By Willie Theis
Carlos Baeza continued a recurring theme in Mesquite bowling this season of young bowlers reaching the coveted 600 series mark for the first time.

Carlos Baeza

And he’s been tantalizingly close multiple times before, including his latest, a 593, only to have a determined effort derailed by a nasty split or untimely open frame.
And after beginning league play with games of 222 and 179, he knew a 199 final game would seal the deal for a 600 on the nose. And after beginning his third game with a double, followed by two spares and a turkey, his determined effort in reaching the 600 mark was looking good.
That is, until it turned into a nail-biter and began looking iffy after opens in the 8th and 9th frames for a score of 182 after the 9th, meaning, without a clutch spare or strike in the 10th his determined pursuit of a 600 would have to wait until the 2023-24 season.
However, seemingly unfazed by the added pressure, he delivered a clutch spare and strike in the 10th for a 202 game paving the way for his first-ever 600 series, a 603. And it should be noted, the first person he contacted about his milestone bowling achievement was Jamie “Jimmy” Ruvalcaba who he credits for getting him to take up the sport of bowling.
Away from bowling he really enjoys playing golf, does some fishing, but most of all loves spending time with his two children and fiance, Shayla.
And he’s also an avid fan of soccer and watching his favorite team, the Chivas de Guadalajara team from the Mexican Soccer League, and his favorite soccer player is Cristiano Ronaldo, the outstanding Portuguese player. He’s also a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
On his bucket list down the road is a trip to Europe, along with travel to Egypt to see the ancient pyramids in the Valley of the Kings.
An alumnus of Virgin Valley High School, Baeza was born in Mexico, and moved to the United States 24 years ago, when his parents, in search of a better life and opportunities for Carlos and his sister moved the family to the United States.
And Mesquite has been the beneficiary ever since, as Baeza is an outstanding young man with all the intangible qualities you wanna see in a human being, and who, like his parents before him, will make whatever sacrifices it takes to help his two children have the opportunity to achieve the best life possible.
Shifting gears here, in other pin action from the final night of the 2022-23 season for the Gamblers 4 Aces League, Kelly Williamson delivered another strong effort with a 636 series including a 250 game, and Harold Hendrick’s 576 cemented his season’s final 187 average.
Also, Josue Mendoza (574-217) merits major kudos for his success in a breakout season that included his first 600 series and lots of 200-plus games, and the same goes for Angel Hernandez (547-225)
Doug Heiden tossed a nice 541 series on games of 189, 181 and 171, Randy Kezior chucked a 223,and his wife, Nannette (506-181) ended the season with a solid outing, while Logan Hendrick and his two-handed delivery logged a 218 game. And Anita Sorensen received a 175 Local Association Award for a 176 game. She’s a tremendous horseshoe player who in tournaments in Utah throws ringers on approximately 48% of her throws.
Finally, yes, the clock’s run out on the 2022-23 season, but this column will continue for four more weeks providing insight and results about both team and individual achievements, including the teams who emerged as league champions.