Stepping up to the Plate: Firecracker Classic Supports Aspen Acres Fire Victims

Sometimes, the biggest victories don’t happen on the baseball field.

The Ark Valley Stars pose after winning the 14u Division Championship in Fowler this past weekend

Over the Fourth of July weekend, the Firecracker Classic baseball tournament in Fowler, Colorado, became much more than a youth baseball tournament. It became an opportunity for the Southern Colorado Baseball community to rally behind families affected by the devastating Aspen Acres Fire.

The idea was sparked by longtime baseball umpire and coach Tom Grasmick, whose roots in Arkansas Valley baseball span nearly a lifetime. Grasmick has spent 30 years umpiring while also coaching for 10 years at Swink, Rancho Solano in Scottsdale, Dolores Huerta Prep, and now Granada.

Wanting to use baseball as a way to give back, Grasmick brought the idea to several community leaders who immediately stepped up to make it a reality.

Among those instrumental in organizing the fundraiser were John and Liz Ayers, Brandon and Lacy McCquistion, and Fowler High School Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Mark Lowther.

Eight teams competed over the holiday weekend, with four teams battling in both the 12u and 14u divisions. The Ark Valley Stars captured the 14u championship, while Bomb Squad claimed the 12u title, but the true victory of the weekend extended far beyond the final scores. 

Through tournament entry fees, generous donations from parents and fans, and proceeds from the concession stand run by Hoss and Yvonne Froman on behalf of the Fowler Athletic Association, funds were raised to support those impacted by the wildfire.

The proceeds will be divided between Three Sisters Grill in Colorado City, which has generously provided meals to first responders at no cost throughout the fire, and Grand View Church in Beulah, which will use the donations to purchase gift cards for families who have been displaced from their homes.

While championships are often measured by trophies and medals, the Firecracker Classic served as a reminder that the greatest victories are sometimes measured by compassion.

In a time when neighbors needed help the most, the baseball community did what it has always done best–it stepped up to the plate.