Rio Rancho baseball swaps bats for costumes to collect canned food

Rio Rancho athletes and spectators gathered on Tuesday at the high school baseball field for a tradition that prioritizes fundraising over regulation play. The eighth annual Garrett Gouldsmith Halloween Costume Baseball Game required participants to dress in costume while playing fall ball. This setup allows the team to continue practicing as the season approaches its end before the official start in February 2027.

The event serves a direct financial purpose for the local community. Admission was not cash but a canned food item or other non-perishable donation. All proceeds from the games will go toward helping families in need with food for Thanksgiving. The baseball boosters managed the logistics, using the evening to combine athletic practice with a charitable drive.

The games featured two distinct matchups with specific start times. Ninth and 10th graders played the first game at 4:30 p.m. against an opponent labeled Ghouls vs. Goblins. The 11th and 12th graders took the field at 5:30 p.m. for the second contest. Weather conditions remained favorable, resembling a spring game rather than a late-October evening. Fans heard Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” over the public address system during the events.

Player performance was defined by the constraints of their attire. A pitcher named Monsters. Inc took the mound for both games, acting as the universal starter. Players struggled to adjust to throwing and fielding with costumes draped over them, leading to errors and a high number of balls in play. Despite the difficulty, the teams managed to keep the action moving on the bases. The style of play leaned toward contact, with hitters swinging early and batters avoiding strikeouts.

The defensive setup deviated from standard baseball rules. The outfield contained multiple players dressed as ex-convicts, a configuration that made it difficult for batters to reach the grass. The field had more players than a regulation game would allow, altering the geometry of the defense. Baserunners made head-first plays and triples common as the game evolved into a chaotic display of athleticism and comedy.

Costume creativity ranged from pop culture icons to absurd objects. Batman and Spider-Man appeared on the same field. Elvis and two Hooters girls took part in the lineup. A toilet bowl manned third base while the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles occupied the outfield. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy formed a double-header in the batting order. An emcee provided commentary, delivering one-liners to batters such as a hippie seeking free healthcare and a convict being thrown out because crime does not pay.

The evening extended beyond the two baseball games. Concessions served chips, candy, hot dogs, pizza, and caramel apples. Following the final out, the boosters hosted a Trunk or Treat event. They converted the batting cages into a haunted house for attendees. The next time Rio Rancho baseball takes the field, the focus will shift to serious scrimmages as the team prepares for its 2027 season opener.