American v. National will kick off 11- and 12-year-old
tournament in Hollister this weekend
Hollister
Fourth of July fireworks may perhaps continue into Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park, where Hollister American and Hollister National will open the District 9 Major All-Star Tournament with a bang.
Traditionally, American plays National at least once in the District 9 tourney – it usually does not matter what age level is playing – and Saturday’s 10 a.m. showdown will be no different, just a little earlier than some were expecting.
“We always play them in the championship,” said National’s Nathan Alvarez. “We might as well play them in the first game also.”
Although the 11- and 12-year-old tournament is double elimination, Saturday’s victor will certainly have a far easier road to the district crown.
The winner would have to win their next four games straight to claim the title, while the loser would need to string together seven straight wins in order to win the championship.
Coupled with the ultimate goal for every 11- and 12-year-old across the country – a trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. – and Saturday’s game could be the start of something big.
“When this tournament starts on Saturday, it’s every kids dream to have a chance to go play in the World Series,” American manager Robert Fabing said. “In order to accomplish our goals, that first game is what we’re focused on.
“And they’re ready.”
American is perhaps the favorites entering the tournament. Two years ago, the Hollister American 9- and 10-year-olds, a team coached by Fabing, were state champions. Saturday’s American squad has 10 players returning from that state champion team.
Of course, as is baseball, anything can happen. Two years ago, before American went on a winning streak that eventually led to the state title, National supplied American with a 1-0 loss in the District 9 tournament.
“It’s in the past,” said American’s Daniel Gonzales. “We don’t care about the past.”
“We’re coming in as the underdog,” said National coach Adam Breen. “We feel the pressure is on them.”
Although some may see it as an unfortunate coincidence, where the two Hollister teams are meeting up in the first game, neither team spoke those same sentiments this week during practice.
“I’m glad we’re playing them first,” National manager Todd Freitas said. “You have to win one game at a time in tournament play. Let’s go right out and beat them.”
Over the last two years, American holds the edge with a 4-2 record against the National team.
“You can throw all the records out,” Fabing said. “We’re playing for one game. We’re gonna go after them as hard as we can.”
Hollister American v. Hollister National
Hollister American will play Hollister National in the opening round of the District 9 Major 11- and 12-year-old All-Star Tournament.
The two teams will play on Field No. 1 at Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
The winner will advance to play Ferrasci Sunday on Field No. 1 at Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
The loser will go to the Elimination Bracket to play Monday on Field No. 1 at Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
