The boys — and girls — of summer are upon us, ushered in appropriately by the Strawberry Full Moon hanging over local ball fields.
The 2024 Little League spring season was a resounding success for all of the nine leagues in California District 42, according to district administrator Ernie Lucero, as more than 3,200 youths participated in district-sponsored play in South County.
“To all of the first-time presidents — Jeremy Rodriguez of Chula Vista National Little League, Matt Fischer of Eastlake Little League, Zachary Garland of Imperial Beach Little League, Joseph (Joe) Griffin of Sweetwater Valley Little League, Kristina Sandoval of South Bay Little League and Blanca Sandoval of Southwest Little League — I want to express my heartfelt thanks for taking on an important leadership position in their communities,” Lucero said.
“Also, for those veteran presidents, Johnny Fuentes of Park View Little League, Francisco (Cisco) Ramirez of Chula Vista American Little League and Stephanie Turincio of Luckie Waller, who have served multiple years, I appreciate the experience they have garnered over the years that has enabled them to manage and solve issues with fairness and ease.
“I look forward to our Tournament of Champions and All-Star tournaments this year and seeing all of our members cheer on their respective leagues.”
The annual Tournament of Champions faced off June 15 with bracket play in five divisions — 6U, 7U, 8U, Minor and Major — at Sweetwater Valley Little League and South Bay Little League and was scheduled to conclude Saturday and Monday with semifinals and finals at Imperial Beach Little League.
Nine teams competed in both the Minor and Major divisions while seven teams competed in both the 7U and 8U divisions. Five teams participated in the 6U division.
“It was a great turnout for all our Tournament of Champions games at Sweetwater Valley and South Bay Little Leagues,” Lucero recounted. “Presidents Joe Griffin of Sweetwater Valley Little League, Kristina Sandoval of South Bay Little League, and all their volunteers did an outstanding job of organizing all aspects of the tournament. Their efforts do not go unnoticed.
“Special thanks also to public address announcers Steve Eicher and his crew at Sweetwater Valley and Jacinto Perez at South Bay Little League. They created a fun and engaging environment for everyone present. Even former 2006 Eastlake Little League player Tony Jefferson was there. Tony was an amazing football player at Eastlake High School and professionally with the Baltimore Ravens. Recently, he signed on with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Thanks also to the Chula Vista Police Officers Association for its continued support of Little League Baseball and California District 42.”
Lucero wanted to his express his heartfelt thanks to all the many volunteers throughout the district that make the annual summer showcase roll along.
“There are so many volunteers who worked tireless hours,” he said. “All of these special individuals were instrumental in making sure our Little Leaguers, parents and everyone else enjoyed their day playing and watching a great game of baseball.
“Our volunteer umpires and our junior umpires from our local high school have been so amazing,” Lucero continued. “In light of undeserved comments from spectators at times, they carry on with professionalism and poise.
“These individuals go above and beyond in helping to make memorable experiences for all in attendance.”
***
Semifinals took place in all divisions on Saturday. June 22, with the exception of the 6U division championship game, which took place on June 22. Finals in all other divisions on Monday, June 24, in Imperial Beach.
This year’s TOC home stretch started off with the 6U division trophy matchup between Park View Little League and Sweetwater Valley Little League.
The Major Division semifinals featured Chula Vista National Little League versus Eastlake Little League and Southwest Little League versus Luckie Waller Little League.
The Minor Division semifinals paired Chula Vista American versus Park View and Eastlake versus Sweetwater Valley.
The 8U semifinals included South Bay versus Eastlake and Imperial Beach versus Sweetwater Valley.
The 7U semifinals boasted Imperial Beach versus Sweetwater Valley and Chula Vista American versus Eastlake.
When all the final outs were recorded, division champions included Sweetwater Valley (6U), Eastlake (7U), Sweetwater Valley (8U), Park View (Minor) and Luckie Waller (Major).
TOC Semifinals
Saturday, June 22
7U Division
Imperial Beach 6, Sweetwater Valley 3
Eastlake 14, Chula Vista American 6
8U Division
Eastlake 11, South Bay 0
Sweetwater Valley 11, Imperial Beach 2
Minor Division
Park View 10, Chul Vista Amertican 8
Sweetwater Valley 11, Eastlake 10
Major Division
Eastlake 4, Chula Vista National 3
Luckie Waller 6, Southwest 4
DISTRICT 42 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS FINALS
6U: Sweetwater Valley 12, Park View 11
7U: Eastlake 9, Imperial Beach 6
8U: Sweetwater Valley 7, Eastlake 3
Minor Division: Park View 11, Sweetwater Valley 5
Major Division: Luckie Waller 6, Eastlake 3
Batter up: All-Star play
Following a successful Tournament of Champions competition that crowned winners in five divisions, California District 42 Little League’s annual all-star tournament has faced off with titles to be awarded in 10U, 11U, 12U, Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions.
The older age groups have just wrapped up to set the stage for the younger age groups.
“We’re back to post-season competition, and things are already heating up!” district administrator Ernie Lucero proclaimed.
In championship games Monday, June 24, at Sweetwater Valley Little League, Eastlake defeated Sweetwater Valley, 12-1, to capture the Senior Division banner while Park View edged Eastlake, 10-9, to win this year’s Intermediate Division title.
The Junior Division championship game took place Saturday, June 29, at Park View Little League, Park View defeated Imperial Beach, 12-7, to avoid a championship replay on Sunday.
District 42 All-Star Tournament
10U Division
Sunday, June 30
Chula Vista American 17, South Bay 0
Sweetwater Valley 9, Imperial Beach 1
Eastlake 20, Southwest 2
Monday, July 1
Imperial Beach 10, Southwest 0
Tuesday, July 2
Park View at Chula Vista American, 5 p.m.
Eastlake at Sweetwater Valley, 5 p.m.
Elimination games
Wednesday, July 3 at 5 p.m., TBA
Winners bracket final
Thursday, July 5, 5 p.m., TBA
Elimination game
Friday, July 5, 5 p.m., TBA
Losers bracket final
Saturday, July 6 at Park View Little League, 10 a.m.
Championship game
Sunday, July 7 at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 10 a.m.
Note: championship replay (if necessary) Monday, July 8, 5 p.m.
11U Division
Saturday, June 29
Park View 8, Eastlake 5
Southwest 10, Imperial Beach 9
Luckie Waller 19, Chula Vista National 1
Sweetwater Valley 16, Chula Vista American 8
Monday, July 1
Eastlake 11, Imperial Beach 0
Chula Vista American 28, Chula Vista National 0
Tuesday. July 2
Park View vs. Southwest at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 5 p.m.
Luckie Waller at. Sweetwater Valley, 5 p.m.
Elimination games
Wednesday, July 3 at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 5 p.m., TBA
Winners bracket final
Friday, July 5 at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 5 p.m.
Elimination game at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 5 p.m.
Losers bracket final
Saturday, Jly 6 at Park View Little League, 11 a.m.
Championship game
Sunday, July 7 at Sweetwater Valley, 11 a.m.
Note: replay, if necessary, Monday, 5 p.m.
12U Division
Saturday, June 29
Chula Vista National 2, Luckie Waller 1
South Bay 10, Southwest 1
Sweetwater Valley 15, Imperial Beach 0
Park View 8, Eastlake 3
Sunday, June 30
Chula Vista American 11, Chula Vista National 0
Luckie Waller 11, Southwest 2
Monday, July 1
Luckie Waller 9, Imperial Beach 8
Eastlake 13, Chula Vista National 0
Tuesday, July 2
South Bay at Sweetwater Valley Little League, 5 p.m.
Park View at Chula Vista American, 5 p.m.
Elimination games
Wednesday, July 3, TBA at 5 p.m.
Winners bracket final
Friday, July 5, TBA at 5 p.m.
Elimination game
Friday, July 5, TBA at 5 p.m.
Losers bracket final
Saturday, July 6 at Park View Little League, 2 p.m.
Championship game
Sunday, July 7 at Sweetwater Valley, 2 p.m.
Note: replay, if necessary, Monday at 5 p.m.
Junior Division
Saturday, June 22
Park View 14, Luckie Waller 0
Imperial Beach 30, South Bay 0
Tuesday, June 25
South Bay 11, Luckie Waller 9
Wednesday, June 26
Park View 7, Imperial Beach 3
Friday, June 28
Imperial Beach defeated South Bay, score unavailable
Saturday, June 29
Championship game: Park View 12, Imperial Beach 7
Note: Park View advances to Section 7 tournament July 2-7 in El Centro
Intermediate Division
Monday, June 17
Sweetwater Valley 16, Southwest 4
Tuesday, June 18
Park View 8, Eastlake 7
Wednesday, June 19
Park View 6, Sweetwater Valley 4
Friday, June 21
Eastlake 13, Southwest 2
Saturday, June 22
Eastlake 8, Sweetwater Valley 0
Sunday, June 23
Eastlake 17. Park View 6
Monday, June 24
Championship game: Park View 10, Eastlake 9
Senior Division
Wednesday, June 19
Eastlake 11, Southwest 1
Friday, June 21
Sweetwater Valley 9, Eastlake 2
Saturday, June 22
Eastlake 15, Southwest 4
Sunday, June 23
Eastlake 10, Sweetwater Valley 6
Monday, June 24
Championship game: Eastlake 12, Sweetwater Valley 1
