Ty Nannini of Our Lady of Mercy School throws out the first pitch to start the 19th annual Nannini Game with the Cougars vs. the Bears. The matchup serves as a scholarship fundraiser in the memory of brothers Kevin and Brian Nannini. Ty is a nephew of the twins who passed away in their prime back in 2004.
Merced High senior Brevin Nannini, at center, is one of several players who received academic scholarships. Brevin is the son of the late Brian Nannini.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The annual Nannini Baseball Game filled the stands at Merced High as usual last Thursday night.
The special game — now in its 19th year — serves as a memorial game for Kevin and Brian Nannini, twin brothers and former Merced High School baseball players who became accomplished athletes in the sport.
The twins died in 2004 at the age of 27 after a boating accident. Following the tragedy, their father Dave Nannini brought together the yearly matchup between Merced High and Golden Valley High. Both schools bring their best baseball players.
In addition to the game, players on each team who are continuing their education through either a two-year college, university, or trade school, are awarded a scholarship. For players who are planning on first making their way into the U.S. Armed Services, the scholarship funding is held until they finish serving their country and look to further their education.
This year, 17-year-old Merced High senior Brevin Nannini was among the honored players. Brevin is the son of the late Brian Nannini and Brian’s widow, Rebecca.
Brevin’s older brother, Andrew Nannini, also played ball for Merced High, but unfortunately could not participate in his family’s namesake memorial when he was a senior in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, however, local fans were back on the field cheering on their favorite players and teams. They were kept on the edge of their seats as the Bears and Cougars battled it out.
The Bears would end up grabbing this year’s win with a final score of 4-3 over Golden Valley.