A beautiful, warm mid-October day set the perfect stage as nearly 50 volunteer golfers gathered to celebrate the 20th Annual Golf Classic for Coach Gene Tate’s East Palo Alto/Las Vegas T-Ball Pitching Machine. Marking a historic milestone, this was the first year the tournament was held locally, allowing Coach Tate to bring his flagship event home to Silicon Valley at the scenic Shoreline Golf Links in nearby Mountain View, just steps from the Google campus.
Long-standing sponsors and dedicated community members turned out in full force to support this vital cause. For the past 33 years, the East Palo Alto/Las Vegas T-Ball Pitching Machine Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has provided affordable, enrichment-driven sports and academic opportunities for local youth. Under Coach Tate’s leadership, the league has become a true beacon of hope for underserved children, offering a supportive environment that prioritizes citizenship, academic excellence, and cultural history. The program’s profound generational impact is clear: the majority of its graduates have gone on to complete college and build successful professional careers, and many are now enrolling their own children in the league.
On the course, history was made. This year’s tournament winners—Rahsaan Tatum, James Osorio, Daniel Sanchez, and Tobit Rivas—shattered the tournament record by shooting an astonishing 20 under par.
In addition to celebrating the champions, the organization extended a special tribute to long-time sponsors Gary and Wendy Petersmeyer, who have generously supported the program since its very inception. In an economic climate where rising costs present ongoing challenges across the nation, the generosity of all who participated has breathed vital new life into the program, ensuring local children continue to be cared for and uplifted.
Year after year, this tournament thrives thanks to the combined support of professional athletes, entertainers, business leaders, government officials, and everyday community heroes. Together, they maintain the East Palo Alto/Las Vegas T-Ball Pitching Machine as a first-class institution. Serving inner-city youth across two major regions is an immense endeavor—one that is only made possible by the unwavering dedication of a compassionate community. Thank you all for your continued support!
