"Despite little warning because of the last-minute decision because of weather reports, the two schools drew between 800 and 1,000 fans, according to South Hills coach Darren Murphy. South Hills' principal, Terry Abernathy, supported the idea, showing up at the game despite driving in from another school activity at Sea World. And the players certainly showed they might one day be able to play for Nevada Las Vegas or a team in New Orleans by performing well late at night."
"South Hills players took the game seriously. They took naps on Sunday to make sure they didn't doze off. And they filled up on energy drinks, so the players certainly would welcome NIL deals from any drink company seeking to prove they provide energy. "We had to prepare for it mentally," Baker said. Said Murphy: "They were jittery and excited. How nice it is to be young." Parents supplied heat lamps in the dugout to deal with the temperature in the 50s."
South Hills High played Covina in a baseball game that started at 12:50 a.m. and ended at 3:34 a.m., with South Hills winning 5-1. The late start aimed to beat rain and to showcase new stadium lights. Between 800 and 1,000 fans attended despite short notice. Players prepared by napping and consuming energy drinks, and coaches managed excitement and logistics. Parents brought heat lamps for the dugout. Covina agreed to the midnight start because of a strong coaching relationship. Players stayed up late but slept in the next day due to a school holiday.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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