The road to Williamsport begins in West Los Angeles at the weekend when the Culver City Little League Majors All-Stars open against rival Santa Monica.
Game time is 1 o’clock on Saturday, opening day of California Little League District 25 all-star tournament play.
West Los Angeles is the tournament host, and its field is at 1411 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles 90024. Admission is free for all games.
Majors teams from District 25 include Culver City, Santa Monica, North Venice, Malibu, West Los Angeles, Culver Marina, Beverly Hills and Ladera Little League.
Culver City made it to the District 25 championship game last season, losing on a walkoff grand slam to champion West Los Angeles. This season, the 13 members of the Culver City team are ready for redemption.
Jesse Tanahara, shortstop and sometimes pitcher explained, “We went really far last year. It was heartbreaking to lose in the championship.
“We are going to do our best this year,” Tanahara said. “We have the talent and leadership to win it all. Coach Chip (Netzel) is such a good teacher and coach. It’s great to have him on board again.”
Coach Netzel is assisted by coaches Andrew Thomas and Scott Zeidman. The 13-member team includes Jared Bojorquez, Oliver Frye, Devin Hayden, Diego Lopez, Jayden Mapile, Leo Matsuoka, Martin Lucero, Tommy Peacock, Andy Perez, Liam Stephenson, Tanahara, Stephan Thomas and Brandon Zeidman.
Mr. Zeidman may be contacted at Scott.zeidman@laslots.com
