This was, after all, the 13-year-old's first, last and only chance to take his cuts in a competitive baseball game this year. He stepped into the batter's box and glared at the pitching machine, waiting for its 50-mph offering.
The crowd waited, too.
If not for an overhanging tree branch encroaching the third baseline, Naranjo would have sent four pitches into the parking lot at Morgan Hill's Saint Catherine Parish. The seventh grader from Martin Murphy Middle School peppered the limb with moonshot after moonshot out of play, drawing a score of "oos" and "ahs" from the audience with each swing.
"I love to hit," Naranjo said afterward. "I always swing hard."
Naranjo settled for a two-run single but didn't complain. Saturday wasn't the day for it. Naranjo was one of several hundred kids to take the field last weekend, enjoying America's past time for free through the Junior Giants baseball league - a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving "at-risk" youths a chance to enjoy the game while building confidence, leadership, teamwork and integrity. The league provides everything but the players, including gloves, catcher's gear, bases, bats, helmets and uniforms.
Now in its third year in Morgan Hill, Junior Giants baseball has already become a summer calendar-filler for kids ages 5-18.
"The first year it was here, we were advertising to get kids to come out," said Elizabeth Gonzalez, who helps organize Morgan Hill's league. "This year, there was a waiting list. There have been so many kids coming out."
The organization has taken notice. Last fall, Gonzalez was honored with the Junior Giants' Willie Mac Award, a prestigious accolade presented to players, coaches and organizers for outstanding contribution.
Morgan Hill had six teams this year, based on age and experience. There were at least 15 kids on each roster.
"They take it very seriously," said Teresa Panuco, another organizer. "The teams have practices twice a week and just about every kid comes out. The parents are even asking for more - more practice and more games!"
With the exception of the high school levels, all games are nonscored with unlimited outs per inning. That doesn't take anything away from the experience, though.
"It's still to be out here every summer and just playing ball," Naranjo added.
Many kids who come out for Junior Giants would prefer to play Morgan Hill Pony Baseball but lack the financial support. According to the league, more than 9,000 Junior Giants participants come from low-income households.
"This is a great opportunity for them," Panuco said of the players. "It's letting them be a part of a team and stay off the streets."
The league isn't just fun for the kids. Each game draws a sizable crowd and guarantees a fair share of long balls and web gems, especially from the older players.
Saturday's slate ended with a spectacle of soon-to-be varsity talent. Juan Calderon, an incoming sophomore at Sobrato High School showed off his pitching repertoire for the home team, while Manuel Arina and Miguel Castro of the visiting team tantalized the crowd with their base stealing.
"I look forward to doing this every summer," said Calderon, who hopes to play for Sobrato next spring. "I'm not throwing that hard. We'll see what they can do against me."
It was a good-humored brag, but Calderon found himself in trouble in the fourth inning after walking the bases loaded. From third base, Castro baited him with a big leadoff.
"Steal home!" someone yelled, and then: "What are you waiting for?"
"I'll steal when I'm ready," Castro responded.
Calderon smiled at him then tossed a wild pitch, forcing a close play at the plate which ended with Castro sliding under Calderon's tag. The crowd greeted Castro with a large ovation, as if to say 'I told him to do that.'
"Everyone out here is a coach sometimes," Gonzalez said with a smile.
Scott J. Adams Scott J. Adams covers Morgan Hill sports for South Valley Newspapers. Send him an email or call him at 779-4106.
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Local police compete in sharpshooting, obstacle competition