Latino Day with the Lugnuts 2016

There have been 5 versions of Latino Day/Night and Cafecito Caliente has been hit with rain three of those years. This year, we were Blessed with the rains coming through but clearing out and only setting us back about 30 minutes. I have to say thank you to all that expressed their gratitude for the days events and entertainment, but deep down, I know we have more that we need to do to make this truly Latino Day. Much thanks to Fantasia Ballet Folklorico and their beautiful display of dancers. Dorotea Rocha and Christina Ferrar Medina did a fabulous job of getting their dancers ready to put on a show for the fans. Tejano Sound Band came through and were actually set up and playing before the rain drops fell. And if you know TSB, they proved why they are one of the best Tejano bands in the Midwest. Amanda Cena showed Lansing what beautiful vocal chords she has in singing the National Anthem and God Bless America and made Cafecito look like a genius for choosing her to sing both songs. The highlight of course was the Latin American Old Timers who were recognized on the field before the game. With the rains, we lost many fans, ticket holders, and of course some of the players who thought the game was canceled. I can only blame lack of communication on my part in making sure that everyone understood, these baseball games are played at all costs. Before the game I joked with a few people that this game really isn’t about us Latinos, its about the team providing good entertainment while making a fair dollar. As the game played out, I could see the game and community in a different light. Although I was heavily thanked for the putting together this event, I was also heavily criticised and rightfully so. The question is always asked, what makes it Latino Day? Although people had no clue that Latino Day was originally scheduled for May 5th, due to an injury, I had to push the date back to late July. We ended up sharing the day with other groups most notably Princess Day of some sort. For Gente that never seems to get recognized especially in Lansing, we deserve better and in 2017 we need to make it better. I understand that Benny Huerta who turns 90 this year and is the last remaining original founder of the Baseball Leagues was very excited and couldn’t wait for Latino Day. Well Benny and the rest of the Old Timers deserve better from me and from the Lugnuts. Here’s my promise that next year, we won’t play second fiddle. Much thanks to those who constructively spoke to me about this issue. As for the injury, I suffered a concussion on October 1, 2015 which put me way behind in the marketing of the game which includes bringing in sponsors. For the third year in a row, Cafecito took a loss as expenses were a little higher this year and an estimated 75-100 folks purchased tickets through the Lugnuts instead of Cafecito Caliente. All in all, I am glad we made it through and can’t wait to show you what I had originally planned for 2016, next year as we move permanetely back to late August. Much thanks to my team of Diane Wodja-Hernandez, Tammy Corina Salazar, Martin Hernandez, Ashley Rosales, Ashly Garcia and Antonella Benavides who helped me get through this year without me at my best mentally or physically. Victor Vasquez did a awesome job at Lansing Brewery giving us an after party that was family oriented. Thanks to all of you for your patience with me. And for all those who came out and supported, although many of you stated 2016 was fun and was a great time, August 2017 will be so much better that you will look back and realize, 2016 had its flaws and I take full responsibility. God Bless and may we all see that Dios, familia y la cultura is what we need to focus on for our community move forward.