The Westchester Babe Ruth (14 years old and under) baseball team defeated La Crescenta 7 to 5 this week to win the Southern California State Baseball championship.
Westchester, which includes players Jordan Caines and Jason Zeidman from Culver City, beat Torrance, El Segundo (twice), Heartwell and La Crescenta (twice) on their way to the championship.
Behind stellar pitching and an explosive offense, Westchester outscored opponents 27-11 in the last three games. The team is comprised of players from Westchester, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Culver City, Brentwood, Marina del Rey, Ladera, Playa Vista, and Playa del Rey.
On Tuesday, July 31,Westchester will travel to Arizona to compete for the U.S. Pacific Southwest Regional title in the community of Surprise. If successful, the team will go to Utah for the Babe Ruth 14U World Series.
“The program at Westchester is fantastic,” said Manager John Lapatto. “We couldn’t be where we are today without the amazing support of our community, as well as Westchester Babe Ruth and its President, Chris Lynch. I am proud of the boys. They showed heart and determination. (The team was down 10-1 in the fourth inning at El Segundo before exploding for nine runs in the top of the fifth en route to a 12-10 victory.)
“Many of these boys were on the state championship last year as 13-year-olds,” Mr. Lapatto said. “We are building on that success. Being state champion in back-to-back years is amazing. Winning the Southern California State Championship this year is an incredible achievement. I expect great things in Arizona.”
The Westchester team will be fundraising to help defer costs of the Arizona trip. Fundraising events are tentatively scheduled at Tortilla Cantina (1225 El Prado Ave., Old Torrance) and Round Table Pizza (2701 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach). Team fundraising chair Terrie Chavez mentioned that the team is looking for additional fundraising opportunities as well. If interested in hosting a fundraising event and/or donating, contact Terrie at terac57@hotmail.com.
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Photo by Lawrence Gilliam
The Westchester 14U Babe Ruth team includes Avery Allen, Christian Amador, Jordan Caines, Reggie Castro, Anthony Chavez, Grant Craddolph, Angel de la Torre, Lawrence (LJ) Gilliam, AJ Inatsugu, Carlos Jacobo, Matthew Kanfer, Matthew Kaplan, Ethan Lazar, Mario Morales and Jason Zeidman. In addition to Mr.Lapatto, Barry Craddolph and Alex Galaviz are the coaches.
