The Eaton Fire in Altadena, which broke out on January 7, left a path of destruction that affected many families, including young athletes and their loved ones. The fire burned more than 9,400 structures, including 6,000 homes, and damaged nearly 650 homes. Now, the affected community is coming together to rebuild not only their homes but also their spirit, using the lessons they’ve learned both on and off the field.
Lessons Beyond the Field
Robert Milton, president of Alta Pasa Fastpitch Pasadena Girls Softball and Cal Thunder Milton Softball, is among those who lost their homes. He highlights how the lessons of teamwork, sacrifice, and perseverance taught during sports are now becoming real-life experiences.
“Probably 90% of what we teach on the field is sacrifice for one another, bond together as a team,” said Milton. “So, it’s not just us saying it on the field. They’re seeing it, and I don’t think we need to shield them from it. We want them to go through it and build that strength for life.”
Milton and his brother, both coaches, quickly returned to help their neighbors after the fire destroyed their homes. They even saved the home of a family whose daughter plays in the Alta Pasa program.
About Alta Pasa Fastpitch
Established in 2018, Alta Pasa Fastpitch is an independent youth sports organization for athletes in Pasadena and Altadena. With nearly 300 boys and girls participating across 7 baseball teams and 17 softball teams, it serves as a stepping stone for players aiming for collegiate competition. The program offers training, recruitment support, and exposure to college scouts.
Unfortunately, many families connected to the program lost their homes in the fire, including those with generations of roots in Altadena.
Personal Stories of Loss and Hope
One of the affected young athletes is Abi Milton, whose family home was reduced to ashes. “I saw the fire, but I thought they would be able to control it. Driving away, I realized—wow, my house is probably gone,” Abi shared emotionally. Her uncle, Robert Milton, and her grandparents lived right next door. Now, the uncertainty of what comes next weighs heavily on her.
The fire not only displaced families but also disrupted the close-knit community ties that had formed over the years.
Support Through Sports Scholarships
In response to the widespread loss, Alta Pasa Fastpitch has launched a fundraising effort to provide scholarships for every young athlete whose family lost their home in the Eaton Fire. The funds will help cover participation fees, registration, equipment, and other costs to ensure that the athletes can continue playing and growing despite the hardships.
Strength Through Adversity
Matthew Milton, another coach, emphasized the importance of resilience during these challenging times. “They’ll remember how strong they were and how they overcame this,” he said. “For the ones going to college, it’s a reminder that they can push through challenges in the classroom or anywhere else. The younger ones can look up to them and see that strength in action.”
He also acknowledged the struggles that parents are facing—finding new places to live, ensuring their children are fed, and maintaining a sense of normalcy despite the uncertainty.
The Eaton Fire has tested the strength of Altadena’s community, but the families affected are determined to rise from the ashes. With the support of the Alta Pasa Fastpitch program and the lessons learned through sports, these young athletes are being equipped with life-long skills of perseverance, teamwork, and hope. The collective effort to rebuild and stay strong will leave an impact on this community for years to come.
While their homes may be gone, their spirit remains unbroken, reminding everyone of the power of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
