11/12 ALL STAR RUN COMES TO AN END
And so it ends. Congratulations to Ian, TC, Nate, Matthew, Mondesi, Albert, Jake, Christian, Josh, David, Tiger, Justin, for a great run through the District tournament and a couple of well-fought games in the Sectionals. The Villagers came in to today against La Palma Continental Little League needing a win to stay alive in the tournament, and they certainly put runners on base--eight in all. Unfortunately, none of them scored as nobody managed the big hit. Meanwhile, Mondesi Blanchard pitched exceptionally well, only allowing four baserunners and striking out nine in five innings, but LPC was more efficient with their baserunners, and won the game 2-0.
As perhaps the most successful all star team in LVLL history, the boys should be very proud, and they will surely continue on to baseball glory in the future, as there was an abundance of talent present on this roster.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sectional Tournament Game 1: Yorba Hills 13 LVLL 3
In a scorcher up in Fullerton, the Lakewood Village 11/12's ran up against their best competition of the year, battled hard, but ultimately succumbed to a team that played better baseball. LVLL twice started an inning for Yorba Hills with errors and had five overall, which just will not get it done. Mondesi Blanchard homered in defeat, Jake Elzinga had a couple of hits, and David Rivera had a couple of hits also. Six Village pitchers chipped in today, and really pitched well enough to earn a better fate. Better luck next time, and next time comes quick: tomorrow (Sunday) at Fullerton Sports Complex, 4pm versus the La Palma Continental All Stars.
As an aside to the game today, it would've been really nice to get to play some tougher teams before this game. All year, and including league play for the all stars, it has been a succession of blowouts, weak pitching, poor defense. Not good baseball. When the team took on Long Beach, it was a good challenge, and they came through, but it was only Mondesi and Ian pitching against Long Beach, which is certainly good strategy, but it doesn't necessarily help the other pitchers become battle-hardened. And that was the case all year long as the guys faced few guys as good as the Yorba Hills All Stars' worst player. I would imagine that at Yorba Hills, there were several players that did not make the all star team that were darned good players and that games during their league play were daunting frequently. Meanwhile, the Dodgers outscored their competition 281-43, which means, on average, the other teams facing most of our all stars scored less than 2 runs every game.
So, the point is, I do believe that our guys would have benefited greatly from some exhibitions against good teams. Heck, they benefited from this game. It was very clear on the field that the way our guys played WILL NOT CUT IT. Every single pitch has to be focused on with laser-like intensity, and the fundamentals have to be followed to the proverbial 'T'. It was fun playing against a team that was basically arrogant and thought they were above us. It would've been more fun to show them what's what.
As an aside to the game today, it would've been really nice to get to play some tougher teams before this game. All year, and including league play for the all stars, it has been a succession of blowouts, weak pitching, poor defense. Not good baseball. When the team took on Long Beach, it was a good challenge, and they came through, but it was only Mondesi and Ian pitching against Long Beach, which is certainly good strategy, but it doesn't necessarily help the other pitchers become battle-hardened. And that was the case all year long as the guys faced few guys as good as the Yorba Hills All Stars' worst player. I would imagine that at Yorba Hills, there were several players that did not make the all star team that were darned good players and that games during their league play were daunting frequently. Meanwhile, the Dodgers outscored their competition 281-43, which means, on average, the other teams facing most of our all stars scored less than 2 runs every game.
So, the point is, I do believe that our guys would have benefited greatly from some exhibitions against good teams. Heck, they benefited from this game. It was very clear on the field that the way our guys played WILL NOT CUT IT. Every single pitch has to be focused on with laser-like intensity, and the fundamentals have to be followed to the proverbial 'T'. It was fun playing against a team that was basically arrogant and thought they were above us. It would've been more fun to show them what's what.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Lakewood Village All Stars Finish the Job over Long Beach, 8-1.
11/12's MAKE HISTORY AND TAKE THE DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP OVER LONG BEACH, 8-1.
For only the second time in LVLL's 55-year history, the Majors all star team won the District championship (last: 1999), and they did it in dominating fashion. Mondesi Blanchard started for the Villagers and did not allow a hit out of the infield, and made a sweet pump fake play to pick off a runner while Long Beach was threatening in the third inning. He struck out 7 in 4-2/3 innings, and worked around 4 hits, two walks, and one hit by pitch to hand off the game to Ian Konek, who got the last four outs for the championship. Facing perhaps the hardest throwing pitcher in the area, the boys once again were equal to the task, with every single player reaching base, including the first run-scoring hit from TC Johnson (who had two hits), a huge 3-run home run from Tiger Jablonski, who gave Lakewood Village a 4-0 lead in the fourth inning, and run-scoring hits from Matthew Fields and Ian Konek. All in all, this team hit .467 for the district tournament, slugged .847 (that is an amazing number, by the way), and gave up a mere 4 runs in 4 games. This group of kids won the 9/10, 10/11, and 11/12 year old all star tournaments, something that nobody else in our Section can claim. ...and speaking of the section, Lakewood Village will take on the District 56 champion Yorba Hills team at Fullerton Sports Complex (560 E. Silver Pine St., Fullerton) in the first round of sectionals on Saturday at 1pm.
This team... is something else. After Tiger struck out in the first inning, he stated bluntly that "he sucks" and "always strikes out". The next at-bat he homered off of the biggest, baddest pitcher in the district. Ripper was tearing up after having (gasp!) two straight at bats without reaching base, and the very next at bat he singled home our final two runs. Justin (Tips) got off of a plane from France early this morning and got the walk that led to Tiger's home run. Doctor totally flubbed a sinking liner hit to him and second base and recovered--quickly!--to still throw the guy out at first. Josh Fischer looks overmatched in striking out twice, but still manages to get on base via two walks, scoring our first run. And all the while, the guys have to be reminded to watch the game while their teammates are batting. And, the victory pileup after the game? Well, there wasn't one. There was sort of a post-ironic couple of gloves flung in the air and goofy laughing and blank stares when talk of history was brought up. That's this group!
This group is also:
CHAMPIONS! (Whether they care or not!)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tonight! At Stearns Park! Championship!
Lakewood Village Majors All Stars versus Long Beach Majors All Stars at 7:30pm at Stearns Park in Long Beach. Be there or be square.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Winning without your best effort. GBLL 2 LVLL 12.
Top picture--2010 vs. GB
Bottom picture--2009 vs. LBOne year ago tonight, Mondesi Blanchard and Josh Fischer both homered in a dramatic win over Long Beach, with Josh's coming as a walk-off jack. The boys thought that was a good tradition so they did it again tonight vs. Greater Bellflower. In a game that was not their best effort overall, the boys handled business in any case, with Mondesi reaching base four times, Josh thrice more, with Ian Konek garnering three hits and 3 RBI's, and pitching three strong innings for the win. David Rivera (ol' doc) reached base three times in addition and Albert Rodgers hit a booming triple in the first inning as Village jumped out to a 4-1 lead right off the bat. The lads will saddle up again on Tuesday July 13th at 7:30 pm at Stearns Park in the championship game.
It's truly something, the march for greatness. The All Stars won this game tonight, a mercy rule game, on the basis of sheer force. Our team so outclassed the competition that we could miss five bunts out of five called for, get a runner picked off of first, get a runner thrown out at third on a lazy, slow slide, and make four errors and still come away with a double-digit victory. As the kids were informed after the game, our next opponent, likely to be Long Beach again, will not be beaten with the same effort.
Yes, they are, once again, 11 and 12-year old boys. But everyone grows up (hopefully) and this is a legitimate step for these guys, in our view. The lesson here is: how much do you care? Do you want to win District 38 All Stars for the second time in league history, and if so, are you willing to back it up with dedication and commitment? We will push on and on for greatness because it is an article of faith that these boys are playing as boys for probably the last time in their lives and will in all likelihood NEVER be on a team that is as talented and skilled as this one. It is a fine line we walk between fun and drudgery and playing hard and playing recklessly, but we aim to toe this line.
Tiger's TOC running video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1nj_xpIjsM&feature=related
Here is the infamous Tiger running into the LBLL shortstop video during the TOC. Remember to look for Tiger going up and to the right while he slides in, which would indicate he's not looking for blood, in any case.
I do admire the technical skill in the production of this video, even if its author's conclusions are specious.
Here is the infamous Tiger running into the LBLL shortstop video during the TOC. Remember to look for Tiger going up and to the right while he slides in, which would indicate he's not looking for blood, in any case.
I do admire the technical skill in the production of this video, even if its author's conclusions are specious.
Game day!
In a postseason full of stops and starts (the LVLL Dodgers had 2-1/2 weeks between games at the end of the regular season, followed by a week between their next two games), the 11/12 year old all star team will take the field tonight after an 8-day break, against Greater Bellflower. We have wiled away the time with a couple of afternoon practices full of infield/outfield, soft toss drills, bunting, bullpens, and batting practice.
My back is sore and the boys should be ready.
My back is sore and the boys should be ready.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Lakewood Village guts it out over Long Beach, 3-1.
The Villagers took on LBLL's big dog on a balmy Thursday night at Stearns Park and took advantage of their precious opportunities to get the win. Justin Boyd started a rally with a leadoff single in the 3rd inning, Tiger Jablonski specially ran for him, and scored with alacrity on a Mondesi Blanchard single followed by an error by the Long Beach centerfielder. David Rivera then drove in Mondesi with a groundout, and that ended up being enough for Mondesi (5-1/3 IP-11 strikeouts-2 hits-2 walks-1 hbp) to win and Ian Konek to save the game for LVLL. Ian was also rock solid at first base, making every play hit his way. The 11/12 year olds will next play on Friday, July 9th at 7:30 pm versus Greater Bellflower.
These boys are really showing a lot of resolve so far in this tournament. The pitcher for LB was about 6'2" and at least 160 pounds. Our tallest player is Mondesi at 5'7", 135#. However, these kids are just not impressed--not only with him, but with coaches yelling at them, with the weather, with parents' expectations, or with "pressure" from baseball. Once again, when we won this game, the lads let out a collective yawn. The coaches were MUCH louder in comparison.
So... that's how it is! Satisfaction for these guys would appear to be found in "not losing" as compared to "winning". They just expect to win and seem to be interested in seeing how it will happen this time around. That said, it is truly remarkable to see Justin (Tips), an 11-year old, starting off a rally against a cheddar-throwing monster like Long Beach's pitcher. This kid is a little chubby and was a little soft to start the season, but when he goes to the plate (or plays outfield or pitches), just seems to be unflappable. One gets the feeling that he fully expects to get a hit each and every time up, although he seems to cope just fine when he does not.
And, meanwhile, whither Mondesi? Johnny (the manager) states that the reason why Mondesi has been successful is that a) he is left-handed and b) his "stuff" moves. He was a sight to see tonight. This was a true pitcher's duel; Jay (LB's starter) struck out 9 in only 4-2/3 IP, and there were no bombs hit off of him--we had to scratch and claw for every run. Mondesi was probably better (although maybe our hitters are also), as LB only got one ball to leave the infield, and that one was a chopper that went over Nate's head at third base.
Maybe they'll have more excitement at the BBQ with the fireworks this weekend...
These boys are really showing a lot of resolve so far in this tournament. The pitcher for LB was about 6'2" and at least 160 pounds. Our tallest player is Mondesi at 5'7", 135#. However, these kids are just not impressed--not only with him, but with coaches yelling at them, with the weather, with parents' expectations, or with "pressure" from baseball. Once again, when we won this game, the lads let out a collective yawn. The coaches were MUCH louder in comparison.
So... that's how it is! Satisfaction for these guys would appear to be found in "not losing" as compared to "winning". They just expect to win and seem to be interested in seeing how it will happen this time around. That said, it is truly remarkable to see Justin (Tips), an 11-year old, starting off a rally against a cheddar-throwing monster like Long Beach's pitcher. This kid is a little chubby and was a little soft to start the season, but when he goes to the plate (or plays outfield or pitches), just seems to be unflappable. One gets the feeling that he fully expects to get a hit each and every time up, although he seems to cope just fine when he does not.
And, meanwhile, whither Mondesi? Johnny (the manager) states that the reason why Mondesi has been successful is that a) he is left-handed and b) his "stuff" moves. He was a sight to see tonight. This was a true pitcher's duel; Jay (LB's starter) struck out 9 in only 4-2/3 IP, and there were no bombs hit off of him--we had to scratch and claw for every run. Mondesi was probably better (although maybe our hitters are also), as LB only got one ball to leave the infield, and that one was a chopper that went over Nate's head at third base.
Maybe they'll have more excitement at the BBQ with the fireworks this weekend...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
All Star Game 1: West Long Beach Vaporized 18-0 (6-29-10)
The 11/12's came together beautifully tonight against the West Long Beach squad. Ian Konek, Matthew Fields, and Mondesi Blanchard combined to strike out 8, and allowed only one baserunner in four innings. The team had 17 hits in the game--all but one player scored a run--and were led by Matthew Fields, who hit two home runs, and Mondesi Blanchard and Tiger Jablonski, who hit one home run apiece. The LVLL Little League All Stars will take on Long Beach this Thursday at 7:30 pm at Stearns Park.
The majority of the players for the all stars made it out to Stearns Park, home of Long Beach Little League, by 3:45pm today. Our opponents arrived at about 4:15-4:30, which demonstrates the commitment the boys have. It was also apparent that the young chaps had their minds on one thing today: winning. I hit fly balls for about 20-30 minutes and the boys lined up and took ball after ball with maximal effort. Additionally, one coach threw batting practice and another did bunting practice off to the side. It was a sight to see, and they were indeed a sight to see: Christian making it to third on a triple that barely made it to the wall, with his blazing speed; Matthew (Ripper) continuing his hot streak with 3 strikeouts in one inning plus three hits and two home runs, both absolutely stung; Tiger's first home run in about a month, which was crushed to right center field, a ball not too high and not too low, majestic in arc. It was splendid seeing the Dodgers' rivals from this year join up forces with us, brothers in arms.
As for the next game, it figures to be Mondesi pitching against a lad from Long Beach by the name of Jay, who stands in at a mean 6'2" (remember: 12 years old). And with Long Beach Little League's mound being a miniature version of Mount Everest, Jay will look more like 7 feet tall. Are we daunted? Nope!
The majority of the players for the all stars made it out to Stearns Park, home of Long Beach Little League, by 3:45pm today. Our opponents arrived at about 4:15-4:30, which demonstrates the commitment the boys have. It was also apparent that the young chaps had their minds on one thing today: winning. I hit fly balls for about 20-30 minutes and the boys lined up and took ball after ball with maximal effort. Additionally, one coach threw batting practice and another did bunting practice off to the side. It was a sight to see, and they were indeed a sight to see: Christian making it to third on a triple that barely made it to the wall, with his blazing speed; Matthew (Ripper) continuing his hot streak with 3 strikeouts in one inning plus three hits and two home runs, both absolutely stung; Tiger's first home run in about a month, which was crushed to right center field, a ball not too high and not too low, majestic in arc. It was splendid seeing the Dodgers' rivals from this year join up forces with us, brothers in arms.
As for the next game, it figures to be Mondesi pitching against a lad from Long Beach by the name of Jay, who stands in at a mean 6'2" (remember: 12 years old). And with Long Beach Little League's mound being a miniature version of Mount Everest, Jay will look more like 7 feet tall. Are we daunted? Nope!
Monday, June 28, 2010
The night before all stars begins...
This truly feels like the night before Christmas! This group of kids has won the last two district tournaments, which was a lot of fun. Of course, that was then, this is now, and there are no guarantees. Nor would we want them. We can only hope that the guys will play as well as they are capable of. Of course!
The Lakewood Village 11/12 year old all stars will face West Long Beach tomorrow at Stearns Park at 5pm.
There are a few additions to the all star-laden Dodgers (Mondesi, Doctor, Fisch, Ripper, Justin (tips), Tiger, and Nate are our all stars):
Albert--he is speedy and was on the Dodgers two years ago in Minor A. He is a very enthusiastic, hustling boy.
TC--a slugger; he bats left and throws right. He hit one of the strangest home runs this year, which should've been a HR but ended up technically a triple because the runner in front of him missed home plate. A football player.
Christian--another rabbit who tore up district all stars last year with a .700+ average. He has toiled away on the bottom team this year and is itching to play amidst the big boys again.
Ian--from the Angels, the one great pitcher who was not on our team this year. He is tall and athletic, and was the runner up in the HR derby to Mondesi this year.
Jake--a lefty, he slaps the ball to left field a lot and has a good glove. He hit his first home run in the post season all-district team tournament.
Play ball!
The Lakewood Village 11/12 year old all stars will face West Long Beach tomorrow at Stearns Park at 5pm.
There are a few additions to the all star-laden Dodgers (Mondesi, Doctor, Fisch, Ripper, Justin (tips), Tiger, and Nate are our all stars):
Albert--he is speedy and was on the Dodgers two years ago in Minor A. He is a very enthusiastic, hustling boy.
TC--a slugger; he bats left and throws right. He hit one of the strangest home runs this year, which should've been a HR but ended up technically a triple because the runner in front of him missed home plate. A football player.
Christian--another rabbit who tore up district all stars last year with a .700+ average. He has toiled away on the bottom team this year and is itching to play amidst the big boys again.
Ian--from the Angels, the one great pitcher who was not on our team this year. He is tall and athletic, and was the runner up in the HR derby to Mondesi this year.
Jake--a lefty, he slaps the ball to left field a lot and has a good glove. He hit his first home run in the post season all-district team tournament.
Play ball!
Dodgers vanquish the LB Padres (6-25-10)
And the Dodgers make four! The Majors Dodgers beat the Long Beach Padres 5-1 to secure Lakewood Village's fourth team championship of the year. Before a spirited group of fans, the Dodgers were inspired to greatness this night. Matthew Fields hit two home runs and Mondesi Blanchard threw a no-hitter to lead the Dodgers to the crown. Tiger Jablonski made several good plays at first base and David Rivera turned a tough bouncer into an out in the fourth inning that ultimately won the day for the Dodgers. It should be noted that the Padres were extremely classy in defeat and this is commendable. They were worthy foes and gave the Dodgers a run for their money. The Dodgers organization would also like to thank the entire Lakewood Village team for their unwavering support this fine year--we truly have a superlative league.
And thus, the culmination of three years of planning, cajoling, and trying. When coach Johnny and I decided to team up three years ago after the 9 year old all stars, we knew we shared a common love of baseball, the "Dodgers" brand, kids, effort, and competition. It should be noted that it is not "winning" that we share a love for. Winning is something that is nebulous and hard to grasp. It is a faith-based operation. All one tries to do is put up their best effort every single day and one believes success will be the after-effect of that effort. This will not necessarily be the case, but that is why the truly satisfying thing during these three years has been the efforting. It was a noble experiment, and we, and the kids, and the parents all did their level best.
There are many memories, beginning with the Minor A year three years ago, and we instituted the "Dodger way" for a bunch of 9, 10, and 11 year olds. This involved proper execution of fundamentals, conditioning, and learning to play the game the right way. We had six of our present Dodgers on that team, and they have been a strong core. We made it to the TOC that year after a much more challenging regular season and lost a heartbreaking game to the Long Beach team that year, and the boys did not recover that time to win.
The next year, through the machinations of trades and savvy drafting, the Dodgers put together a team that was built for clear success this year, but experienced great victories THAT year also. After winning only one game in the first half, we came in second place in the second half of the season, and all of the kids improved so much. Our man-child Joel won the home run derby, which was very gratifying for us, actually.
And then this year... check the blogs. It has been a slog, and I am assured that every year has a different personality. This year was all about dealing with excellence, and I hope the boys (and the coaches) have learned a lot. There were instances of crying and kvetching in the dugout as players came out of the game that didn't want to. There were yawns evident as we won yet another 10 run game over our hapless foes. But, ultimately, the boys got better this year: our attendance at practice must have been 85-90% and there were only a smattering of missed games. By being there (nearly) every time, the boys had the opportunity to get better, and hopefully we will carry that forward forever.
GO BLUE!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
TOC rematch #2--Dodgers vs. LB Padres 6-23-10
...let's play 2! The Majors Dodgers came up huge today in an elimination game of the Tournament of Champions and beat the Long Beach Padres 2-0, behind a seven strikeout three hitter from Matthew Fields, and sparkling defense from the entire Dodger team, particularly a diving catch from centerfielder Justin Boyd. Mondesi Blanchard had two doubles and scored both runs and hustlin' David Rivera (the good doctor) had three hits and moved Mondesi around for both runs. The Dodgers and Padres will saddle up again on Friday June 25th at 5pm at Lakewood Village for the championship game, a likely pitching rematch from last Saturday's thriller.
Matthew (Ripper) was absolutely nails today. He made his pitches when he needed them, where he needed them. His skinny self was sight to see, brimming with confidence in himself and his team.
Additionally, it was gratifying to see all the hard work the outfielders have done for 4 months finally pay off, as every play was made in the outfield, including a fly ball to brick caught with perfect fundamentals, Justin's great catch, and Jose picking off a fly in right field, and calling off the centefielder, just like he was taught and practiced.
This was a perfect game, and thanks are in order for the big Dodger in the sky was providing a beautiful canvas on which to play this TOC.
Matthew (Ripper) was absolutely nails today. He made his pitches when he needed them, where he needed them. His skinny self was sight to see, brimming with confidence in himself and his team.
Additionally, it was gratifying to see all the hard work the outfielders have done for 4 months finally pay off, as every play was made in the outfield, including a fly ball to brick caught with perfect fundamentals, Justin's great catch, and Jose picking off a fly in right field, and calling off the centefielder, just like he was taught and practiced.
This was a perfect game, and thanks are in order for the big Dodger in the sky was providing a beautiful canvas on which to play this TOC.
Monday, June 21, 2010
TOC rematch #1--Dodgers take on the Plaza Mariners (6-21-10)
The summer solstice was today and the Dodgers game was a hot one. After the letdown against Long Beach, the boys probably took the Plaza Mariners too lightly and they nearly paid dearly. Justin Boyd, an 11-year-old, pitched valiantly into the fifth inning, keeping the Dodgers in the game, but the defense had a few lapses behind him and permitted Plaza a couple more runs than they should have had. Meanwhile, the Dodgers offense spun its wheels quite a bit and failed to capitalize on the three runs they scored in the first inning, and fell prey to a pop up double play where Tiger Jablonski was thrown out at home in the third and a line drive double play where Matthew Fields was caught off of first in the fourth.
Still, when Mondesi Blanchard hit a two-run bomb in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers a 6-3 lead, it looked like the Dodgers would escape. However, it turned out Plaza was non-plussed and took full advantage of an error in the top of the fifth inning and hit a game-tying three run home run, and later in the inning pushed across two go ahead runs (although another run was prevented when the Dodgers executed a perfect double steal defense and Mondesi threw out a runner at home).
So, in the sixth, the Dodgers trailed by two, and Nate Polar singled and Tiger scored him with a hard hit ball to the right side which found its way to the wall. Then, on the next play, Tiger was called out at home for not sliding on a ball hit by Josh Fischer. Nick Munoz followed with a bunt single, but the Dodgers had another run cut down at the plate when Matthew bunted too hard to the pitcher and Josh was caught off base. So, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Jose Hernandez stepped to the plate, down by one run. And, Jose came through, lashing a double to the right center wall to give the Dodgers a slim one run lead. Nate Polar, who took the tough loss on Saturday, came on to close it out, and danced around a couple of errors and a bases loaded jam, to earn the save. Dodgers 9, Plaza Mariners 8. Next up will be a rematch against the Long Beach Padres Wednesday at 5pm.
And a note on Tiger's baserunning adventures. In the last two games, Tiger has evinced a seeming reluctance to slide properly (i.e., feet first) and has been called out once and actually ejected from a game for these misdeeds. These meted punishments are well within the rules of Little League, and these rules are in place in an effort to protect kids from injuries. Nonetheless, there is a line we walk in life and in our microcosm of baseball, between being "dirty" and "aggressive". And, anybody who has seen Tiger play for any amount of time knows which category he belongs in (not dirty) and, frankly it takes quite a leap to assume that a 12-year-old is actually willfully inflicting damage on the members of another team on plays that are commonplace in other venues of baseball. It is absolutely our jobs as coaches to correct this behavior and admonish young Tiger, and let me continue my little foray out of the land of narration into editorializing and state without equivocation that true fans of baseball at any level should not delight when another team makes errors to give you a win or a big gain, at least not any more than a sigh of relief at your good fortune. I believe it to be beyond the pale to seemingly wish to ride a kid out on a rail for executing a good, hard baseball play, letter of the law or not. The sort of partisan rabblerousing that was apparent when Tiger was adventuring around the bases in the last two games really chapped my hide. For MY side, we are beholden to the rules of the game, and we want to "fix" the problem. For THEIR side, people need to quickly accept that a very athletic kid made a couple of boneheaded plays, forgive with great alacrity this lapse in judgment by a 12 YEAR OLD CHILD and get on with it. Seriously, people, let's have some dignity or clear the durn field.
That is all, carry on.
Still, when Mondesi Blanchard hit a two-run bomb in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers a 6-3 lead, it looked like the Dodgers would escape. However, it turned out Plaza was non-plussed and took full advantage of an error in the top of the fifth inning and hit a game-tying three run home run, and later in the inning pushed across two go ahead runs (although another run was prevented when the Dodgers executed a perfect double steal defense and Mondesi threw out a runner at home).
So, in the sixth, the Dodgers trailed by two, and Nate Polar singled and Tiger scored him with a hard hit ball to the right side which found its way to the wall. Then, on the next play, Tiger was called out at home for not sliding on a ball hit by Josh Fischer. Nick Munoz followed with a bunt single, but the Dodgers had another run cut down at the plate when Matthew bunted too hard to the pitcher and Josh was caught off base. So, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, Jose Hernandez stepped to the plate, down by one run. And, Jose came through, lashing a double to the right center wall to give the Dodgers a slim one run lead. Nate Polar, who took the tough loss on Saturday, came on to close it out, and danced around a couple of errors and a bases loaded jam, to earn the save. Dodgers 9, Plaza Mariners 8. Next up will be a rematch against the Long Beach Padres Wednesday at 5pm.
And a note on Tiger's baserunning adventures. In the last two games, Tiger has evinced a seeming reluctance to slide properly (i.e., feet first) and has been called out once and actually ejected from a game for these misdeeds. These meted punishments are well within the rules of Little League, and these rules are in place in an effort to protect kids from injuries. Nonetheless, there is a line we walk in life and in our microcosm of baseball, between being "dirty" and "aggressive". And, anybody who has seen Tiger play for any amount of time knows which category he belongs in (not dirty) and, frankly it takes quite a leap to assume that a 12-year-old is actually willfully inflicting damage on the members of another team on plays that are commonplace in other venues of baseball. It is absolutely our jobs as coaches to correct this behavior and admonish young Tiger, and let me continue my little foray out of the land of narration into editorializing and state without equivocation that true fans of baseball at any level should not delight when another team makes errors to give you a win or a big gain, at least not any more than a sigh of relief at your good fortune. I believe it to be beyond the pale to seemingly wish to ride a kid out on a rail for executing a good, hard baseball play, letter of the law or not. The sort of partisan rabblerousing that was apparent when Tiger was adventuring around the bases in the last two games really chapped my hide. For MY side, we are beholden to the rules of the game, and we want to "fix" the problem. For THEIR side, people need to quickly accept that a very athletic kid made a couple of boneheaded plays, forgive with great alacrity this lapse in judgment by a 12 YEAR OLD CHILD and get on with it. Seriously, people, let's have some dignity or clear the durn field.
That is all, carry on.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
6-19-2010--Majors TOC versus LB Padres
A picture perfect late spring day at beautiful LVLL was the setting for a classic game between the Long Beach Little League Major Padres and the LVLL Major Dodgers. Emotions ran high and the play was tight in a game that "we've all been waiting for." From the first batter, it was clear that the Dodgers were not intimidated by the hard-throwing LB righthander, as they scored a run on three hits in the first inning. LB scored three in their half of the first with the help of three Mondesi Blanchard walks and a crucial throwing error. Mondesi settled down after that and set down the next 12 out of 13 Padres, striking out 10 of them. Meanwhile the Dodgers continued to hit away, scoring 1 in the 2nd inning, 3 in the 3rd, and Josh Fischer clouted a colossal jack deep to left center to make the score 6-3, Dodgers. And then, the sixth inning came, and some wackiness ensued. The first batter reached on catcher's interference of all things, and Mondesi retired LB's big slugger for the first out. Nate Polar entered, gave up a single and the next batter crushed one to deep left center... and it bounced off the TOP of the fence and back in the field. This was followed by a walk, a pop out, and with runners on 2nd and 3rd, the Padres flared a single to right field for the win. This was quite an intense game, and the Dodgers are far from defeated--they are itching to play again, and they will get the chance Monday June 21st versus the Plaza Mariners at 5pm.
It is well understood that this was our first game all year where we matched a foe that was in our class. For all of our struggles with the Angels, it was clear that they did not possess the all around hitting that the Dodgers had. And this Dodgers team that had all year been difficult to focus on a twenty four game schedule were ballplayers today. When we went down 3-1 in the first, there was not the sense of deflation that accompanied the Dodgers' first foray into the short side of the ledger lo so many months ago. In this case, every single member of the Dodgers contributed in a way, whether it was on the field or in the dugout. Without question, though, our Brick, who drove in the 3rd and 4th runs of the game and gave the Dodgers the lead with a hard hit double to the wall, was the highlight of the day. His smile could have lit up the dark side of the moon. The fact that it was immediately followed by Nick's slashing single down the right field line to score another run was almost too much to take. Again, we are undaunted, and fear nothing.
It is well understood that this was our first game all year where we matched a foe that was in our class. For all of our struggles with the Angels, it was clear that they did not possess the all around hitting that the Dodgers had. And this Dodgers team that had all year been difficult to focus on a twenty four game schedule were ballplayers today. When we went down 3-1 in the first, there was not the sense of deflation that accompanied the Dodgers' first foray into the short side of the ledger lo so many months ago. In this case, every single member of the Dodgers contributed in a way, whether it was on the field or in the dugout. Without question, though, our Brick, who drove in the 3rd and 4th runs of the game and gave the Dodgers the lead with a hard hit double to the wall, was the highlight of the day. His smile could have lit up the dark side of the moon. The fact that it was immediately followed by Nick's slashing single down the right field line to score another run was almost too much to take. Again, we are undaunted, and fear nothing.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The TOC begins--finally! Lakewood Village Dodgers 9 Plaza Mariners 0.
After 2-1/2 weeks of inactivity, the Dodgers, as the entrants from Lakewood Village Little League, took the field to square off against the Plaza LL Mariners at the little field on Carson Boulevard in Long Beach, CA.
Mondesi took the hill on this fine blustery day and showed no ill effects from the long layoff; his pitches were low and well-flung--the hardest ones to hit. He ended up pitching five innings, and struck out 13 Mariners. Nate followed with one inning of two strikeout relief in his best appearance in weeks after he made some pitching mechanical adjustments in the bullpen during the long break.
Meanwhile, on offense, the Dodgers spun their wheels for four innings, including a gaffe by Mondesi in the first inning on the bases where he was thrown out at third. Two or more runners reached base in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th innings, but the Dodgers were unable to come up with the big hit. However, in the fifth inning, perhaps sensing that his team needed a spark, Mondesi drew a leadoff walk, trotted down the first baseline, and without breaking stride rounded first at a sprint, catching the Mariners off guard and sliding into second base. Next, on a short flyball to leftfield, Mondesi tagged quickly and bounded to third base. One pitch in the dirt later, Monde came home without a slide, and the Dodgers were on the board.
Well, that crack in the dam was quickly exploited--Nate singled, Fisch singled, Ripper doubled, and Nick walked, then rounded first and allowed Ripper to score when the Mariners threw down to second to get Nick. In the sixth inning, Brick singled, Tiger singled, Mondesi singled, David hit a sacrifice fly to score a run, Nate hit a booming triple to the wall, Fisch doubled, Ripper singled, and Brick later got his second hit of the game to drive in the ninth run of the game.
After a slow start the long-hibernating Dodgers woke up with a bang and will take on the archrival Long Beach Little League Padres next Saturday at 5pm.
Mondesi took the hill on this fine blustery day and showed no ill effects from the long layoff; his pitches were low and well-flung--the hardest ones to hit. He ended up pitching five innings, and struck out 13 Mariners. Nate followed with one inning of two strikeout relief in his best appearance in weeks after he made some pitching mechanical adjustments in the bullpen during the long break.
Meanwhile, on offense, the Dodgers spun their wheels for four innings, including a gaffe by Mondesi in the first inning on the bases where he was thrown out at third. Two or more runners reached base in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th innings, but the Dodgers were unable to come up with the big hit. However, in the fifth inning, perhaps sensing that his team needed a spark, Mondesi drew a leadoff walk, trotted down the first baseline, and without breaking stride rounded first at a sprint, catching the Mariners off guard and sliding into second base. Next, on a short flyball to leftfield, Mondesi tagged quickly and bounded to third base. One pitch in the dirt later, Monde came home without a slide, and the Dodgers were on the board.
Well, that crack in the dam was quickly exploited--Nate singled, Fisch singled, Ripper doubled, and Nick walked, then rounded first and allowed Ripper to score when the Mariners threw down to second to get Nick. In the sixth inning, Brick singled, Tiger singled, Mondesi singled, David hit a sacrifice fly to score a run, Nate hit a booming triple to the wall, Fisch doubled, Ripper singled, and Brick later got his second hit of the game to drive in the ninth run of the game.
After a slow start the long-hibernating Dodgers woke up with a bang and will take on the archrival Long Beach Little League Padres next Saturday at 5pm.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Dodgers 3 Dodgers 4. (5-26-2010) Does it matter? Does anything matter?
The Dodgers lost their last game of the regular season today, to finish with a 22-2 record, although they were 0-2 in crucial one-run games. After the first five games of the season between these two teams were Mondesi vs. Ian showdowns (again, Mondesi is on the Dodgers), the Dodgers sent Ripper to the mound vs. Ian. Matthew (ne Ripper) has been very good this year, and has improved his control a lot. We hoped to get him some good work against a good Angels team, and he did, but he struggled a little bit, with a couple of kids getting ringing hits off of him that we wouldn't have necessarily expected. Ripper would appear to have some mechanical kinks in his pitching that need to be worked out. Tiger came in to the game after Ripper pitched three innings and had his first shot against the Angels this year and also pitched well, allowing the last of the Angels' 4 runs and getting an assist from Brick, who turned a sweet line drive double play
On the hitting side, the Dodgers struggled a little bit, after scoring two quick runs in the first inning. We struck out 11 times in the game today (remember, there are only 18 outs in a Little League game), although we were facing a great pitcher.
Our next game is not until June 12th, in the Tournament of Champions (as I may have stated in an earlier post), and we will take the holiday weekend off from baseball. Boo!
On the hitting side, the Dodgers struggled a little bit, after scoring two quick runs in the first inning. We struck out 11 times in the game today (remember, there are only 18 outs in a Little League game), although we were facing a great pitcher.
Our next game is not until June 12th, in the Tournament of Champions (as I may have stated in an earlier post), and we will take the holiday weekend off from baseball. Boo!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
5-20-10: Dodgers Clinch! Giants 1 Dodgers 14. (Plus a player recap)
The Lakewood Village Majors Dodgers continue towards the finish line, and it is clear that they are getting better. Against a team that the Dodgers twice struggled to score runs against, the Dodgers scored 14, and hit three home runs, by Tiger and two by Mondesi. Additionally, Mondesi pitched his second no-hitter of the season, missing a perfect game only on an error on a bunt. (This is actually the Dodgers' second no hitter in succession, as they combined on a three pitcher-no hitter in the last game.) And, so, the Dodgers clinched the season by winning the second half with a record of 10-0 at this point. They are also 21-1 overall, the one loss a dagger thrust forth by the Angels months ago, off of the glove of Nate...
But that matters not. The Dodgers are a team of greatness, not on the basis of opinion, but by light of fact. Through happenstance and hard work in equal parts, a team has been assembled capable of toppling the heights of the baseball hierarchy. This is not, nay, not nearly a team of superjocks or insanely conditioned, travel ball-conditioned baseball playing-automatons. Nay nay nay! These are boys-nearing-manhood that have to do extra conditioning because they neglect to clean the dugout and average three missed signs on a game to game basis. These are gentleboys who find the renderings of the gastroentestinal system to be a source of everlasting delight, and who take the all-important task of stretching before a game/practice far too lightly. But to more than balance that, these boys are able to, quite simply, rake. They are hitting .426 as a team and are lapping the field. Their pitchers average just over one run given up per game. And we are perhaps five games from our run ending.
Let's review these excellent boys: First, the four who have been with the Dodgers organization over the entire three years:
Johnny--this is a boy, born of a man-boy who loves baseball, and who loves baseball himself. He keeps score whilst watching Dodgers baseball games (Major League ones), and desires nothing more than to "be good" at the game. The fact that he is very good at the game is lost on him, but is true nonetheless. Johnny's successes have been exhilarating, his failures at times demoralizing (and yell-inducing), but NEVER boring.
Tiger--oh, what an ath-uh-lete. Tiger was spotted during tryouts three years ago, wearing running shoes without cleats, wheeling around the bases after hitting, like a gazelle. Tiger is a sweet boy who loves his friends and has his moments of insecurity, but remains an exceptional baseball player, who made the best catch I've seen in Little League last year during the all-star tournament last year to almost save the game. Tiger is an instinctual player who is resistant to coaching at times, but this may also be part of his instinctual nature.
Mondesi--this boy became part of the Dodgers organization when Johnny and I decided to join up and coach together. He is my boy and I am terribly biased when it comes to him, without question. Objectively, it is clear that he has improved greatly as a player, is one of the two best pitchers in the league, and also one of the two best hitters in the league. He was saddled with a baseball player's name, but has seemingly embraced that, or perhaps ignored it, to make his own name. He is frequently smiling and telling corny jokes and has quite a lisp which gives the coaches frequent delight.
Nate--what a boy. He is the youngest of the 12-year olds (or nearly so), and has earned his nickname of Ice Water by yawning and looking non-plussed in the tightest of situations on the diamond. This year, he figured it all out, and has absolutely mashed the ball. Over the years, he has also developed a reputation as a pitcher as a guy who gets the quick out. His response to coaching instruction is rapid acquiescence, which inspires pleasure in the staff. He has been under coach Johnny's tutelage ever since he started playing baseball to my knowledge and is Johnny (the player)'s best buddy.
The next five players have spent two years in the Dodgers' organization:
Fisch (sticks)--our fair-haired elven prince of baseball, Fisch is a born ballplayer, moderate in temperament and fundamentally excellent. Against his mother's deepest wishes, Fisch has been transformed into the league's best catcher, a task he undertakes with nary a complaint despite having his left hand stung consistently by the league's best (and hardest throwing) pitchers. He crushes the ball and hit the league's most epic game-winning all star home run of all time last year.
Brick (Jason)--red hair, stocky as all get out. His dad played college baseball, and he is a smart boy with a sarcastic sense of humor and a notably high-pitched voice, glove that is apparently repellant to a baseball at times, but less so recently. He misses games on a semi-regular basis as he engages in outdoors activities like camping and fishing. This is a boy who possesses immense physical strength and a reservoir of baseball knowledge given his lineage. He has had some bright moments this year with hits off of the uber-pitcher Ian and many others.
Jose--the ultimate hustle bunny. I have not witnessed, over the last two years, any instance of Jose going half-assed on the field. The boy loves baseball, and has worked exceedingly hard to get better at it. He killed the Minor A Dodgers on multiple occasions three years ago and we made sure to draft him when we got the chance last year.
Ripper (Matthew)--what a ballplayer. This is a boy who clearly puts thought and effort into his play. He also injects his heart into it, which has resulted in some tearful moments over the two years after strikeouts while batting and walks while pitching. Matthew can play infield, outfield, catcher, or pitcher with equal aplomb. It says here that I also have to note that he looks like Howdy Doody, which is lost on almost everyone at this point.
Doctor (David)--again, what a ballplayer. This is the one Dodger who took a break last year after being with us on the original 2008 team. He is an exceptional 11 year old player, slight of build, but polished at fielding, hitting, and pitching. He makes use of every bit of his diminutive frame. He rarely has struck out over the years and has a dad who has worked frequently with him to hone his ballplayer (and good boy) skills.
And, finally, our one year guys:
Nick--what a smart boy. He loves baseball and has improved quite a bit over the year. He is not a huge guy but has managed quite a few hard hits this year. He will get a chance to come back next year and lead the next generation of Dodgers.
Rook (Nathan)--as you know, this is Brick's brother, and he is our youngest player, at 10 years old. He has a bowl haircut and is cute beyond measure. Additionally, he doesn't like to admit that he doesn't quite know our signs, but we've gotten over that. He had a three-run triple two games ago and was pleased as punch.
Justin--he is strong, and he is eleven years old. Justin has frosted tips (a sometime nickname for him) and is a bit pudgy--you might call it baby fat. When we first started this year, Justin had a hard time with the Dodgers's training regimen--lunges, lunges, lunges. He missed a couple of practices with "sore legs". Since then, he has progressed admirably and is a very strong, capable player, who will undoubtedly be one of the very best players in the league next year. He can pitch and hit and has taken significant strides in the outfield. He is really fearless at the plate and at third base. What a team.
But that matters not. The Dodgers are a team of greatness, not on the basis of opinion, but by light of fact. Through happenstance and hard work in equal parts, a team has been assembled capable of toppling the heights of the baseball hierarchy. This is not, nay, not nearly a team of superjocks or insanely conditioned, travel ball-conditioned baseball playing-automatons. Nay nay nay! These are boys-nearing-manhood that have to do extra conditioning because they neglect to clean the dugout and average three missed signs on a game to game basis. These are gentleboys who find the renderings of the gastroentestinal system to be a source of everlasting delight, and who take the all-important task of stretching before a game/practice far too lightly. But to more than balance that, these boys are able to, quite simply, rake. They are hitting .426 as a team and are lapping the field. Their pitchers average just over one run given up per game. And we are perhaps five games from our run ending.
Let's review these excellent boys: First, the four who have been with the Dodgers organization over the entire three years:
Johnny--this is a boy, born of a man-boy who loves baseball, and who loves baseball himself. He keeps score whilst watching Dodgers baseball games (Major League ones), and desires nothing more than to "be good" at the game. The fact that he is very good at the game is lost on him, but is true nonetheless. Johnny's successes have been exhilarating, his failures at times demoralizing (and yell-inducing), but NEVER boring.
Tiger--oh, what an ath-uh-lete. Tiger was spotted during tryouts three years ago, wearing running shoes without cleats, wheeling around the bases after hitting, like a gazelle. Tiger is a sweet boy who loves his friends and has his moments of insecurity, but remains an exceptional baseball player, who made the best catch I've seen in Little League last year during the all-star tournament last year to almost save the game. Tiger is an instinctual player who is resistant to coaching at times, but this may also be part of his instinctual nature.
Mondesi--this boy became part of the Dodgers organization when Johnny and I decided to join up and coach together. He is my boy and I am terribly biased when it comes to him, without question. Objectively, it is clear that he has improved greatly as a player, is one of the two best pitchers in the league, and also one of the two best hitters in the league. He was saddled with a baseball player's name, but has seemingly embraced that, or perhaps ignored it, to make his own name. He is frequently smiling and telling corny jokes and has quite a lisp which gives the coaches frequent delight.
Nate--what a boy. He is the youngest of the 12-year olds (or nearly so), and has earned his nickname of Ice Water by yawning and looking non-plussed in the tightest of situations on the diamond. This year, he figured it all out, and has absolutely mashed the ball. Over the years, he has also developed a reputation as a pitcher as a guy who gets the quick out. His response to coaching instruction is rapid acquiescence, which inspires pleasure in the staff. He has been under coach Johnny's tutelage ever since he started playing baseball to my knowledge and is Johnny (the player)'s best buddy.
The next five players have spent two years in the Dodgers' organization:
Fisch (sticks)--our fair-haired elven prince of baseball, Fisch is a born ballplayer, moderate in temperament and fundamentally excellent. Against his mother's deepest wishes, Fisch has been transformed into the league's best catcher, a task he undertakes with nary a complaint despite having his left hand stung consistently by the league's best (and hardest throwing) pitchers. He crushes the ball and hit the league's most epic game-winning all star home run of all time last year.
Brick (Jason)--red hair, stocky as all get out. His dad played college baseball, and he is a smart boy with a sarcastic sense of humor and a notably high-pitched voice, glove that is apparently repellant to a baseball at times, but less so recently. He misses games on a semi-regular basis as he engages in outdoors activities like camping and fishing. This is a boy who possesses immense physical strength and a reservoir of baseball knowledge given his lineage. He has had some bright moments this year with hits off of the uber-pitcher Ian and many others.
Jose--the ultimate hustle bunny. I have not witnessed, over the last two years, any instance of Jose going half-assed on the field. The boy loves baseball, and has worked exceedingly hard to get better at it. He killed the Minor A Dodgers on multiple occasions three years ago and we made sure to draft him when we got the chance last year.
Ripper (Matthew)--what a ballplayer. This is a boy who clearly puts thought and effort into his play. He also injects his heart into it, which has resulted in some tearful moments over the two years after strikeouts while batting and walks while pitching. Matthew can play infield, outfield, catcher, or pitcher with equal aplomb. It says here that I also have to note that he looks like Howdy Doody, which is lost on almost everyone at this point.
Doctor (David)--again, what a ballplayer. This is the one Dodger who took a break last year after being with us on the original 2008 team. He is an exceptional 11 year old player, slight of build, but polished at fielding, hitting, and pitching. He makes use of every bit of his diminutive frame. He rarely has struck out over the years and has a dad who has worked frequently with him to hone his ballplayer (and good boy) skills.
And, finally, our one year guys:
Nick--what a smart boy. He loves baseball and has improved quite a bit over the year. He is not a huge guy but has managed quite a few hard hits this year. He will get a chance to come back next year and lead the next generation of Dodgers.
Rook (Nathan)--as you know, this is Brick's brother, and he is our youngest player, at 10 years old. He has a bowl haircut and is cute beyond measure. Additionally, he doesn't like to admit that he doesn't quite know our signs, but we've gotten over that. He had a three-run triple two games ago and was pleased as punch.
Justin--he is strong, and he is eleven years old. Justin has frosted tips (a sometime nickname for him) and is a bit pudgy--you might call it baby fat. When we first started this year, Justin had a hard time with the Dodgers's training regimen--lunges, lunges, lunges. He missed a couple of practices with "sore legs". Since then, he has progressed admirably and is a very strong, capable player, who will undoubtedly be one of the very best players in the league next year. He can pitch and hit and has taken significant strides in the outfield. He is really fearless at the plate and at third base. What a team.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
That should sew it up. Angels 1 Dodgers 6. (5-15-2010)
It seems like a long time ago, March 20th. On that day we lost to the Angels and it looked like the vaunted Dodgers squad might be in some trouble. As my gentle reader might remember, the boys were down in the dumps, practically conceding victory to the Angels after one inning, and looked hopeless against the great Angels pitcher, Ian. Subsequently we had the dramatic Mondesi HR off of Ian to win a game, and followed that with a Mondesi leadoff HR and 10 hits to trample the Angels 8-0.
On the ides of May, the fates were with us again. In the first inning, the Dodgers scored 4 runs with hits, grit, and hustle, stealing bases left and right, laying down bunts, and running the bases like the champions that they are. Mondesi did not even need to get a hit today, as his teammates pounded out another ten hits off of Ian, including a spectacular pulled double by Brick, who came into the game batting about .200. Additionally, Jose hit a bloop double to right field, that he never stopped running on from the second he hit it; his was the best hustle play I've seen all year, since your first instinct a lot of times is to take a look at the hit after you hit it; Jose was barely safe at second, and he ended up scoring later on.
Meanwhile, Mondesi took the hill yet again against the Angels, and was under the weather, as I understand he had missed his last two days of school with multiple instances of vomiting and other nastiness. He clearly didn't have his grade A "stuff" today, but his control was very good and his defense made nearly every play behind him.
It was a funny scene after the game, as this game pretty much clinched the league title, that the boys couldn't've seemed more blase about it. I suppose it has been a long season filled with multiple blowouts (we have outscored the opposition 237-35) and even the Angels became easy pickings the last two games. Perhaps these are the most professional 11 and 12 year olds (and a 10 year old, Mr. Rook) ever and they are ready for the next challenge. It's coming. We will (barring catastrophe) be play
On the ides of May, the fates were with us again. In the first inning, the Dodgers scored 4 runs with hits, grit, and hustle, stealing bases left and right, laying down bunts, and running the bases like the champions that they are. Mondesi did not even need to get a hit today, as his teammates pounded out another ten hits off of Ian, including a spectacular pulled double by Brick, who came into the game batting about .200. Additionally, Jose hit a bloop double to right field, that he never stopped running on from the second he hit it; his was the best hustle play I've seen all year, since your first instinct a lot of times is to take a look at the hit after you hit it; Jose was barely safe at second, and he ended up scoring later on.
Meanwhile, Mondesi took the hill yet again against the Angels, and was under the weather, as I understand he had missed his last two days of school with multiple instances of vomiting and other nastiness. He clearly didn't have his grade A "stuff" today, but his control was very good and his defense made nearly every play behind him.
It was a funny scene after the game, as this game pretty much clinched the league title, that the boys couldn't've seemed more blase about it. I suppose it has been a long season filled with multiple blowouts (we have outscored the opposition 237-35) and even the Angels became easy pickings the last two games. Perhaps these are the most professional 11 and 12 year olds (and a 10 year old, Mr. Rook) ever and they are ready for the next challenge. It's coming. We will (barring catastrophe) be play
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