CONCORD, CA (July 13, 2025) — With the sound of the Blue Devils rehearsing in the background, Jr. Giants Commissioner Ana Villalobos calmly directs a group of volunteers who will help with a practice soon to follow at the JOBL Fields in North Concord.

Some 420 kids in Concord and another 600 from Antioch take part in a mini-summer camp sponsored by the San Francisco Giants Community Fund. The club, at no cost to families, provides free gloves, uniforms, hats and study materials for each child.

During summer vacation, two days of 90-minute practices precede a non-competitive game each Saturday. Kids of all levels of talent and experience are welcome. Jr. Giants may be the only opportunity for many to enjoy the little league experience.

Kids aged 5 and 6 play T-ball. Then come minors for the 7 to 10 year olds. Those up to age 14 are in the major classification.

To ensure participation, every player gets a turn at bat at each event. They never keep score during games.

Those with special needs are especially embraced. “Each child is always wanted, always needed and always loved,” said Villalobos, who works as a senior health specialist with Contra Costa County. “Teaching compassion for others is what the Jr. Giants are all about.”

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Joining the ranks of past greats Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Buster Posey, Villalobos was inducted into the Giants Hall of Fame in 2019.

The group trains 125 adults and older teenagers who have graduated from past years to assist in administering the local program. “We want to make sure every kid will receive needed attention,” Villalobos explained.

The prospect of playing America’s Pastime draws in the kids. However, the real purpose behind Jr. Giants is teaching life skills that go well beyond what transpires on the baseball diamond.

Each practice consists of a discussion on different topics, such as education, bullying, building confidence, teamwork and leadership. The kids receive a new baseball card with a different Giants player every week emphasizing these skills.

Kids are encouraged to read about these subjects for several hours every week, with prizes for meeting goals – including free tickets for Giants games in San Francisco.

Chrissy Camilleri, senior coordinator/communications for the Giants Community Fund, is proud of what her organization accomplished over the last 14 years serving almost half a million children.

“We want to build character and, hopefully, lifelong Giants fans.”

Rich Eber

richeber9@gmail.com

Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord.  His diverse topics covered go from politics to gourmet food.  He can be reached at richeber9@gmail.com