Pacific Grove honors 12U "50 Fourth" baseball team headed to Cooperstown

The Pacific Grove City Council recognized the local 12U baseball team "50 Fourth" during the March 4 meeting and heard players and coaches describe a summer trip to the Cooperstown national tournament.

Hunter Toap, speaking for the team, said the name honors the World War II 54th Coastal Artillery Regiment, an all‑African‑American heavy artillery unit that was stationed near Point Pinos Lighthouse and other California coastal sites during the war. Toap said the team will tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and plans to return with an effort to install a permanent plaque commemorating the regiment’s local history.

Coach Topol and other coaches thanked the council for the recognition. Councilmembers congratulated the players and suggested fundraising and merchandise options to support travel costs.

Quote: “On a return from Cooperstown, we hope to create a permanent plaque in honor of the 54ths and its unique contribution to Pacific Grove,” Hunter Toap said.