BaseballResource.com: Baseball Resource General Post

504 Baseball Playing Teams in the CIF-SS for 2010.

statman0168 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:16 -0700

504 Baseball Playing Teams in the CIF-SS for 2010.

The CIF Southern Section publishes a List of Member schools every year in October and sends it out to all Coaches.
The Oct. 2009 Book for 2010 shows for Baseball that there will be no changes League or Division wise, but there will be a tremendous change starting with the Football Season in September of 2010.

The Major changes will be in the Citrus Belt Area, Desert Area, Mt. SAC Area, Northern Area and a BIG change in the Orange County Area.
No changes will be seen in the Coast Area, Foothill Area and Parochial Area.
Small Schools Area is hard to say since there are so many teams that come and go each year.

The CIF-SS Bulletin that covers the 2010-2014 Re-leaguing Revised Feb. 9, 2010 can be found at:
http://www.cifss.org/admin/images/news_file/1265737588_2010-2014%20FINAL%20RELEAGUING%20CONFIGURATIONS%20AS%20APPROVED%20BY%20COUNCIL%20Rev%20Feb%209%202010.pdf

I Have 4 Updated Lists for Baseball on my CIF-SS Playoff Page here at:
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/Playoffs.html

Since 2010 for Baseball will not change much I was able to put out a 2010 CIF-SS Baseball Divisions, Leagues & Teams with little changes.
This List is printed all on 1 Page The Direct Link:
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/BBLEAGUA.pdf

There are 504 Baseball Playing Schools in the CIF-SS
I have 3 different Lists: All contain team Name, League Playing in 2010, Division League is in, and Team Nick Name.
Then the next 3 columns are for 2010-12 Enrollment, 2007-2008 Enrollment and 2004 Enrollment.
That 2010-12 is an added (or 3rd) "Enrollment Column"..
The Last column is for Notes about different Divisions the team has played in since 2004.

The First column (in front of the Team Name) is labeled "E#" for Enrollment Size.
The team with the Highest Enrollment size would be # 1.

My first list contains all of these Schools in Alphabetical order here at:
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/BBALPHAA.pdf

At the end of the Baseball Playing Schools there is a list of CIF-SS Schools that are NOT Playing Baseball but are CIF-SS Member Schools.
Schools designated ALL GIRLS Schools are eliminated from the lists.
After the Non Baseball List there is a List of Schools that were in the CIF-SS in the last 5 years but are no longer listed as CIF-SS Members.

The Next List is sorted by Enrollment size.
Here is the Link to that List:
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/BBENROLA.pdf

In Prior years 5 of the 9 Schools with enrollment over 4,000 students were all from the Moore League in the Long Beach area.
But in 2010 there is a new Top Dog.
Paramount of the San Gabriel Valley League with 4,468 students. Is now # 1.
The next 3 were the usual Wilson/LB 4,413, Poly/LB 4,407 and Lakewood 4,400. In 2008, Poly/LB was # 1 overall.
Wilson of Hacienda Heights is # 5 at 4,397, Millikan/LB # 6 at 4,131 , Downey (San Gabriel Valley) # 7 at 4,100, Santiago Corona (Big VIII) # 9 at 4,000. Jordan/LB # 9 is in at 4,000 and Fontana (Citrus Belt) # 10 at 3,958.

Smallest School trying to field a team is Calvary Christian of Cathedral City has 19 Students attending classes, will attempt to compete in the Div. 7, Majestic League.
South Bay Lutheran will compete in the Div. 7, Mulholland League with 21 students in the whole school.

Again: here is the Link to that List:
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/BBENROLA.pdf

The Last List is sorted by League Name and Teams in the League are listed in Alphabetical Order.
http://www.hartbaseballstats.com/BBMAXPRA.pdf

The Big difference in this League list, is that I tried to make it easier to read by dividing the Leagues with a Underline on the last team alphabetically so it's much easier to read:
With the E# before every team and the actual reported team Enrollment you can see the variation of enrollment within a League.

There are only a few NEW SCHOOLS this Year, namely Yorba Linda with a Junior Level team in Division 2 Empire League.
Other new schools are: Murrieta Mesa (Freelance), Citrus Valley (Freelance), Shadow Hills (Freelance), University Prep of Victorville (Freelance), California City (High Desert), Riverside Prep (Freelance), Pacifica Lutheran (Heritage), Academy of Careers (Freelance).

Most of the New Freelance schools and some of the Previous (and Current) Freelance schools will be placed into existing Leagues in the BIG Re-leaguing Next Year.

In 2011, Vasquez (of Acton) a long time Freelance School will be integrated into the Desert Mountain League and also Mojave who dropped a year ago from the Desert Mountain League to Freelance will be back in the DML.

CIF Predictions 2010

statman0168 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:57:00 -0700

CIF-SS Finals will not be at a MLB Ball Park this year.

I'm told they will be at the Lake Elsinore Class A (Plus) + California League Minor League Baseball team.

As for the best 2 out of 3 for CIF-SS Playoffs.
I don't think it will work for the first 4 rounds.

It would require too many extra weeks.
As it is, graduation starts shortly after the last game is played in early June.

However it might be a good Idea for the Championship Finals.

I put up a link on this board recently to an LA Times article about the Southern Section giving consideration to the best 2 out of 3 for Playoffs.

Haven't heard anything more.

14U USA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

ABDBulldog — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:53:39 -0700

USA Baseball will be hosting the 14U USA National Championships in Peoria, AZ during the 16U USA tournament. The dates are set for June 18-23, 2010.

We will be sending 3 teams to the event

*ABD Orange County
*ABD Seadogs
*ABD Warriors

If you are interested in trying out for one of these teams, please send an email to info@abdacademy.com. For information on ABD, you can go to http://www.abdacademy.com.

You can get more information and details of the event at http://www.usabaseball.com.

SPRING LEAGUE TRYOUTS

ABDBulldog — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 15:49:33 -0700

There will be a final tryout for the Spring League next weekend. You can get details online at http://www.abcleague.org.

D1 DIVISION
ATH Grizzlies
*1 Catcher
*2-3 Pitchers

ABD Surf Dogs
*1 Catcher
*3-4 Pitchers
*2 Infielders
*1-2 Outfielders

Trombly Baseball
*8-10 Players (All Positions)

O'Keiki Warriors
*1 Catcher
*1-2 Infielders
*2-3 Pitchers
*1-2 Outfielders

Escondido Baseball
*1 Catcher
*2-3 Infielders
*4-5 Pitchers
*2 Outfielders

ABD Bulldogs
*1-2 Pitchers

ABD Red Dogs
*1-2 Pitchers

ABD Tigers
*1-2 Pitchers
*1 Infielder
*1 Catcher
*1 Outfielder

D4 DIVISION
ABD Surfdogs
*1 Catcher
*1-2 Pitchers

ABD Bulldogs
*1 Catcher
*1 Infielder
*1 Outfielder
*1-2 Pitchers

O'Keiki Warriors
*6-8 Players (All Positions)

You can get contact information for each club online at http://www.abdacademy.com.

If you have any questions, send an email to springabcl@aol.com.

USA Premier Baseball Summer League

usapremier — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:12:40 -0700

USA PREMIER BASEBALL
SUMMER LEAGUES - Filling Up Quickly!

June - August 2010

Opportunity for advancement in regional and national tournaments

SUMMER LEAGUES - 18U, 16U, 14U (New)
Forming Divisions In:
- San Diego
- Riverside
- Orange County

What Sets Us Apart: Quality Teams and A Well Run Organization

To Secure Your Spot and/or receive more information
www.usapremierbaseball.com
Si Pettrow - USA Premier League Director - 714 292-6936 si@usapremierbaseball.com

"If You Don't Play With The Best, Why Play At All..."

18U, 16U and 14U Summer Leagues are open to high school and travel teams. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of high school players an opportunity to showcase their skills to Recruiters: College Coaches and Professional Scouts.

Fee's include Fields, Insurance, Baseballs and Umpires.

USA Premier Baseball League is affiliated with National Amateur Baseball Federation (NABF),(CABA) and American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC)

* For more information, contact Si Pettrow 714-292-6936

WE ARE HAVING A MANDATORY MEETING FOR ANYBODY WHO IS INTERESTED IN PLAYING WITH OUR ORGANIZATION

WHERE: DOUBLE TREE HOTEL, IRVINE SPECTRUM
WHEN: MARCH 13, 2010
TIME: 3:00 PM
TOPIC: SUMMER LEAGUE PROGRAM, RULES, DIVISIONS, ETC......

4th of July Firecracker 16th Annual Tournament

usapremier — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:46:18 -0700

Don't be mislead - this is the ORIGINAL and TOP RATED 4th of July Showcase in the Western United States

16th Annual Firecracker Classic July 2-7, 2010

REGISTER NOW Filling up quickly
18U Division - 48 Team Limit (36 already signed up)
NEW - 16U Division - 24 Team Limit (13 already signed up)
Champion receives a berth into the AABC 16U Regional'Playoffs

To Secure Your Spot and/or receive more information
www.usapremierbaseball.com
Si Pettrow - Tournament Director - 714 292-6936 si@usapremierbaseball.com

Featuring top teams nationally and internationally and considered the
"Must Attend " event of the summer by Professional Scouts and College Coaches

Quality fields, great umpiring, and tremendous competition sets USA Premier Baseball as the leader in Southern California and national baseball tournaments. Our 4th of July Firecracker Tournament continues to be one of the great highlights of the year and is growing! Returning top teams from Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Southern California, and Canada, etc.

TOURNIE DETAILS: Four game guarantee, pool play format with top teams advancing to elimination rounds, baseballs provided for championship games, team championship trophy provided for 1st & 2nd place team's coach NEW - 16U Champion will have automatic berth to the Regional Championship

Reserve your place today to ensure your participation in this very exciting national tournament and great visibility to the numerous top scouts and coaches available!

Quote from UCLA Coach Rick Vanderhook: "The USA Premier Baseball Tournaments are definitely the BEST showcase of talent and well organized tournaments around!!! We always considered them as "Must Attend" tournaments for recruiting and is by far superior than any other local tournaments available" - which was also echoed by numerous other college coaches and professional scouts...

If You Don't Play With The Best, Why Play At All...

www.usapremierbaseball.com
Si Pettrow - Tournament Director - 714 292-6936 / si@usapremierbaseball.com

Scholarship offers

baseballfather — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:38:21 -0700

The NCAA allows each division 1 college baseball program 11.78 scholarships total per season.

Almost all D1 baseball college athletic scholarships are partial. This means that a coach will divide his 11.78 between a larger number of players each year. This does not mean a player will get money for 4 years straight either. Look at college rosters and the number of Juniors and Seniors that are left from their freshman years. Not many.

Also most D1 players will not graduate in 4 years. The demands of time for baseball with the number of games per week with practice and days traveling means many days not in class

This means partial scholarships across the roster instead of 11 full ride scholarships.

Percentages only go higher to lure high draft round choice prospects and top pitchers to go to college rather than sign . BUT that is only a very very small percentage of the players

So most of the rest of money will have to come out of the parents pocket books thru personal savings, loans and other possible non athletic scholarships/grants.

If your family income is too high you may not qualify for most financial aid and may have to resort to private loans or cash. Private university these days could run 120k to 200k for 4 years with tution, books, fees, room and board. CA state schools have been raising there fees dramatically lately and more raises for the future are likely. So even public schools cost be costly. The costs these days may drive more players to the JC ranks for the 1st 2 years of college to lighten the financial load on the parents.

Good Luck... :80:

NTIS

ABDBulldog — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:17:25 -0700

14U USA NATIONAL TEAM SELECTION PROCESS

Beginning in 2010, USA Baseball will implement a rolling invitation process for the 14U National Team Trials participants. A minimum of 38 athletes will be identified for the trials through the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS), the USA Baseball 14U Championships and recommendations from professional scouts; college, high school and youth coaches, and the amateur baseball community. As players are named to the team, USA Baseball will publicize the announcement(s) through a press release and/or by post to USABaseball.com.
The primary identification vehicle for the USA Baseball 14U National Team Trials will be the NTIS. The NTIS is held each September and provides USA Baseball with an advanced look at the upcoming class of top players at the 14U, 16U, and 18U competition levels. Players may participate in the NTIS through a regional qualification process or via the USA Stars at-large program. The NTIS includes three (3) different age divisions of players representing various youth baseball organizations from across the United States. During the tournament, USA Baseball Task Force members will evaluate each of the players and select a minimum of 24 players to attend the following calendar year's USA Baseball 14U National Team Trials.

Beginning in 2010, players may also qualify for the 14U National Team Trials by competing in the 14U Championships, held each June in Arizona and Florida. To attend this event, players must be on one of the teams that will be admitted to participate at each site. At the 14U Championships, USA Baseball Task Force members will identify a minimum of 14 players for the 14U National Team Trials.

Additional secondary events may be held throughout the year by USA Baseball at its National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., which may also be used to identify players for current or future 14U National Teams.

Once at the 14U Trials, players will participate in practices and intrasquad Red vs. Blue games to compete for one of the final 18 roster spots on the 2010 USA Baseball 14U National Team.

Information contained in this selection process document is subject to change at the sole discretion of USA Baseball and without further notice.

CIF-SS considers best of 3 Playoffs for D-1

statman0168 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:00:12 -0700

Are you ready for best 2 out of 3 Playoffs for Division 1, like the San Diego Section does?

Read Sondheimers Blog on LA Times Varsity Times Insider:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2010/02/baseball-is-it-time-to-change-playoff-format.html

Coach John Stevenson - El Segundo

baseballfather — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:00:46 -0700

California: A coaching legend passes at El Segundo
Baseball coach John Stevenson, the state's winningest coach, dies prior to beginning his 51st season.

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/6eFSagB_Ed-UswAcxJTdpg/california--a-coaching-legend-passes-at-el-segundo.htm

USA Premier Baseball

usapremier — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:30:17 -0700

USA Premier Baseball

www.usapremierbaseball.com

"Top Rated 18U Summer Baseball Tournament in the Western United States with International Attendance"

16th Annual Firecracker Classic 2010 July 2-7, 2010

REGISTER NOW - Filling up quickly
- 18U Division - 48 Team Limit (25 already signed up)
- NEW - 16U Division - 24 Team Limit (10 already signed up) -
Champion receives a berth into the AABC 16U Regional's Playoffs

Quality fields, great umpiring, and tremendous competition sets USA Premier Baseball as the leader in Southern California and national baseball tournaments. Our 4th of July Firecracker Tournament continues to be one of the great highlights of the year and is growing! We are expecting 50 to 60 teams and have spots already are reserved by returning top teams from Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Southern California, and Canada, etc. --- Reserve your place today to ensure your participation in this very exciting national tournament and great visibility to the numerous top scouts and coaches available!

TOURNIE DETAILS: Four game guarantee, pool play format with top teams advancing to elimination rounds, baseballs provided for championship games, team championship trophy provided for 1st & 2nd place team's coach NEW - 16U Champion will have automatic berth to the Regional Championship

To Secure Your Spot and/or receive more information
www.usapremierbaseball.com
Si Pettrow - Tournament Director - 714 292-6936 / si@usapremierbaseball.com

Congratulations! 2009 Christmas Classic Tournament

The Christmas Classic Championship game won by the Southern California Renegades (7) and runner-up San Diego Show (5) played a tremendous game and congratulations to both teams.

As the tradition of USA Premier Baseball tournaments, this was another excellent year!!! Intense competition was demonstrated as every bracket came down to the last game to determine their placement. Great teams went head to head showcasing some of the very best players to the Professional Scouting Bureau of Scouts showing up in full force, and the tremendous showing of College Coaches (representing of those that did not have a dead period).

"If you can't play with the best, why play at all"

As always, we value your thoughts on even setting the bar higher. We also run a summer program and league if you are interested on how we work. Our organization is affiliated with many national organizations (AABC, NABF, CABA Baseball). Your valuable opinion and continued involvement is what makes this and all of our tournaments a tremendous success. I personally would like to thank each and every team for your continued involvement and consider you a member of USA Premier Baseball's annual events...

Si Pettrow
USA Premier Baseball

Register at: USA Premier Baseball
5842 McFadden, Unit J
Huntington Beach, California 92649
Phone: 714-373-0130 or 714-292-6936 si@usapremierbaseball.com

SPRING LEAGUE

ABDBulldog — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:09:39 -0700

We have several players that will be attending the tryout for this Saturday. We are still taking registration for players that are wanting to tryout this Saturday at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

If you are a player that needs a place to play this Spring, go to http://www.abcleague.org to get some information the league.

Martin Luther King Tournament

warriorbball — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:40:27 -0700

Sunday @ Carpinteria

Pioneer Valley 9 Katella 5
Semi Final : # 2 Katella 15 # 3 Pioneer Valley 0

Sunday @ San Marcos

Channel Islands 11 Villanova 1
Semi Final : #1 San Marcos 10 #4 Channel Islands 4

Then the rain came and hasn't stopped

Championship : Katella vs San Marcos TBD

Christian Lopes to Transfer to Edison

statman0168 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:04:41 -0700

Just saw this on the LA Times Varsity Times Insider Blog by Eric Sondheimer:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/varsitytimesinsider/2010/01/baseball-christian-lopes-headed-to-edison.html

Note: Christian Lopes is only a Junior but in his first 2 years he had already set most of the Batting records for Valencia (of Valencia in Santa Clarita).
Lopes is a shortstop and hit .453 with 15 homers in 2009.
I heard Christian Lopes has some type of injury and was mostly DH'ing during the Fall/Winter games.

Also Lopes brother, Tim, who is only a sophomore just might possibly be better than Christian, is naturally also involved in the transfer.

Trombly Baseball Team Showcase

TromblyBaseball — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:43:56 -0700

We could still use another Catcher and another pitcher or two.

Contact me if you are interested.

Steve Trombly
steve@tromblybaseball.com

So. Cal Bombers Tryous!

Raysdugout22 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:22:17 -0700

Bump!

Baseball Pocket Radar Guns

baseballfather — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:49:09 -0700

Pocket RADAR Gun at the 2010 CES(Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this week.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?&entry_id=54680

http://pocketradar.com/uses.html

ABD TRYOUTS

ABDBulldog — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:09:24 -0700

We will be hosting tryouts for ABD teams in late January. We will be looking for players for our teams that will be going to the 16U USA Baseball Championships (formerly Junior Olympics).

We will have 4 teams that will be attending this tournament, 3 for Arizona and 1 for Florida.

Also, this year will be the 14U USA Baseball Championships this Summer and we will be looking for players for this tournament as well.

For information on this, you can go to http://www.abdacademy.com.

If you have any questions, send an email to info@abdacademy.com for questions and information.

Coach John Herbold

baseballfather — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:40:03 -0700

Long Beach Press Telegram 12/24/2009

http://www.presstelegram.com/search/ci_14067718

USA Premier Baseball Christmas Classic

usapremier — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:21:24 -0700

USA Premier Baseball

I would like to thank all 24 teams for a great 10th Annual Christmas Classic Tournament

The Championship day was one of the most exciting we have ever had, with great pitching and solid play by all teams. The tournament also received tremendous support from MLB Scouts and local fans. There was a minor rain delay in the morning but thanks to the great staff at Irvine Windrow Park were able to get all the games in and finish the tournament on time.

The semi-final games featured four battle tested teams playing their 6th game of the tournament:

San Diego Show 6
So Cal Angels 1

Southern California Renegades 4
Anderson Arsenal 3

The game between the Renegades and the Arsenal was particularly exciting with the Renegades over coming a great pitching performance from Anderson Arsenal Lefty Kenny Mathews. He did not allow a run until the bottom of the 6th when the Renegades loaded the bases and Andrew Chico, with 2 outs, hit a double to get the Renegades within a run at 3-2. After Chico's double the Arsenal pitcher was replaced. The next batter was Callan Dawson who also doubled to give the Renegades the 4-3 lead they needed for the win.

The tournament finale showcased two of the top teams in Southern California:

Southern California Renegades 7
San Diego Show 5

The game started well for the Renegades when Dominic Ficociello pounded a 3 run homer to deep right center in the first inning. The Renegades received outstanding pitching performances from starter Paul Paez, Braden Riddle and Benny Vo. Tournament MVP Callan Dawson came in with runners at 2nd & 3rd and 1 out in the 6th to shut down the SD Shows rally. He came back to pitch a scoreless 7th and preserve the victory for the Renegades who were 7-0 for the tournament.

Following the tragic death this past week of Santa Ana College pitcher James Wernke, the Southern California Renegades established an annual Award in his honor. The "James Wernke First Strike Memorial Award" will be given each year to the Outstanding Pitcher of the Christmas Classic Tournament. The inaugural winner of the Award was Renegades pitcher Paul Paez. In addition, the Renegades chose to honor James by having each batter in their lineup take a called first strike during his first at bat in the tournaments first game; starting a Renegades tradition that will continue in future tournaments. James Wernke was a pitcher for the Renegades in the 2006 Christmas Classic Tournament as well as a member of their 2007 NABF World Series team.

It's not how long you are here, but how many people you touch along the way... and again James you have touched me... I will hold you in my memories and keep your spirt alive....

Si Pettrow
USA Premier Baseball

"If You Don't Play With The Best, Why Play At All"

www.usapremierbaseball.com

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday

Message to Catchers

power2allfields — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:07:38 -0700

I am going to bump this one more time...

If you child is a catcher get to this camp if you can.

Trombly Baseball looking for players to play @ LMU and USC

TromblyBaseball — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:17:42 -0700

Trombly Baseball has roster spots open for the following events:

-----------------------------------------------------
LMU Team Showcase

Jan 2-3, 2010
Loyola Marymount University
(1) 18U Trombly Baseball team entered
Aluminum Bat
Each team will play (3) 7 inning games

Trombly Baseball Team Showcase

Jan 16-18, 2010
USC
(2) 18U Trombly Baseball teams entered
Aluminum Bat
Each Team will play (3) 9 inning games
-------------------------------------------------------

If you are interested in participating please contact me and send me the following info:

Players Name
Position(s)
HS/Grad Year
Phone #
Email

Thanks,
Steve Trombly
steve@tromblybaseball.com

Blair Fields Future

baseballfather — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:31:34 -0700

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_14006652

KEISSER: LBSU's deal to run Blair could pay big benefits

By Bob Keisser, Columnist
Posted: 12/15/2009 11:04:02 PM PST

Long Beach State recently was surprised to find out it's ranked No. 7 by a major media publication.

Not by Sports Illustrated, or the Associated Press, and certainly not the BCS. No, the school's baseball team was just ranked No.7 by Time Magazine in an end-of-decade top 10 poll of the worst school nicknames.

We're saddened to report that the Dirtbags were lumped in with the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, Evergreen State College Geoducks and Pace University Setters on the magazine's somewhat tongue-in-ink list.

"Oh well," Dirtbags coach Mike Weathers said. "The bad news is we made the list. The good news is we're mentioned in Time Magazine!"

One takes their notices where they find them.

Time Magazine does explain the nickname's origin and even includes quotes from Dirtbag major leaguers extolling the virtues of Dirtbag-dom. Can't say that for the Banana Slugs or Geoducks, which, for those not in the know, are mollusks.

Go gastropods! Go bivalves!

There isn't a university on the list that can claim Rookie of the Year winners like Bobby Crosby and Evan Longoria or an MVP like Jason Giambi or stars like Troy Tulowitzki and Jered Weaver.

Clearly, more professional talent has come through Blair Field than any other campus venue.

Maybe Time Magazine or SI will take further note of Dirtbag baseball in the near future when it adopts Blair Field as its own.

Previous talk of a sale of Blair by the cash-strapped city to Long Beach State has been replaced by a pending agreement to lease Blair and its operation to the university.

This makes sense on so many levels.

It takes the cost of running the ballpark out of a city budget that needs to erase red ink.

It puts the ballpark in the hands of a program that understands its value, has given the field its modern identity and built on a history that goes back to its pre-war days as Recreation Park.

It will allow for the eventual needed renovation of Blair to keep it as a high end facility, as opposed to just a new smattering of spackle and paint.

Eventually, it will become the Dirtbags' practice facility as well, which will give CSULB President Dr. F. King Alexander the opportunity to make better use (and revenue) of the land than the currently decaying practice facility.

"It's really going to be a great thing," Weathers said. "Everyone likes playing there and having it as our practice facility will eventually be a real plus."

Athletic Director Vic Cegles wouldn't be specific but said the deal is evolving. The premise is a future campaign to renovate the facility, which initially would focus on new lighting, clubhouses and infrastructure and eventually expansion.

"Initially, we'll have to get our feet on the ground and learn what it takes to run the facility," Weathers said. "We've played there for 18 years but we haven't run it. We'll have to get into the day-to-day operation."

Weathers likes the idea of having Blair as a practice facility, simply because it gives the Dirtbags a permanent home and he no longer has to show potential recruits the dilapidated practice field, which is a few rotten pieces of wood held together by termites and an infield that gives dusty a bad name.

"The first thing I'd want to figure out is (the toll of) practicing (at Blair," he said. It's hard to imagine Dirtbag drills taking more out of Blair than the current schedule. On the way to the Wilson-Lakewood football game last month, Blair was in full use for some game.

The Armada have used it in the summer for 45 games plus practice, and Moore League baseball, American Legion and Connie Mack also have dates there from February to September.

The latter two groups have lost valuable use of Blair because the independent league team has had first dibs. But this apparently is a moot point for the future.

The Armada do not have a permit to play at Blair in 2010. Once the new lease arrangement is approved, the team would have to negotiate with Long Beach State for a permit.

All existing permits - and all the youth groups have them - would continue to be honored. The City and Long Beach Unified have a joint use agreement for facilities so Moore League baseball at Blair apparently will run in perpetuity.

As for the Armada? Bon Voyage. The minor league teams playing here for, well, way too long, have always been tenants taking more out of Long Beach than what they put in. The city's recent decision to let the Armada run the concessions for all Blair events was specious and led to major league prices for tasteless beer and stale nachos.

Both Cegles and Weathers are very sensitive to the needs of youth baseball here. Why wouldn't they be? Long Beach is a natural resource for young athletes. One of the best things Dan Monson has done as basketball coach is reconnect with local products (Casper Wahr of Gahr, Larry Anderson of Jordan).

Weathers would like more local high school stars to pick Long Beach State as their college of choice. Two of his key recruits for 2011 are Lakewood's Jeff Yamaguchi (.447 last season) and Millikan pitcher Josh Frye (7-3, 1.67).

"Absolutely," he said. "I want the Moore League teams playing at Blair. I grew up playing at Blair. It helps us that there's a clear association between local baseball and Blair. There are going to be issues with dates, but nothing that can't be worked out."

Once the Blair deal is done and the university takes the steps to upgrade it, maybe Time Magazine will take note. Dirt is a good thing when it's a foundation for young athletes and growing universities. Beats mollusks any day.

James Wernke

baseballfather — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:33:07 -0700

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/body-found-believed-missing-athlete-james-wernke/story?id=9344834

Body Believed To Be Calif. College Athlete James Wernke Has Been Found
Police Have Found a Body That Could Be Santa Ana College Pitcher
By SARAH NETTER and EMILY FRIEDMAN
Dec. 15, 2009-

A body believed to be that of missing California athlete James Wernke has been found.

The body was found near a flood control basin in Fullerton, Calif., close to the area where authorities have been searching for Wernke, according to ABC News' affiliate KABC.

Cops told KABC that they believe Wernke wandered into the creek during a rain storm, when the current was at full force, and may have fallen in.

Wernke, 21, was last seen in Fullerton Saturday afternoon as he leashed up a friend's Labrador retriever named Kealie for a walk. Neither he nor the dog have been seen since.

Authorities said the dog has not yet been found.

During the investigation into Wernke's disappearance, one of the few pieces of information authorities had was that disappearing without a trace was out of character for Wernke.

"He's always happy, he's always smiling," Sheri Wernke told ABCNews.com, her voice cracking at times as she spoke about her son earlier this week. "So this is just the most bizarre thing."

Wernke, who flew in from Colorado on Sunday along with her husband, said her family is very close, talking to each other several times a day. For even a day to go by without word from James is extremely unusual, she said.

"That's what police were saying, it just doesn't fit any profile" of a missing person, Sheri Wernke said.

Family and friends papered the Fullerton area with 1,500 flyers Sunday, she said, and bloodhounds were sent out to track both Wernke and Kealie. Sheri Wernke said the bloodhounds tracked them to a 7-11 store about a mile away before losing the scent along a major road.

"The only thing we can think of that makes any sense ... did he fall in the rain and hit his head?" Wernke said at the time.

Wernke went to the gym around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and talked to his mother around 1 p.m. Wernke, who lived about 20 minutes away from Fullerton in Orange, was a regular presence on weekend's at the home of Diana Bock, his girlfriend's mother, to do laundry and do homework.

Wernke and Sami Bock, a student at Long Island University in New York, were high school sweethearts who had been dating for about three years.

"They were so cute," Diana Bock said. "They're in constant communication. They text 24/7."

Around 2 p.m. Saturday Wernke set off with Bock's 2-year-old Labrador retriever Kealie. Sheri Wernke said it was raining and, they believe, he was clad only in shorts, a T-shirt and possibly flip-flops.

Bastreri said police were told that Wernke returned to Bock's house shortly after leaving and then took off again around 2:15 p.m., presumably with Kealie.

Leaving his wallet, license and his car at Bock's home, Wernke was only carrying his cell phone. His last known communication was a text message to his best friend at 1:44 p.m. Wernke said the friend sent him a message back, but James Wernke never responded.

Diana Bock said she began to worry after Wernke and the dog had been gone for about three hours. She called her daughter Sami in New York to see if she had heard from Wernke, but she hadn't. After speaking with Sheri Wernke and waiting for several hours wondering if James Wernke had maybe taken Kealie to visit a friend, Bock called police around midnight.

"By 12, I just couldn't take it anymore," Bock said.

Police, Family Searched for Missing College Student James Wernke
Wernke, a sophomore nursing major, was the pitcher for the Santa Ana College baseball team. Wernke had been courted by the Oakland A's, Sheri Wernke said, but chose to go to college when his draft pick wasn't high enough.

Wernke and his girlfriend were looking forward to spending time together when Sami came home for Christmas break on Thursday and then again for three weeks in January before the two headed back to class.

Finals were coming up this week, but he looking foward to transfering to Long Beach State University next year to pitch for the school's baseball team.

Once finals were over, both James Wernke and his older sister Kristina had planned to hop a flight to Colorado early next week to spend Christmas with their parents.

http://www.lbpost.com/ryan/7706

Long Beach State Baseball Recruit Found Dead
by Ryan ZumMallen | Long Beach News | 12.15.09

James Wernke, a 21-year old student at Santa Ana College who had recently earned a baseball scholarship to play for Long Beach State, was found dead today after he had been reported missing on Saturday.

Long Beach State issued a press release this afternoon.

"It's never easy to deal with an enormous tragedy such as this," head baseball coach Mike Weathers said, in the press release. "We obviously thought very highly of James and will miss the opportunity to have him be part of the Long Beach State baseball program. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

The Associated Press reports that Wernke was found in a Fullerton creek, presumably after falling in as he was walking his girlfriend's dog. The creek was unusually high after heavy rains.

USA Premier Classic Roster Rawlings Elite

RawlingElite — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:36:24 -0700

Rawlings Elite

Bryan Clough LHP(10 Capo, UCI)
Sean Nearhoof C (11 El Toro)
Robbie Gawaorski IR (10 Tesoro)
AJ Pipitone RHP (11 tesoro)
Chris Hubocan RHP ( 10 Mission Viejo)
Braden Peters mid inf (11 Tesoro)
Jake Kuluris RHP (11 mission Viejo)
Kris Paulino OF (11 Tesoro UCI)
Reed Reilly RHP mid inf (10 J Serra)
Chris Paul Rhp mid inf (11 Laguna Beach)
Kyle Hunt ss (11 Capo)
Austin Saenz OF cat (11 mission viejo)
Connor Spencer 1st (11 Tesoro)
Tanner Donnels OF(11 Tesoro)
Sam Kim of/inf (10 Mission Viejo)
Willie Kuhl Rhp 1st ( 11 Mission Viejo)
Ben Conely RHP 3rd (11 Mater Dei)
Robert Parker OF (11 J Serra)
Jack Teah OF(11 J Serra)
Jeff Ortega c (12 Capo)
Josh Huntzinger c (10 Capo)

Head Coach Marc McDonnell
830 am Sat 19th Windrow 2 vs Anderson
1pm Sat 19th Windorw 1 vs Outlaws
130pm Sun 20th Windorw 2 vs Irvine Rox
Monday 21st TBD
Tuesday 22nd 10 am Semis (Windrow)
Tuesday 22nd 1pm Championship(Windrow 1)

Looking forward to some good December baseball!