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Antique car show benefits Bears baseball

This story is by Linda Lange of Portola Valley, whose son Nick Lange is on the team.

What do antique cars and the defeat of powerhouse St Francis in the first round of the 2010 baseball CCS playoffs have in common? Answer: the Menlo-Atherton Bears, otherwise known as those amazing underdogs.

With a cadre of returning seniors, an influx of talented juniors, and the steady hand of Coach Mike Amoroso, they have one thought in mind: repeat their success both on the field and in the world of antique car shows. They took the field for the new season March 23 and will hold a fundraising antique car show at M-A on April 16.

Unlike other teams who wash cars or sell chocolate, the Bears host the America's Pastime Car Show, where even those who regard cars as transportation can get a glimpse of a world of artistry and history through the guys and gals who share both their cars and their stories of Americana.

The Bears provide a barbecue, auction, and even some vintage "Bear-aphernalia" to raise funds to support their program.

This year also brings new bats, the BBCore, to protect players from the high velocity of aluminum bats that challenge both the budget and the hitters.

The JV is boasting a new coach, Joe Sparaco, and a wealth of young faces to groom for future stardom.

You are all invited to Bettencourt field during March and April to witness Bears baseball and to the Car Show on April 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the performing arts center at Menlo Atherton High, 555 Middlefield Road in Atherton.