right) Catcher #18 Paul Bennett, Booty’s father Gabe Sanchez, and Booty’s three sons, Reggie, Matthew and Pokey. The photo was taken March 10, 1984.