Baseball fans rejoice Visalia Rawhide home opener

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Visalia is celebrating 70 years of baseball, and on Thursday fans filled Recreation Stadium for the Rawhide's home opener.

At recreation park in Visalia, there is a long history of baseball and a lot of love for the game.

"Rawhide are good, we're ready, ready for the excitement," resident Matt Weger exclaimed.

The fans showed up for the home opener just like they have every year for the past seven decades.

Stanley Simpson remembers the old days.

"I ran around the park when I was 7, 8, 9, 10-years-old," he said.

Simpson liked it so much he bought the ball club in the late 70s and owned it through 1989.

"I keep saying it, but we're blessed to have this ballpark," he said.

Irene Burtlow agrees. She's been a fan for 17 years, and she has her seat and she's been keeping score at almost every home game.

"Two missed two days," she said.

Usher Mary Serrato's record is just as good.

"I can tell you what sections," Serrato said. "Probably even with my back turned."

As one of the longest working employees, she has 18 seasons with the park.

"Baseball, the love of baseball and the fans and the team," she said.

Mary hopes to have a seat one day next to Irene but, for now, she's happy where she's at celebrating 70 years of the game in a town where America's past time has a place in the hearts of many.