Jayce Galvez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza High School for AZPreps365.com

TEMPE – The Marcos de Niza baseball team saw much success in its opening game as it beat the Coronado High School Dons, 45-1, in only three innings. It is 5-1 and looks to build off its early momentum for the rest of the season.

Baseball means a lot to the community, but it especially means something to the players, as they are given the opportunity to play for their school, friends, and family.

“I mean, this neighborhood it's all about baseball,” head coach Matt Courtney said. “You'll see baseball on Sundays. You see it every night. This program is built on baseball in this neighborhood.” 

Alexandra Murillo, the mother of Padres junior pitcher Esteban Murillo, spoke about the importance and impact the game has on her own family. 

"It means a lot. He's been playing, since really T-ball, so he's come really far,” Murillo said. "He plays ball all year long. So, starting here, as a freshman, and playing – going from freshman to varsity team – this is his third year playing for varsity, and it's nice to see the growth of all of the players together and it's kind of sad, because this year's almost over, and he has one year left, so we cherish every game."

Marcos de Niza celebrated the beginning of its 2026 season last Wednesday, with a dominant win, backed by a diverse team culture.

"The community, it brings up everyone as a whole," junior first baseman Gilbert Fuerte said. "Like our team chemistry and situations, what plays. We help one another when we need to be helped."

Opening day isn’t just about winning or losing, but it is a great way for other cultures to be brought together, on and off the field.

“As diverse as our clientele is, it brings populations that aren’t normally together,” Courtney said. “You saw the dug out, they're all, they're all hanging out. They're all having fun. That's what it's about.” 

Baseball brings together the community, it is a tradition that means a lot to the team and the families. 

“Baseball in my family, it's been like, generation [after] generation, because my nino played here, and all of my uncles,” Fuerte said. “So, baseball in my family is very important because it's just been with us like our whole life.” 

Baseball plays a large role in bringing those who are Latino together. Marcos de Niza high school is 57% Latino, and with much dedication to their game, the players are able to make a name for themselves, no matter their ethnicity. 

“I think just as any type of minority, you've seen kids from all over different countries go straight from high school to the MLB," Murillo said. "So you can definitely see within their family, their culture, how much discipline that they have learned, to always be humble and just know that it doesn't really matter where you come from or the color of your skin, that as long as you participate in the hard work, you can get noticed and go far.”