Santa Fe’s Joey Peralta: A player for all seasons

Joey Peralta, a three-year two way player, chose baseball his senior year but played the final basketball game to cap his senior year. (Photos by Keith Durflinger)

SANTA FE SPRINGS – Joey Peralta had a tough decision to make.

Peralta, a recent graduate of Santa Fe High School and two-sport athlete, lost his junior season of baseball like every other athlete in the country and was about to lose his senior season of basketball.

The tough decision came about when the usual three-sport season of Fall, Winter and Spring were condensed into two seasons by the CIF-Southern Section.

Basketball and baseball are competed in the Winter and Spring, respectively, in normal years.

As we all know, 2020 and ‘21 were and are anything but normal.

Basketball was pushed all the way back to a March start-up in the second season, along with baseball.

Herein was the decision for, no doubt, hundreds of athletes – try both sports at the same time, or choose one.

For seniors, that was a tough decision since it was their last year of high school action.

Peralta, who had thoughts in the Fall of trying both sports concurrently, choose baseball.

In fact, Peralta was briefly thinking of the phrase, “Bo Knows,” which was well known in late 1989-90.

Bo Jackson, who played both professional football for the Raiders and baseball for the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox, had his own Nike commercial, “Bo Knows.”

It could have been an interesting concept – “Joe Knows.”

However, his two-sport attempt in the same season never materialized as he decided to concentrate on baseball under coach Pierre Romo.

Peralta will continue his baseball at the next level, as he will attend Mt. SAC in Walnut and play for coach John Knott.

He also had interest from Cal State Northridge, Cal St. Dominguez Hills and San Francisco State.

Santa Fe Basketball coach Leonard Romero, who was without Peralta this season, was elated to get a text from Peralta saying he wanted to play in the last game of the season.

Peralta, who had straight A’s in his senior year, was even introduced as Joey, “Joe Knows”, Peralta in the game.

“How many weeks have we been now,” said Romero, on the final night of the season. “Let’s say 15 weeks waiting for him. It didn’t matter from game one or the last one, which we are here today.

“I am so proud of who the young man that he’s become. I’ve supported his baseball throughout the four years, because I knew that was his love to play. I knew that the basketball part was the fun part, but I can still say that he did love basketball.”

In addition, the last game was senior night for the basketball team.

“To see what I’m getting tonight, this is what it’s going to be all about,” added Romero, just before tipoff. “Oh, he’s starting.

“Tonight’s special. They (team) were totally excited when he showed up to practice yesterday (day before the game). They know what he’s about and what he’s meant for this program the last four years. At practice it was just an awesome feeling.

“Not just myself, but other coaches are excited for him.”

It had been over a year since Peralta had played in a basketball game and he was excited to get one last opportunity to play.

“Coach Romero is always welcoming and I just texted him and asked if I could play in their last game,” said Peralta, just prior to the game. “I didn’t have a game for baseball and it evened out perfectly. I’m excited and it feels good to put this uniform back on and play a game like old times. I can’t wait.”

Peralta’s text to Romo:

Peralta: “Hey coach, since we don’t play on Friday, I’m gonna play in their last basketball game. Is that okay with you?”

Coach Romo: “If playing in one game is really that important to you then I support it. Just know we still have work to do.”

Peralta: “I know”

Peralta: “What time is practice tomorrow?”

Coach Romo: “2:00”

In the crowd at the basketball game was his family - his mom (Linda) and dad (Jesse) and two sisters (Elisa and Alexis) and his girlfriend, Lauren Rivera.

“I’m glad he was able to experience it,” said Jesse Peralta, as Joey hit a three-pointer in the game. “He’s worked hard. It’s just nice to see. We never thought we were going to have a chance to see him play again.”

Joey didn’t let his team down as he scored a game-high 21 points. He even got an extra eight minutes, as Santa Fe and El Rancho played two overtimes.

Peralta had a chance to win the game at the end of the first OT, but missed a jumper to send it to a second overtime.

The Chiefs lost, 54-52, but that wasn’t the story.

“It just felt good running back knowing I scored points at the varsity level again,” said Peralta, at halftime. “

At the half, Romero said of Joey’s game, “…..He definitely still has it, but I think at this point he should not make lay ups and shoot three-pointers.

“As a parent myself, no matter from a student-athlete to a student, it’s the fun part of what you’re teaching and the greatest thing in life is to be rewarded.”

And speaking of being awarded, Joey Peralta got the biggest award of his high school career, as he was named, Santa Fe Boys Athlete of the Year.

“Nothing amazes me about him,” Jesse Peralta said. “Whatever he wants to do, he just does it. The last thing we were hoping for was overtime.”

Romero knew of Peralta in eighth grade and when he came to watch his 2016 and ‘17 teams in the playoffs. He remembers hearing that he told his dad that was his team and was going to be a part of it.

“I did not know him, I knew nothing about him, I just knew that he was a good baseball player and I heard that his dad went here to Santa Fe,” Romero said. “Everything else was done himself.

“He came off the bench and started, a little bit of both (freshman year). To see him progress, hoping when you look down the road, just keeps working because (he) was just a natural.”

Joey Peralta reflected on the game: “It was great. It reminded me of old times, when things were normal and we were allowed to play both sports (in two separate seasons).”

After the game was over, Jesse Peralta pointed out that his son had a baseball game the next day.

Peralta was quick to say that his baseball coach was all for him playing the basketball game.

“Coach Romo was supportive and he was good with it,” Peralta said.

As for his baseball season, Peralta highlighted his last year with a no hitter against Whittier.

“Joey has meant so much to the Santa Fe baseball program and has been a prime example of what we expect our student athletes to be,” Romo said. “He is an outstanding young man, a leader around campus and on the field, and the ultimate competitor.

“Having the privilege of seeing Joey grow from his freshman to senior year was so special. He excelled as a two sport athlete (3 years varsity baseball, 4 years varsity basketball) and was the perfect example of what a student-athlete should be. From day one on campus, we immediately knew there was something special about this young man.”

Three examples came to mind for Romo: “I will never forget when we brought him in to pitch as a sophomore in a playoff game to get us out of a situation,” Romo said. “He did not disappoint.

“From that moment, showing his stuff, to later on showing us again by throwing a no hitter this year and then throwing a complete game walking off the field bloodied and tired against Cal.

“Joey showed perseverance and dedication from his greatest moments at the top, even when he struggled, he still found ways to battle through to help his team.”

Perhaps, another moment Romo will always remember is the next day at the baseball game. “That day his smile was a little bit bigger,” Romo said. “Also, during a time out in the game when we had a meeting when Joey was on base, I asked him how he did in the basketball game the previous night. He just said, ‘I dropped 21 (points).’

“The kid that he is, there was no second thought of him playing that last game. I knew how much the kid loved it. One last hurrah.”

As for college, Romo said, “I’m happy he will be able to keep grinding it out (at Mt. SAC).”

What they said:

Leonard Romero, Santa Fe Basketball coach: “When I reflect back, I could have used him and he would have been a big part of the team. But just getting him for a game and he is a four-year varsity letterman.

When you look back at it with all the different alumni, he’s one of my top three all time favorites. He is the person I like best. Having Joey in the game in the last week was a great thing for me.

I wouldn’t change anything. We all learned a valuable lesson in life because of COVID.”

Joseph Dinh, Santa Fe Asst. coach: “I’ve seen four-year varsity players and it’s hard to keep the same character for all four years, without it getting to your head. To see that from a player, it’s possible to be humble and still have an amazing career. He’s one of the humblest kids you’ll ever meet.

I hope at the next level, hopefully in baseball, I’m excited for him to see what his future holds. He truly deserves it more than a lot of athletes.”

Tony Chavarria, Santa Fe Asst. Basketball coach: “It was unbelievable. He came out yesterday and at first getting his shots up. His shots began to fall a bit more. Today, once a couple went in, then it was all over. He was back to himself. It looked like he hadn’t missed the whole season, like he’d been here the whole season. He looked unbelievable.

That’s a testament to his character and the kind of person he is. He’s quiet, humble, hard working and talented on top of all that.

The bottom line is they had a game (baseball) on Saturday and it just worked out.”

Jeff Nadal, former Asst. Santa Fe Basketball coach: “He’s just a natural athlete. He listened to everything that was taught to him in his early years and just puts it to play.

Out of all the kids, his grades are great. He’s a student-athlete, not an athlete-student. I’ve coached him since he was a freshman. This is the first year I didn’t get to coach him. It’s been great to see him grow.”

Pierre Romo, Santa Fe Baseball coach: “His passion and heart was not only found on the field, but in the classroom which is going to make this kid an outstanding young man in life. Thank you JP.

His initial respect to everyone including teachers, coaches, players, classmates, opponents, and parents showed all of us that we could trust and return that deserved respect.”

Craig Campbell, Santa Fe Principal: “Coach Romo texted me the other day, after he found out and talked to me about it, and I told him what a great opportunity for this kid to be able to come out and get one chance with his teammates to play a little basketball on senior night. I know they have struggled a little bit this year, but this was a good time to come out and provide that spark that we need to get it done.”

Jesse Peralta, Joey’s father: “We (wife Linda and Jesse) had talked about Joey playing in the last basketball game. He really didn’t mention it until he contacted coach Romero. We had always told him if he had the chance to play that we’d back him up. We know that he really missed playing basketball.”

Linda Peralta, Joey’s mother: “It’s a very proud moment and he worked really hard all four years and unfortunately he didn’t have a season (basketball). I think that it was his dream all along to play both sports, but it just didn’t work out. The opportunity he was given to play tonight, just makes us happy. It was a proud moment.”

Alisa Peralta, Joey’s sister: “When he told us he was going to play, we were really excited because we went to most of his games for basketball and baseball the last three years. I feel honored to be able to watch him play, because we love watching him play. With coach Romero giving him this opportunity to play, shows what kind of person he is and we’re very happy to be here.”

Alexis Peralta, Joey’s sister: “It’s such a cool experience. Just waiting for this moment all four years is just amazing, especially having his senior moment. We were really bummed that he wasn’t going to have it, but glad it happened.

Ever since that we learned that he wasn’t going to play basketball that one hurt. Tonight was special.

We just love watching him play on the field or on the court.”

Lauren Rivera, Joey’s girlfriend: “It’s amazing and he always talks about how he couldn’t have the (basketball) season. It’s really cool to see him play. I’m really happy for him. I was really proud that he could play and it’s a good moment to have.”

Gio Zelidon, Sr., Santa Fe Basketball teammate: “The game is just natural for this guy. I know he’s really good at baseball, but basketball is a hobby and he can just come back. He scored 21 points. It was wonderful to play one more game with him.”

Michael Rodriguez, Jr., Santa Fe Basketball teammate: “I was really excited to see Joey come out and play, especially for the last game. He hasn’t been here all year because of the other sport. I kind of missed him this year. I had a good time playing (the game) with him. I was surprised and happy to play one more game with him.

Andrew Hernandez, Jr., Santa Fe Basketball teammate: “It was very surprising. I kind of figured he’d be coming back. I’m just glad. He’s a great person and a great teammate. I looked up to him and he helped me a lot. I wouldn’t be a player without him.”