Former Serra student shot dead playing Pokemon Go

A native of Lowell, Massachusetts, Riley relocated to San Mateo prior to beginning high school. He played baseball at Serra High School for four years, including two years with the varsity team. A shortstop and pitcher, he was named an All-West Catholic Athletic League second-team utility player as a senior in 2015. He played at San Joaquin Delta College as a freshman in 2016.

“The Serra community is absolutely devastated by the loss of a wonderful young man who was full of life,” Serra athletic director Dean Ayoob wrote in an email. “Calvin was always smiling and he cared about helping others. His personality was bigger than life; he had such a big heart. Calvin had many friends and was extremely family-oriented. He was a dedicated and successful student-athlete, and a kind, respectful and thoughtful person. Baseball was his passion — he really loved the game. We will all keep Calvin’s family in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed,” Ayoob wrote.

Riley — known as “Cal” by his friends and teammates — was honored by his former summer team, the San Mateo American Legion Post 82 Shockers, throughout one of the biggest days in the team’s history. This season, Riley played summer baseball with the Menlo Legends. But he spent the two previous seasons playing American Legion baseball.

Sunday the Shockers won the Section 8 Western Region championship, becoming one of eight teams across the nation to advance to the American Legion World Series.

The Shockers were informed of Riley’s death approximately 30 minutes prior to their 11 a.m. game time in Boulder, Colorado. They were given the opportunity to postpone the game but decided to play. They won 6-5 over Arizona-Tucson.

“That was one of the decision we had to make,” said Ricardo Barraza, the Shockers catcher who was close friends with Riley. “I talked to Sean, his dad, and he said Calvin would have wanted us to play the game.”

Shockers third baseman Angelo Bortolin played on the left side of the Serra infield with Riley for three years. Bortolin said the team dedicated the game and their entire season to Riley and etched his No. 3 on their hats.

“We weren’t really focused on all,” Bortolin said. “Our minds were not on this game. I don’t know how we won. The rest of our season is all for Calvin.”

Bortolin last saw Riley earlier this summer during one of their regular batting practice sessions. With Riley going on to play for the Legends this season — he pitched in eight games and saved two games for the California Collegiate League team — he missed the chance to revel in Post 82’s first trip to the American Legion World Series since 1983.

“I’m sure he would have been thrilled,” Bortolin said. “He was a competitor all the time and he loved to win.”

The Legends’ season ended July 25. Legends infielder Phil Caulfield knew Riley since last season, as the two worked with the same trainer. Caulfield was one of the many friends of Riley who spoke to his good nature.

“He was extremely well-liked guy,” Caulfield said. “There wasn’t really a bad bone in his body. He was a genuine, upbeat guy.”

At approximately noon Sunday, one of Riley’s friends, Gabriel Antonio Morales, posted a GoFundMe page on behalf of the Riley family to raise money for funeral expenses. The monetary goal set was $30,000. That goal was met, with 330 people donating, by 8 p.m. Sunday.