Babe Ruth 13- and 14-year-old All-Stars kick off District 1 on
Sunday
Last year’s success by the 14-year-old All-Star team still
resonates today within the San Benito Babe Ruth program. Advancing
all the way to the Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament, where it
faced teams from Guam and Arizona, among others, this year’s
15-year-old squad should feel the pressures from last year’s
success kick in once it opens its state qualifier tournament next
weekend in Hollister.
Babe Ruth 13- and 14-year-old All-Stars kick off District 1 on Sunday
Last year’s success by the 14-year-old All-Star team still resonates today within the San Benito Babe Ruth program. Advancing all the way to the Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament, where it faced teams from Guam and Arizona, among others, this year’s 15-year-old squad should feel the pressures from last year’s success kick in once it opens its state qualifier tournament next weekend in Hollister.
But last year’s remarkable run by the 14-year-olds may have boosted the Babe Ruth program as a whole. Coupled with the fact that all three San Benito All-Star teams advanced to the state tournament last year, the program’s recent accomplishments only elevate its stature within District 1.
“If anything, it makes other teams aware of us,” said Angel Rueda, manager of the San Benito Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Star team. “All three San Benito teams won district last year. As far as district goes, all of the teams are shooting for us.
“But (the 14-year-olds) made it all the way to regionals and definitely set the tone for what San Benito can do, what Hollister can do.”
This year’s 14-year-old squad will open Sunday at Grace Davis Field in Modesto against the host team at 4:30 p.m. A victory would advance San Benito to Monday’s second round, where it would square off against the winner between Lodi and Manteca.
“I think the depth that we have now has only pushed us that far along,” Rueda said.
“I know we performed well last year and I know we are getting some help back, giving us a little more depth. But I’m a little surprised by how much depth.”
And with the depth, Rueda said, comes an understanding of team. For instance, Rueda mentioned his team consists of four players who can play shortstop. Forced to choose just one starter, though, Rueda says the others have accepted other roles and shined.
“They strap their hard hats on and say where do you want me to be and what do you want me to do,” Rueda said. “For the coaches, it makes their job that much easier.”
Third baseman Juan Rios said the team is even further along at this point than last year.
“We started off a lot better this year,” he said. “We’re hitting really good and our offense is stacked. So is the infield.
“The goal for us is probably to go all the way to Utah. We have the talent to do it. We just need to put it in the right spots.”
Reliever and second baseman Ray Rueda said the team implemented double-day practices and will excel on the offensive and defensive ends.
“But we have a lot of strong pitchers,” said Rueda, noting the arms of Rudy Sanchez and Tyler Pina. “I just think we need to take it game by game. Whatever happens, happens.”
And San Benito’s depth will be useful under the hot sun in Modesto. The 13-year-olds, meanwhile, won’t have to grow accustomed to anything; they’ll open the District 1 state qualifier on Sunday against Lodi at Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister.
Manager Ron Fhurong said his team, which may be new to the Babe Ruth program but has grown through the Little League and travel ball ranks, has a great understanding to the game, and it shows. Blessed with a potent offense – “We are strong all the way through the lineup,” Fhurong said – the 13-year-olds manager, who recently led the White Sox to the Babe Ruth championship last month, expects another District 1 title this year.
“I’m really excited about the offense on this baseball team,” Fhurong said. “I’m very confident with the defense, but offensively, that’s the strongest part of their game.”
One facet of the San Benito Babe Ruth program that provides a bit of an edge come postseason is the league’s grouping among the age groups. While other leagues separate its 13s from its 14s, its 14s from its 15s, San Benito places all ages into one collective league, giving the 13-year-olds plenty of seasoning once All-Stars rolls around.
“But Lodi, they’re gonna be our toughest challenge,” Fhurong said. “Lodi started this year by playing 13s, 14s and 15s all together.”
San Benito will just have to try and impress its new coaches, said hard-throwing lefty Marco Cosio.
“Just try as hard as you can,” added third baseman Cody Asp. “We have a good infield and we can keep the ball in front of us.
“We’re the team to beat out there.
“We’ve got to live up to it.”
Whether the expected target on its back is from the District 1 sweep last year, or the 14-year-olds’ streak to the regional tournament, or the simple fact that San Benito will be emblazoned across the uniform, this year’s 13- and 14-year-old All-Stars are certainly aware of what’s at stake.
Said first baseman Russell Tobias, “We’ve just got to keep this tradition going.”
San Benito Babe Ruth 14
Brian Becerra, Gio Caro, Cole Daniel, Jose Guzman, Dalan Hoskins, Alex Huaracha, Eddie Munoz, Justin Patterson, Tyler Pina, Juan Rios, Michael Rodriguez, Ray Rueda, Rudy Sanchez, Skyler Shaw-Fuss and Eric Tomasetti. Manager Angel Rueda.
Next: San Benito will play Modesto Sunday at Grace Davis Field in Modesto at 4:30 p.m.
San Benito Babe Ruth 13
Cody Asp, Grant Bigness, Damien Botelho, Johnny Corral, Marco Cosio, Tony Diaz, Tyler Fhurong, Patrick Frusetta, Marcos Perez, Danny Souza, Brian Tobias, Russell Tobias and Dominic Zamora. Manager Ron Fhurong.
Next: San Benito will play Lodi Sunday in Hollister at 2 p.m.
Check out the San Benito Score
Each week, Free Lance and Pinnacle Sports Editor Andrew Matheson will host a weekly roundup of action in San Benito County. This week, check out interviews and highlights from the San Benito Babe Ruth 14-year-old All-Stars practice earlier this week.
