Geraldine Soults Named '2026 Belle of the Ballpark'

The Rawhide Rustler classic competition, the "Belle of the Ballpark," took place on June 10 and, while the weather was warmer than usual, the participants enjoyed their activities as much as ever.

The Belle of the Ballpark this year was sponsored by American Quality Life Hospice and Lux Dermatology.

This year, the Belle of the Ballpark participants participated in "Cheek Pinching," a "Strut Your Stuff" contest (a walk through the Kaweah Health Grandstands at Valley Strong Ballpark), "Yo Mama" jokes, and a new competition this year, "Gen Z Slang" sayings. The new competition has contestants attempting to use slang used by Gen Z.

This year's contestants were Jane Avila of Hanford, Mary Vargas of Valley Christian Home Assisted Living, and Geraldine Soults of Quail Park on Cypress.

The trio was introduced to the Valley Strong Ballpark crowd this year by sharing their favorite baseball memories.

Jane's favorite memory was playing baseball in grammar school and looking like a "slugger." Mary's favorite memory was getting to sit in the dugout of Candlestick Park and then watching a Dodger/Giant Game. And Geraldine's favorite memory was when she was a softball player in the 8th grade and nervous about going into high school. She said that playing softball gave her the confidence to believe in herself.

Geraldine, at 105 years old, was one of the oldest Belle of the Ballpark contestants in recent years.

"Geraldine is a trooper," said Rawhide Assistant General Manager Markus Hagglund. "She is one of the older contestants we've had, but she's still moving around good and making everyone laugh and having a good time."

After the contest, votes were counted at the American Quality Life Hospice booth at the ballpark. At the end, it was Geraldine who came out on top as this year's Belle of the Ballpark.

"I don't know what to say, I'm honored," exclaimed Soults. "I haven't won anything in a long time."

Geraldine will now receive season tickets to Valley Strong Ballpark from Quail Park Communities. She also received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Visalia Rawhide partner Creative Flowers.

The Rawhide and Assistant General Manager Markus Hagglund want to thank all of the contestants and their families for coming to the ballpark for this year's Belle of the Ballpark competition.

"We know it was later and hotter than usual this year, but we thank everyone for participating," Haglund said. "It's one of our favorite events of the year."

For tickets to next year's Belle of the Ballpark competition or for a Rawhide Rustler Package visit visaliarawhide.com or call (559) 732-4433.