Arizona's coach Mike Candrea hits to his players as they warm up before the game against Oregon at Hillenbrand Stadium on May 9, 2014. 

When you’ve won eight NCAA softball championships and an Olympic softball gold medal, you can sometimes become too self-important to laugh at yourself.

But that’s not the case with UA softball coach Mike Candrea.

On Friday, Halloween, Candrea dressed in a giant, yellow M&M’s costume, complete with a yellow fedora, and visited kids at Diamond Children’s Hospital.

He accompanied the UA softball team, also dressed in Halloween gear, room to room, helping to put smiles on the faces of some desperately ill children.

Candrea’s teams have been champions for 25 years. On Friday, it was plain (and peanuts) that it starts at the top.


Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.