Nearly five decades later, Ogas Classic remains a tradition

Under a bright June sun at the Field of Dreams Baseball Complex, some of New Mexico’s top graduating baseball players gathered in Las Cruces one final time before moving on to college programs and the next chapter of their lives. 

The 49th annual Bob Ogas All-Star Classic returned June 12-14, bringing together seniors from across the state for a weekend built on competition, community support and a tradition that has become a fixture in New Mexico baseball. Players shared dugouts, exchanged stories, and took the field alongside athletes who had spent most of their high school careers as opponents. 

The event traces its roots back to longtime Mayfield High School coach Bob Ogas. Gil Padilla, who has been involved with the event for decades, said its longevity reflects the support it has received from both the baseball community and the city of Las Cruces. 

“It’s been a staple of an event for all-stars, for graduating high school seniors throughout the state of New Mexico,” Padilla said. “The whole event is to make it a first-class event for the all-stars.” 

Originally known as the North-South All-Star Game, the event later evolved into the Red-Green format before eventually taking Ogas’ name. Padilla said coaches across New Mexico embraced the concept early.  

“I think because of high school coaches throughout the state, they recognize that, and they see it as a very neat event to have the seniors one last hurrah in their high school uniform,” Padilla said. 

For Stephen Solorzano, the classic has always carried a more personal meaning. Solorzano, a former New Mexico State baseball player who recently announced his commitment to the University of Missouri, said Ogas was a longtime family friend whose impact extended far beyond the baseball field. 

“I came to know Coach Ogas because he had been a close friend of my grandpa, and he was an extended part of my family,” Solorzano said. “He loved us as one of his own since I can remember.” 

Ogas also helped turn that personal commitment to players into a statewide event.  

“He created the All-Star Game and then partnered with the Optimist Club to help sponsor the event every year,” Solorzano said. “In the beginning, the members would help house and feed the players.” 

While the classic has changed over time, Solorzano said its purpose has remained largely the same. 

“I think it has remained important today because it has helped showcase the talent coming out of New Mexico and allowed the boys to come together in a first-class event,” he said 

Some of Solorzano’s strongest memories came long before he participated as a player. 

“Some of my favorite memories are watching the game as a young kid and getting to listen to my sister sing the national anthem year after year,” Solorzano said. “But nothing compares to the feeling I had when I got to play in the All-Star game. Since I had been there as a young kid to playing my last high school game there, it was a full-circle moment for not only myself but for my family.” 

The event has evolved significantly since its earliest years. Today, players stay in hotels and meals are organized through community support. On the field, the Red Team swept all three games of this year’s series, winning by scores of 5-1, 14-12 and 4-2. 

Yet for many involved, the weekend represented more than a set of final scores. Padilla said the continued community support has allowed generations of players to experience an event that remains unique within New Mexico high school baseball. 

“Kids are interested in coming here, showcasing their talent, hanging out, and having a great time while they’re playing the game they love,” Padilla said. 

Next year’s 50th edition is expected to serve as the final Bob Ogas All-Star Classic, with organizers planning a celebration that includes former participants from throughout the event’s history. For Solorzano, the milestone reflects something Ogas cared deeply about long before the event reached its golden anniversary. 

“I think he would be most proud that everyone has worked so hard to keep his traditions alive,” Solorzano said. “When I was done playing baseball and settled back in Las Cruces, I promised him I would also become a part of the Optimist Club.” 

As another class of seniors left the Field of Dreams behind, the tradition Ogas started nearly five decades ago continued to connect generations of players, families and volunteers across New Mexico baseball.