When they are adults, a large group of recent high school grads will fondly remember where they played Sunday.

That group wore their high school uniforms for the last time in a couple of All-Star games at a Major League Spring Training facility. The final scores of the 5A and 6A games are unimportant. 

What they'll cherish the most are the memories and friendships the student-athletes created at Goodyear Ballpark and throughout their high school careers. 

Besides Goodyear Ballpark’s top-rated staff, a tip of the cap also goes to the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association for organizing this weekend’s invaluable All-Star moments for the kids. The South All-Stars defeated the North 10-2 in the 5A Conference affair, and the North upended the South 8-5 in the 6A game.

Brophy’s Johnny Casale and Casteele’s Bobby Peirce earned MVP plaques in the 6A and 5A games, respectively.

“It means a lot,” Casale said. “Honestly, the biggest thing for me is being able to represent Brophy’s program. Everything they’ve done for me these past few years, it’s really made me who I am today not only as a player but also as person. I am honestly eternally grateful to not only the program but to coach Josh Garcia and all of the assistants who have done all of this for me.”

Casale struck out three of the four batters he faced, had a two RBI hit, scored a run, and also had a stolen base to end his high school career on a high note.

He’ll suit up for Loyola Marymount next. Besides Casale’s performance, the 6A game also showcased the defensive exploits of both teams.

First basemen Dilan Molina of Tolleson, Gilbert’s Drew Johnson, Mountain Ridge’s Ryland Sand, and Westwood right fielder Luke McInelly each had web gems in the 6A game. The North scored three times in the first inning as well as the sixth to build a 6-1 lead.

Caleb Rosado of Gila Ridge had two opposite field hits and pitched a scoreless half inning for the South.

In the 5A game, the South also led 6-1.

A four-run fourth by the South, when the North committed two errors, was spearheaded by Sunrise Mountain’s Brandon Ornelas, Peirce and Canyon View’s Luke DeWitt’s run producing hits.

“It’s a great way to end a high school career,” said Piearce, who won two titles at Casteel. “I’m excited to move on and play at South Mountain Community College next year and get some more wins.

“As a three-year varsity starter, it was awesome just to be around Casteel. Coach Matt Denny is just an amazing coach, and the vibe that we just have at Casteel is different.”

Casteele’s Bobby Peirce