Debbie Owens, owner of Debbie Lyn's Costumes in Sunnyvale was selected to throw out the first pitch at Sunnyvale's Appreciation Day at the San Jose Giants game.




Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer







Baseball-Sunnyvale Style

Sunnyvale Appreciation Night with the San Jose Giants is a hit

By Gretchen Knaup

Residents of Sunnyvale came from all parts of the city on the evening of Aug. 10 for Sunnyvale Appreciation Night at the San Jose Giants game. The Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce started the tradition six years ago and now distributes 500 tickets all over town.

According to Suzi Blackman, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce, there was a pretty good turnout of Sunnyvale residents. She said that although everyone didn't sit together, people were scattered all around the park.

"It's hard to tell who is from Sunnyvale here because people come from all over," she said.


Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Sunnyvale resident Nicholas Aragon, 7, sings the national anthem before the start of a San Jose Giants game at Municipal Stadium. Aragon has been singing the anthem since he was 3 years old.




Blackman did, however, have a big group of people all enjoying the barbecue before the game.

"We've had some really fun times here," she said. "This is a great place to do this ... It has a great small town feel with lots of history."

In honor of Sunnyvale, the opening ceremonies were centered on accomplished citizens from the city. Seven-year-old Nickolas Montavo of Sunnyvale sang the National Anthem, and Debbie Lyn, of Debbie Lyn's Costumes in Sunnyvale, threw out the first pitch.

"I'm not nervous, I just don't want to make a fool of myself!" Lyn joked while warming up for the pitch.

Lyn was this year's recipient of the businessperson of the year award for Sunnyvale. Not only did Lyn throw out the first pitch of the game, but she also dressed in full costume, sporting a New York Yankee's uniform.


Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Sunnyvale residents Max Torke, 7, and his father, Ken, talk baseball before the start of a San Jose Giants game at Municipal Stadium.




Ken and Terry Torky were among the Sunnyvale residents in the stands. They brought along their son Max, 7, who proceeded to cheer for the Giants and learn about the rules of baseball from his dad.

"He loves coming out here because they have a lot of fun stuff like lucky numbers," said Max's mom, Terry Torky.

Others in attendance included Sunnyvale Vice Mayor Fred Fowler and wife Phyllis, along with members of city government, including Councilman Tim Risch, Yolanda Brown, Robert Walker and Valerie Armento. There were also people there from local Sunnyvale businesses, such as employees of AMD.

Blackman said, overall, the experience was enjoyable.

"Everyone just sits around and has a good time," she said. "It doesn't matter who wins or looses; it's just fun."

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