Westlake's World Series team has a blast in Simi

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers HE'S GOING- Westlake third baseman Hamilton Finefrock, left, calls for the ball as a West Covina Red player rounds the bases during a Shetland World Series game Friday at Simi Valley. The Shetland team from Westlake PONY Baseball was playing for more than a juice box and orange slices in its games this past weekend.

Even though the majority of the players were in their first year competing in organized baseball, the squad was good enough to participate in the Simi Valley Youth World Series, a three-day tournament.

"These kids are competitive players, there's no two ways about it," Westlake head coach Chuck Carney said.

"They may be only 5 and 6, but they'll surprise you by how good they are. They don't turn the usual 6-4-3 double play, but they know when to go after the lead runner on a groundball."

In the Simi Youth World Series, Westlake dropped its first game to West Covina Red, 13-6. Not one to give up, Westlake came back strong the next morning and defeated Los Alamitos, 9-0.

Westlake's title dreams were dashed, however, when the team lost a heartbreaker to East Long Beach, 9-8. Westlake's two losses came to the tournaments first- and second-place teams.

Although Westlake didn't come away with a championship, the team still had fun.

Westlake left fielder Kyle MacLean, 6, whose favorite player is Los Angeles Dodgers speedster Juan Pierre, said he enjoyed playing in the World Series. MacLean made a nice catch in left field during Friday's game.

"Its fun getting to play with my friends Kai Coop and Matt Cahalan," MacLean said. "I also like catching balls and getting outs. My favorite part, though, is hitting because you get to rip the ball as hard as you can."

Catcher Luke Basile, 6, whose favorite player is Boston Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew, said he enjoys putting on all the catching equipment.

"I like to make a catch behind home plate," Basile said. "I have fun playing defense and hitting, but base running is my favorite because I'm really fast."

The Shetland League is coachpitched and includes a safety zone in the infield, where infielders can run to a white chalk line and hold the ball up in order to stop opposing baserunners from advancing. The ball the teams play with is softer than a usual baseball.

The Westlake team usually knew what to do on the field but not before their coaches would yell out, "Okay, everyone, baseball ready!"

"Yeah, sometimes keeping these kids focused is a little tough," Carney said with a laugh.

"The main thing is to make sure they have fun. Our ultimate goal is getting them excited to play again next year."

Before the tournament began, Carney said the kids enjoyed the opening ceremony, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley.

"The event at the Reagan Library may have been the best organized youth baseball event I've ever seen," Carney said.

"The kids had a blast listening to Tommy Lasorda, seeing Air Force One and eating baseball food such as hot dogs and cotton candy. The whole weekend was very well organized, and every one seemed to have a great time."