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John Altobelli and family are paid tribute at Orange Coast College baseball opener

COSTA MESA, CALIF. -- TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020: Dottie Aper, left, consoles Lee Watanabe, who is mourning coach John Altobelli and who also lost his brother, Jourdan Watanabe, the former Orange Coast College catcher who died in 2009, while cooking food as Orange Coast College baseball team members participate in a short tribute to coach John Altobelli, 56, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern, just two days after longtime Pirates coach Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their 13-year-old daughter, Alyssa, died in the fiery helicopter crash that also killed former Lakers star Kobe Bryant on Sunday. Speeches by associate head coach Nate Johnson and athletic director Jason Kehler as well as a moment of silence on the Wendell Pickens Field on the school’s campus in Costa Mesa, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2020. Altobelli guided the Pirates to four state championships and more than 700 victories in 27 seasons as coach. Last season, Altobelli was named national coach of the year by the American Baseball Coaches Association for leading the Pirates to the state title. OCC sophomore left-handed pitcher Mike Ryhlick started the game with the inscription “J.A. 14,” Altobelli’s initials and jersey number, on his cap. the team erected a bright orange banner with the No. 14 and the phrase “Forever a Pirate” on the left-field fence next to the No. 22 banner honoring Jourdan Watanabe, the former OCC catcher who died in 2009. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Dottie Aper, left, consoles Lee Watanabe, who is mourning coach John Altobelli and who also lost his brother, Jourdan Watanabe, a former Orange Coast College catcher who died in 2009.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

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Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

Fans view photos at the entrance of a growing memorial of Orange Coast College baseball jerseys, flowers, balloons and notes as team members and fans participate in a short tribute to their coach John Altobelli, 56, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

Orange Coast College baseball team members participate in a short tribute to coach John Altobelli, 56, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

A growing memorial of Orange Coast College baseball jerseys, flowers, balloons and notes as team members participate in a short tribute to their coach John Altobelli, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

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Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

Orange Coast College players sport their coach’s #14 during a moment of silence for coach John Altobelli, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

Orange Coast College sports information director Tony Altobelli speaks about his brother, John Altobelli’s life as the baseball team members participate in a tribute to their coach John Altobelli, 56, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Coach John Altobelli tribute at OCC baseball opener

Orange Coast College baseball team members participate in a short tribute to coach John Altobelli, 56, before a season opener against Chula Vista Southwestern.  (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

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