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!
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