Join The Club This is a special tribute to one of our founding fathers Manny Ferrer |
| Welcome To The Home Of The San Fernando Braves |
Established in 1972
Established in 1972
2009 Homecoming at SFHS was a huge success! The Board would like to thank you for coming out and showing your support.
Jr. Clinic: Sr. Clinic: Gremlin: Tiny Mite: Mity Mite: Pee Wee: Queen / King Midget: |
Competitive League! Reasonably Priced! Friendly Atmosphere! Family Values! Cheer Leading! Valley Youth Conference Activities |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| GO BRAVES! |
| GO BRAVES! |
A Founding Hero Among Braves October 20, 1930 - July 20, 2010 It is with our deepest sympathy that we inform you of the passing of one of the Braves founding fathers and member of the Braves family. Coach Manuel (Manny) Ferrer passed away on July 20, 2010. Coach Manny will be sorely missed as he touched so many of our lives, he will live within our hearts forever. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Services were held on Monday July 26,2010 at Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch, CA. In lieu of flowers the family had asked that a donation be made in his name to: Shepherd of the Hills 19700 Rinaldi St. Porter Ranch, CA 91326 “c/o New Building Fund” Our special tribute to coach Manny. If you would like to memorialize our beloved founder and coach, you can send a short e-mail to the Braves website listed below. |
| Coach Manuel (Manny) Ferrer Co-Founder of the San Fernando Braves In 1971 Manuel was asked by co-founder Gilbert Gomez to help him start up a Pop Warner football team to join in the Valley Youth Conference in representing the City of San Fernando. Gilbert knew Manny enjoyed helping and mentoring kids and Manuel was previously known for founding the SIBL baseball program in Sylmar. There he had gotten the teams started and had even built the back stops as well as the snack bar at SIBL. His sons Bobby and John were on one of his first teams. In the beginning of the Braves Manuel attended all of the Valley Youth Conference Meetings and gathered information about costs, rules & regulations and insurance, while Gilbert raised money by holding dances and requesting donations from various San Fernando businesses and organizations such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club, Valley Latin Knights and the American Legion. 1972 was the first year of the Braves, they raised $4,000 to support 1 team of 9-11 year olds (Tiny Mites). Manuel was fortunate to coach his son Kenny on this first Braves team. Simultaneously, Manuel’s sister-in-law Lydia Ferrer began the Braves cheerleading squad. Despite the fact that rival teams predicted failure within the first year, due to lack of community support for an all Mexican-American team, the following year in 1973 they went on to raise over $10,000 to support 3 teams, hence establishing the path of success for the Braves organization for generations to come. Manny went on to win many championships and become a renowned coach in the Valley Youth Conference and in 2007 he went on to be inducted into the Conference’s Hall of Fame. Manuel was resourceful as well as a great diplomat, he had the ability to establish relationships that allowed him to tap into resources to benefit the youth in the Braves program. For example, during the first year when the team had no money, he got trophies donated to them. He secured a fireworks stand by sleeping in it overnight to raise money, and when Manny got his employer, Thriftimart Markets, to allow the Braves to have their own fireworks stand in the parking lot, he talked the store electricians into wiring the stand for electricity. By helping establish this football program, Manuel was a mentor and provided a safe haven for the youth of San Fernando to gain self-esteem, build relationships and set their lives in a more positive direction. Bio Manuel was born to Felipe and Tranquilina Ferrer on October 20, 1930 in San Fernando, Ca. Manuel was the “character” of the family and was known for always making his family laugh. He attended and graduated from San Fernando Elementary, San Fernando Jr. High, and San Fernando High School. His love for sports flourished during his school years playing baseball and football, acquiring the nickname “Mousey” due to his small, but very nimble stature. Family life Manuel married Consuelo Lugo and raised 4 wonderful children, Robert, Johnny, Christine and Kenny, residing in Sylmar, Ca. Barbara King, Paulette Sanchez, and Wanda Dorian made them proud grandparents of 9 grandchildren: Lisa, Renee, Justin, Shawn, Kearstyn, Brittany, Blake, Kaitlyn and Tabetha. He and Consuelo were also blessed with two great grandchildren, Maya and Liam. Nothing was more important to Manuel than his family, and his pride, love and support for his children, grand children and great grandchildren, was demonstrated to them their entire lives. Coach we dedicate this 2010 season to you, we miss you dearly and will miss seeing you at our practice facilities and on Saturday game days. Rest in God's Kingdom. Go Braves! Message Tribute To Coach Manny: Just saw that Manny Ferrer passed. Just wanted to drop a note of condolences. I played for Gilbert Gomez in 1975-76 and 77 before moving to Simi Valley and Playing for the Simi Valley Vikings where my kids now play and where I coach. I look back on those days as some of the best in my life and still teach a lot of the same lessons I learned there to my kids and the kids I coach. My last name at the time was Mendershausen. If you are still in contact with any of the following please tell them I said hello and I think of them fondly. Gilbert Gomez, Louie Martinez, Fred Martinez (Jack Meyers – team mate), and Tony Silva. Sincerely, Michael Hansen (Mendershausen) #10 |
