Mercurys Team of the Decades Missing Teammates

By: Mel Salazar

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

Mel Salazar

Photo Description:

Colton's Mercurys will be inducted into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame. Back row from left: Manager Cheuo Martinez, Dynamite Suchil, Dave Beltran, Paul Arrieta, Willy Rueda, Ernie Abril, Manuel Abril, Ambrose Gonzalez, Pete Lugue; middle row from left: Sal Castorena, Tony Hernandez, Teyo Duarte, Carl Sepulvado, Mike Mercado, Gul Gavcia, and Ralph Martinez; front: Omanny Suchil.

This coming April the Colton Mercury's Baseball Team will be honored and inducted into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame. The team will be called the Mercury's, Team of the Decade. The team started in 1939 when most of them were still in high school. They played until the 70s. The only time the team did not play was during World War II, when most of the players were serving in the military. Right after the war, they came together again, and continued playing for decades. The roster may have changed throughout the years, but they continued to play for the love of the game. Mel Salazar nominated the team for the honor. The Colton Parks and Recreation Commission voted them into the Colton Sports Hall of Fame and are looking forward to the day of the induction which will be announced soon. Salazar is having some trouble finding family members of three players. He has found most of the players families, with the exception of the following three: • Ralph Martinez • Charley Martinez • Dave Beltran If anyone knows where they or their family members are, please contact Salazar as soon as possible. He will need to know the name of the wife and children, and where they currently are. Additionally, Salazar needs to know if the player was in the military and what schools they attended. If anyone has information, please call Salazar at his home number (909) 889-9285. Leave a message and phone number if he is not in.