Following its return to the All-Star landscape last season, the
San Benito Babe Ruth 16- to 18-year-old All-Stars are seeking to
tap into the successful history that has become almost synonymous
with the town name emblazoned across its uniform.
HOLLISTER
Before last year, the San Benito Babe Ruth 16- to 18-year-old All-Stars were on a more than 10-year hiatus from the postseason picture. The league had tabled its Senior Babe Ruth circuit for several years, leaving nary an All-Star team to compete during the summer months.
But following its return to the All-Star landscape last season, San Benito is seeking to tap into the successful history that has become almost synonymous with the town name emblazoned across its uniform.
“As long as they play catch and take care of the baseball, they should have no problem,” manager Justin Patton said.
San Benito compiled a 2-2 record in its first year back at the Central California State Tournament last season. Defeating Tracy and Dinuba by 6-2 and 10-6 margins, respectively, San Benito lost 22-6 to Modesto to move into the elimination bracket, where it was then downed by Tracy, 11-4.
However, playing in just its second state tournament after a decade-long break, San Benito enters this weekend’s tournament not as the favorite, but hopefully the spoiler.
With Modesto taking the team-to-beat reins – the host team has many returning players from last year’s squad that finished runner-up in the World Series – Patton feels there should be less pressure on San Benito entering Saturday’s opener.
“It’ll probably be a little bit of an advantage,” Patton said. “Hopefully, they can fly under the radar for most of the tournament and play the game they’re capable of.”
San Benito will open with Madera Saturday at Grace Davis High School in Modesto.
First pitch is at 4 p.m.
Below is the latest episode of The San Benito Score, which features Babe Ruth video action.
Adrian Diaz, Jonathan Rudolfs, Eric Escalante, David Reische, Jahziel Gonzalez, Anthony Cecena, Anthony Alvarez, Shadoe Valenzuela, Derek Palermo, Trevor Gessell, Tyler Provost, Brandon Grimes, David Alvarez and Kallin Corotto. Manager Justin Patton and coach Eddie Escalante.
Where to next?
Babe Ruth 14
The San Benito Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Stars will open the Central California State Tournament on Friday, July 24 at Madera High School.
San Benito, representing District 1, will match-up with the District 6 representative at 8 p.m.
Babe Ruth 13
The San Benito Babe Ruth 13-year-old All-Stars will open the Central California State Tournament on Friday, July 24 at Fowler High School.
San Benito, representing District 1, will match-up with the District 2 representative at 11:30 a.m.
Junior League 13-14
The Hollister Junior League All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Willow Glen High School in San Jose.
Hollister, representing District 9, will square off against the District 39 representative at 1 p.m.
American 11-12
The Hollister American 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Tri-Cities Little League’s Wilson Park in Cupertino.
Hollister American, representing District 9, will open the tournament against the District 12 (Saratoga) representative at 2 p.m.
National 9-10
The Hollister National 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars will open the Section 5 All-Star Tournament on Saturday at Santa Cruz Little League’s Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz.
Hollister National, representing District 9, will match-up against the District 39 representative at 3 p.m.
