Rio Rancho players in costumes raise funds for local Thanksgiving food drive

Rio Rancho High School baseball players and community members gathered at the school field on Tuesday to play the eighth annual Garrett Gouldsmith Halloween Costume Baseball Game. The event served a dual purpose, offering entertainment for local fans while collecting non-perishable food donations to assist families during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

The schedule featured two games that evening. Ninth and 10th graders faced off in a matchup labeled Ghouls vs. Goblins starting at 4:30 p.m. An hour later, 11th and 12th graders took the field at 5:30 p.m. The weather cooperated, providing conditions that felt more like spring than late October, while festive music, including Michael Jackson's Thriller, played over the public address system between innings.

Players dressed in elaborate costumes for the contests, with characters ranging from Batman and Spider-Man to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Scooby-Doo. A pitcher known as Monsters. Inc. took the mound for both games. The heavy fabric of the costumes made throwing and fielding difficult, leading to a high number of errors and a busy base path, but the teams managed to maintain a lively pace for the spectators.

The games featured an old-school style of play. Hitters swung at first pitches, resulting in no strikeouts and a high volume of triples. Bases were filled frequently, and outfielders, some dressed as ex-convicts, made several plays. The defensive lines included more players than a regulation game would allow, adding to the chaotic and humorous nature of the event.

An emcee provided commentary throughout the night, joking about specific player costumes. Remarks included references to a hippie seeking free healthcare and a convict who was thrown out of base running. The audience responded with laughter to the one-liners and the general spectacle of costumed athletes competing on a professional-style field.

Admission to the games required attendees to donate a canned food item or other non-perishable food. All collected items will be donated to help local families with their Thanksgiving meals. Concessions during the event sold chips, candy, hot dogs, pizza, and caramel apples. Following the final game, the baseball boosters organized a Trunk or Treat activity and converted the batting cages into a haunted house for remaining visitors.

The Halloween game is part of the team's fall schedule. Rio Rancho baseball will continue playing scrimmages in the coming weeks before officially opening its 2027 season in February.