Donations help Pueblo families with youth baseball and softball costs.
By Jessica Skropanic
April 11, 2026
The Pueblo Chieftain
Kids in southern Colorado could see lower costs for youth baseball and softball, thanks to a $5,000 donation from the James S. Kunzman Foundation to the Runyon Sports Complex.
The donation is intended to help cover the rising costs of equipment and participation fees, the foundation announced. Funds will be used to purchase shared gear such as bats, balls, helmets, and catchers’ equipment that multiple players can use over several seasons.
"This support helps us meet a real need for kids and families in Pueblo," said Runyon Sports Complex General Manager Larry Romero in the announcement. "The cost of gear keeps going up, and this kind of donation helps us put equipment in kids’ hands and keep them on the field."
The donation was presented during the "Pack the Park" event at Runyon Field on April 10. Roughly 800 local children participated in a pregame parade before the CSU Pueblo versus New Mexico Highlands game. The event brought together families, coaches, community leaders, and supporters to keep youth sports accessible, the announcement said.
Runyon Sports Complex is a major hub for youth baseball and softball in the region, serving thousands of children each week, according to the announcement. For many families, the cost of participation can reach hundreds of dollars, making community support increasingly important.
"This is about keeping kids able to play today and building something lasting for the community over time," said Samuel Kunzman, president and founder of the James S. Kunzman Foundation, in the announcement. "We want to help cover the cost of the gear and support kids need, but we also want to create experiences and programs that bring families together and strengthen the baseball and softball culture in Pueblo."
Kunzman Foundation plans sports programs expansion.
Runyon Sports Complex and the Kunzman Foundation also said they're planning additional programs, including youth skills camps and community movie nights.
Events are designed to keep children engaged, bring families together, and build a deeper sense of connection around baseball and softball in Pueblo, the foundation said.
Tyler Borzileri, who played baseball with James S. Kunzman Foundation Founder and President Sam Kunzman at Otero Junior College, was instrumental in boosting the foundation’s efforts.
"Pueblo cares deeply about baseball and softball, and Runyon means a lot to this community. This was never meant to be a one-time gesture. It is the beginning of a longer-term commitment to helping kids and families here. It is important to remember where you come from and support the folks who supported you. That is what we are all about," Borzileri said in the announcement.
This story was created by Jessica Skropanic,
Pueblo SB Hall of Fame to Induct RSC General Manager Larry Romero
Chris Abdelmalek
Pueblo Chieftain | May 5, 2024
(Excerpts taken from the story by Chris Abdelmalek)
The Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame will induct its 2024 class later this month. The five newest members of the Pueblo Softball Hall of Fame will be introduced during an on-field presentation at 5:30 p.m. on May 24 at Joe Santos Field at Ray Aguilera Park during festivities kicking off the Annual Joe Santos Memorial Fastpitch Tournament.
Larry Romero, the General Manager of the Runyon Sports Complex, will be inducted along with June "Juna" Duvall, John "JC" Carrillo, Rogers Samuels, and two recipients of the Tony Bobian Memorial High School MVP: Bradie Poteet-Herrera (Pueblo West) and Marisa Gonzales (Pueblo East).
A proud Central High School graduate, Larry Romero was in his early 20s when he began his long, successful coaching career.
After years of playing, Romero retired his glove and turned his focus to coaching. He mentored, fathered, fundraised, supported, and helped create strong young women. Many of his players have moved on to become successful mothers, professionals, and community members. Romero taught his players the importance of family, grit, passion, and a strong work ethic.
During his 17 years as the coach of Central High School girls' softball, he led two teams to the state finals. He also made it to the postseason all 17 years. Among his recognitions are:
- Colorado High School Activities Association’s “Coach of the Year” (three times)
- Colorado High School Activities Association’s “Coach of the Decade.”
- Coached Colorado High School All-State (six times)
- USSSA “Coach of the Year.”
- USSSA Coach (five times)
Romero had the opportunity for one of his USSA teams to play against the Russian national team. The accomplishment he is most proud of is that 92 of his players went on to play at the collegiate level.
