The Rancho Buena Vista Most Inspirational Player Award was created in memory of Eric Tryon. Eric, a former Rancho Buena Vista Little League player who also played at Rancho Buena Vista High School and Oceanside High School, died on May 19, 2003 at the age of 18 from injuries suffered in a traffic accident caused by a drunk driver. Eric played at RBVLL 1993-1997, and was a multiple all-star for the league. He went on to great accomplishments as a high school player, and was respected by teammates and opponents alike.

In honor of his memory, the Eric Tryon Memorial Award for Most Inspirational Player has been established by this league, in cooperation with Eric's parents and friends.  The award is presented annually at the end of the season during closing ceremonies.  Each team nominates one of its players, and the corresponding team manager submits a brief narrative to the league presenting the nominee’s qualifying merits.  The final winner is selected by election among all players in the league in tandem with review of the manager’s narrative to a special committee designated by the Board Of Directors.

The award will recognize these individuals not for baseball skills, but for demonstrating exemplary character, leadership, and attitude during the season. The team nominees and league winner will be announced as part of our Closing Ceremonies at the end of the season, and it is intended that this award will continue for many years to come.

The Eric Tryon Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in June 2003, has helped to establish and support several worthwhile causes in our community, including: 

-- Rancho Buena Vista Little League: Has established the Eric Tryon Memorial Award for Sportsmanship, to be awarded annually at the Major Division level. 

-- Orange County Community Foundation: Provides scholarships for students in need of financial assistance for secondary education. 

-- Grace Chapel/Oceanside: Provides scholarships for annual snowboarding/prayer retreat.

-- Athletes in Action: Provides financial assistance for a variety of student/athlete programs. 

-- Oceanside High School: Established "Pirate Memorial Park" adjacent to varsity baseball field, honoring players and coaches in OHS program who have lost their lives. 

-- North County area baseball: Provides financial assistance on an as-needed basis for players and programs in youth sports throughout North County.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to this worthwhile fund, please make your check payable to Eric Tryon Memorial Scholarship Fund and send to Vista Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 2718, Vista, CA 92085. We will make sure that the funds are delivered to Washington Mutual Bank (acct#092-095588-0).

From the Tryons:
"The Tryon family thanks those who have generously donated in the past. We hope that this account will continue to grow so that more players and programs can benefit in the form of participation and equipment, in the memory of our son, Eric"

Sincerely,
John, Sue, and Joey Tryon