SAL MORETTI: Tennis Open shows little victories matter

It’s the little victories that matter. That’s what I told my new friend, Jesus Martinez Miranda, this past week after the Bakersfield Tennis Open tournament, held annually at the Bakersfield Racquet Club in March. He had lost in both the singles and doubles brackets and was heading home to improve his game for his next tournament.

Jesus hails from Hermosillo, Mexico. This is his fourth professional tournament. As earnings are slim for these new players, a network of local families, coordinated by volunteer Laurie Haagsma, helps the players find housing. Deb and I had stepped out of our comfort zone and gave hosting a try. It was one of many ways local fans got involved.