ACE

Oh, Ace of the Diamond, our Ace of the diamond,

From Agua Dulce’s fields they still call out your name.

Through dust, through danger, through the cheers and the game,

You carried your town on a fastball of fame.

Ace of the Diamond was born,

In a land where béisbol lives like a family prayer.

Wherever he went, he was known as the man with the golden arm

And every pitch he threw carried hometown pride through the air.

Perfect games and no-hitters were his trademark;

With Ace on the mound, Agua Dulce feared no town.

His wife recorded every pitch, every opponent’s quirk,

Then came the game which legends renown.

Oh, Ace of the Diamond, our Ace of the diamond,

From Agua Dulce’s fields they still call out your name.

Through dust, through danger, through the cheers and the game,

You carried your town on a fastball of fame.

Mando Martínez, a future Major Leaguer, sought repeat.

Palos Verdes was his town, and baseball scouts knew his name.

The year before, his two-run homer caused Ace’s defeat

Mucho dinero was he offered, but he wouldn’t skip this game.

 Twice Mando hit home runs; yet, the third disappeared in the dust.

For in his haste, he missed a base; his joy turned to dismay.

Come the 9^th, Ace prayed the winds of fate would not be unjust.

But an E-5 gave Mando one final turn that day.

Thirteen pitches—13 tests of courage and of wisdom,

Each one nearly a homer, but barely foul.

In the fading evening light, Ace never lost his rhythm;

Then struck out Mando, who let out a growl.

Oh, Ace of the Diamond, our Ace of the diamond,

From Agua Dulce’s fields they still call out your name.

Through dust, through danger, through the cheers and the game,

You carried your town on a fastball of fame.

Oh, Ace of the Diamond, our Ace of the diamond,

From Agua Dulce’s fields they still call out your name.

Through dust, through danger, through the cheers and the game,

You carried your town on a fastball of fame.