Almaden Little League: League News


Almaden Majors Batting Cages Vandalized
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On sometime Saturday  night, March 2nd, the Majors field batting cages (located next to Graystone park) were vandalized and the interior net (60' x 15') was detached and stolen, leaving the batting cage unusable.

There were no signs of forced entry.  Given the size of the net, it most likely required the effort of two or more individuals.  A police report has been filed by the league.

Be on the lookout for anyone who suddenly has a new net in their batting cage.  Since it is 60' long, it will most likely look too large for the average backyard batting cage.

To report any information concerning this theft, please contact Mark or Debbie Osborne.

Monday, March 10
Almaden Little League Commemorative Bricks
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A great way to be a sponsor for Almaden Little League is to purchase a commemorative brick to be mounted at our Major's field.  When purchasing a commemorative brick, you get to add text to the brick to create a long lasting memory.  You can add players' names, coaches' names, team names, company names, etc. 

There are two sizes for the bricks - a medium (individual's) version and a large (Sponsor's) version (see photo to the right).  For the individual brick order form, please click HERE.   If you are interested in the larger, sponsor's brick order form, please click HERE.

Checks should be made to "Almaden Little League" and both check and form should be sent to Debbie Osborn at 1368 Via Del Los Grande, San Jose, CA  95120.

Tuesday, July 28
Seniors Lose Heart-Breaker in State Championship Game
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The Almaden Senior All-Stars had a phenomenal run through 3 tournaments, but it all came to an end on Friday (July 31st) evening in Stockton.

Almaden rolled through both the District and Sectional tournaments without a loss, winning 6 games in a row.  Then, on Sunday, July 26th, in the State/Division tournament, Almaden started off with a win against Niles-Centerville, followed by a win against Oakland to get them to championship game against Niles-Centerville [N-C] where they would have two chances to secure a trip to the Regional tournament in Southern California.  N-C won the first game with a 4-0 shut-out.  The 6'5" N-C ace held Almaden to 2 hits and no walks while throwing a complete game.

Then, came the final game of the championship, with the winner going to the Regionals.  Almaden took the lead in the first inning when Codie O'Connell singled and scored on Justin Buller's double.  In the third inning, Almaden added another when O'Connell singled and scored this time on Kavin Patel's hit.  However, N-C tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a walk, single, and an error.  Almaden didn't score again until the 5th inning when O'Connell reached base again, this time on an catcher's inteference, advanced on Patel's single, and was driven in by Tyler Champlin's double to deep right-center.  Codie O'Connell pitched 5 strong innings, but ran out of pitches and was replaced by J.D. Correa who would finish the game.

Almaden took the 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 7th inning, but it didn't last.  With one out, the N-C eighth hitter doubled to left-center, then scored on an Almaden throwing error when the next batter put the ball in play.  Amazingly, the 3-3 tied game held all the way through the 9th inning when N-C loaded the bases with no outs.  But, Correa pitched out of it and the game eventually made it to the 10th inning.  In the bottom of the 10th inning, the N-C lead-off batter was hit by a pitch and advanced on an infield flare over the pitcher's head.  The next batter laid down a bunt, the throw went wide to first base, and the N-C lead off hitter scored the winning run.  It was a tough, heart-breaking loss for Almaden, but they were able to hold their heads high for battling through a marathon game against N-C and coming within 2 outs of heading to Los Angeles.

 FINAL NOTE:  The N-C team went on to win the regionals and even advanced to the final World Series game, but lost.  N-C had not lost a game before the World Series game since Almaden beat them in their first match at the Division tournament.



Wednesday, January 28
Introducing the Little League Challenger Division
Our Little League District (#12) has established a new division this year called the "Challenger Division".  This division offers youth with special needs an opportunity to participate in an organized baseball program.  It serves children ages 5-18 regardless of disability, giving them an opportunity to be a part of a team.  Furthermore, it provides a structured athletic program, incorporates "Buddies" from the Major Division and surrounding communities, and presents opportunities for these children to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earnings awards for their achievements.

This program welcomes any special need.  Sign-ups will occur on February 8th, 6pm, at Round Table Pizza at Camden and Union.  For more information, please contact Michelle Martinez at 408.268.0744.



Thursday, July 24
Juniors All-Stars End With a Loss in the Semi-Finals
The Almaden juniors all-stars ended a long run on Wednesday night with a loss to Rocklin in the semi-finals of the state tournament.  It was tough loss in a very close game.

Almaden took the lead in the first inning when Conner Jauch reached on a error, stole a base, and scored on James Kahn's RBI single.  Almaden struck again in the third inning after Jauch walked and Kahn drove him in again with a single.  Later Robbie Zipp hit into a fielder's choice to score Kahn.

Rocklin managed to score one in the 4th and two in the 6th inning to tie the game, despite a solid performance on the mound by Nick Medeiros.  Conner Jauch came in to relieve Medeiros late in the sixth inning.  With the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning, Rocklin lead off with a double and a bunt single putting the winning run at 3rd with no outs.  After a pop-up and a walk, the bases were loaded with 1 out.  Jauch struck out the next batter to nail down the second out.  With bases still loaded, two outs, the count went 3-and-2 on the batter and the tension came to a peak.  The runners were going on the pitch and the batter hit a tough ground ball to short-stop.  With the runners going on the pitch, there was only one place to go:  first base.  The throw went wide left and first baseman, Nick Medeiros, made a valiant attempt to snag it and tag the base, but it was too late.  Rocklin wins 4-3.  The final score exemplified how tight Almaden played its games in the last two tournaments, having played in five one-run games in their last seven.  Hats off to the juniors all-stars and their great run in three different tournaments.

Saturday, July 12
Seniors and Juniors Win Sectional Championship on 7/16
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Almaden Juniors Clinch Sectionals on 7/16
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Both the Almaden Seniors and Juniors all-stars won their Sectional Championship on Wednesday night (July 16th).  The Senior all-stars won big over Serra by a score of 13-1.  Justin Buller hit a towering 2-run HR in the first inning to start things off and also pitched a 5-inning complete game.  The Senior team will head on to Sacramento to play Niles-Centerville in the Divisional tournament starting on Saturday at 8pm.  Click HERE for game and location information.  Click HERE for bracket/game information.

The Juniors all-stars beat a tough Hollister team by a score of 6-3 on Wednesday night.  Brad Kuh pitched 6 strong innings and Andrew Todd came in to close it out for Almaden.  Morgan Newby blasted a 3-run HR in the 5th inning to give Almaden some breathing room.  Hollister loaded the bases up in the bottom of the 7th inning with one out before the last batter hit a ground ball up the middle that Conner Jauch fielded, tagged second, and threw to first base to end the game and clinch the Championship.  The Juniors all-star team will play its first Divisional game on Sunday, 10am at Willow Glen High School.  Almaden Little League is in District-12, which is in Section-5 of Division II.  Click on "schedule" to see the games for the tournament.

Division Background Info:
There are two Little League Divisions in California, the NorCal Division and the SoCal Division, which make up the State tournament.  Almaden is in the NorCal Division, along with about 400 other leagues.  So, it's a big accomplishment to have both a juniors and seniors team representing Almaden in the NorCal Divisional tournament.  (Click HERE for a list of all Districts in California, including their leagues.)

Wednesday, June 4
Junior All-Stars Clinch District 12 Championship
On Monday night, the Almaden Juniors all-star team went head to head with Lincoln Glen for the District 12 championship.  Lincoln Glen scored 3 runs in the top of the first inning on a couple of walks and a couple of base hits.  However, Almaden answered back in the bottom of the first with a run of their own on Conner Jauch's RBI ground out.

In the bottom of the second inning, Andrew Todd worked a base-on-balls and scored on a wild pitch.  Later that inning, Almaden scored on James Kahn's RBI single and 2 more runs on Tyler Champlin's base hit, to put Almaden up 5-3.  In the third inning, Almaden struck again for 2 more runs on RBI singles by Brad Kuh and James Kahn.  The Juniors team added 2 more runs in the 4th inning on a near-HR by Robbie Zipp off the top of the fence and another RBI single from Brad Kuh.

At the end of 4 innings, Almaden was up 9-3.  Tyler Champlin, in relief from the top of the 2nd, pitched 1-hit, shut-out baseball until the middle of the 5th when Lincoln Glen staged a comeback with a walk and a double.  Conner Jauch came in to pitch the 2+ innings to secure the victory.  Almaden did add 3 more runs in the 5th off of Robbie Zipp's 2-RBI double and Andrew Todd's RBI double.

The Junior's team will move on the Sectional tournament playing at North Milpitas Little League on Saturday, 10am.

Tuesday, July 8
Senior All-Stars Clinch District 12 Championship
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The Almaden Senior All-Stars won the District 12 championship over Branham Hills All-Stars 10-2. Almaden combined a complete game pitching performance, timely hitting and solid defense to secure the win and advance to sectionals hosted by District 44. Justin Buller pitched all 7 innings, striking out 7 batters in a masterful 91-pitch outing.

Almaden jumped in front in the second inning on clutch 2-out hitting by David Rosas after singles by Codie O'Connell and Daniel Rodriguez. JD Correa drove in Rosas to make it 3-0 after 2 innings of play. Almaden widened the lead to 5-0 with big hits by Ryan O'Malley (double), Justin Buller (triple) and Brandon Hecke. Branham Hills was unable to score after scattering a few hits only to be stopped by key defensive plays by Almaden. Clutch hits from Codie O'Connell, Hecke (triple) and Correa lifted Almaden to a seemingly insurmountable 8-0 lead for Almaden. However, Branham Hills battled back to make it 8-2 in the fifth inning. Almaden responded with 2 of its own to finish the scoring.

In all, Almaden had a tidy 10 hit offensive performance to go with great pitching and defense. Manager Tarun Patel, Coaches Dean Correa and Mike Rodriguez celebrated with their Almaden Seniors and look forward to their sectional game this coming Saturday (7/12).         [Re-cap by Kevin O'Malley]

Monday, May 19
Almaden Thunder Win District-12 Juniors TOC
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Thunder Champions
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The Almaden Thunder from the Juniors division clinched the District 12 championship by beating Willow Glen in a nail-biting, 10-8, comeback game on Thursday, May 22nd.  This was accomplished after coming back to beat Lincoln Glen, 5-3, the night before.  The Thunder ended the regular season with a 12-3 record.  They went on the play 3 games in the District tournament to earn the championship.

Friday, March 16
Sore Arms? Here's a recipe for a non-freezing ice-bag
Need a ice bag that won't freeze, but is still effective for those sore arms or other injuries? There is a way to prepare an ice bag that so that it is not only ready-to-go in your freezer, but it won't freeze solid making it easier to conform to the injured area.

You’ll need 1 cup of new rubbing alcohol; the old stuff you have in the medicine cabinet has lost potency. Mix the alcohol with 4 cups of water and pour it into a 1 gallon zip lock bag, squeeze out all of the air. Place that into a second 1 gallon zip lock bag to prevent any leakage. Put this in the freezer overnight, it will not freeze hard. You will be able to form it any way you want depending on whether it’s an elbow, shoulder, etc. that you’re icing.

When you are done, put it back in the freezer. Unless you puncture the bag it will last all season.

This never-freeze ice pack recipe was sent in by Mike Rodriguez.

Friday, March 23
Important Little League Parking Information
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There are some important things to know about parking at the various Little League sites in Almaden Valley:

1) Don't leave your valued possessions (including children and pets) locked behind in cars. Last year there were several break-ins in Almaden Little League fields. Thieves will sometimes watch to see if you leave your car with your purse. If you don't, they will break in and look for it.

2) Only park in legal parking spots. Do not block school or residential driveways. We need to be considerate of residential homes bordering our fields if we want them to be considerate of our parking needs. Also, no cars should be driven up onto school black-tops for the sake of parking. Only use the street and designated parking lots.

3) Foul balls have a way of finding windshields. Be careful how close you park to a game or practice field.

Wednesday, May 10
Warning! Car Break-Ins At Baseball Fields
Unfortunately, some of Almaden Little League's fields have been too opportunistic for thieves looking for a quick buck.  There have been several car break-ins reported at both the AA field and the AAA/Majors field.  Parents are advised to not leave any valuables in your cars.  It is even suspected that the thieves are watching to see if women leave their automobiles with purse in hand, and if they don't, they break in looking for it.  So, remember to take your valuables with you when to go to the game.  If you see any suspicious activity at our fields, don't hesitate to call 911.

Wednesday, June 20
Braves and Marlins Battle in 2007 District Championship Game
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25-0 W-L in 2007
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The undefeated Almaden Braves took on the Almaden Marlins in the District Majors TOC Championship game at Quito Little League.  The Braves struck first on a solo HR by Maxwell in the first inning.  The Marlins tied it up an inning later on a bases-loaded walk.  In the fourth inning, the Braves turned a two-out rally into a 4-1 lead.  Maxwell and Bellinger both doubled to drive runs in.  The Marlins tied it up in the fourth inning.  By the 5th inning, both starting pitchers, Maxwell and Bell, had run out of pitches.  The Braves loaded the bases in the bottom of the 5th inning and scored 4 more (two on a single by Santamoor).  Rocca pitched the final inning, holding the Marlins at bay and preserving the 8-4 victory.

For a series of game photos, click HERE or go to "Photo Albums" on the left and select the Braves/Marlins game at the bottom.   It's best to view the photos in slide-show format.

Tuesday, July 17
Incredible Finish to 2007 All-Star Championship Game
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Painter connects on a walk-off grandslam
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The Almaden Majors-North allstar team met the Almaden Majors-South team for the District championship game in July.  The game turned out to be an incredible slugfest with both teams scoring a total of 34 runs.  Ryan Perry started on the mound for the South and Brett Hausmann started for the North.  They pitched very well, giving up very few walks, but the Almaden bats were on fire that evening.

Both teams exchanged the lead throughout the game.  After 3 innings, the game was tied at 10-10.  At that point, HRs had been hit by Ryan Perry and Eric Caldwell.  The South jumped ahead in the 5th inning 14-12.  In the top of the 6th inning, Ryan Brown drove a solo HR to center to bring the North to within one run.  The North managed to load the bases with 2 outs and Nakano worked a walk to tied the game 14-14.  Hausmann (pictured above) drove a double off the left-center wall to give the North a 16-14 lead.  However, the South bats exploded in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases with 3 straight singles.  Then, Travis Painter stepped up and hit a walk-off, grand-slam to left-center to give the South a 18-16 win and the District championship.  The game featured tremendous hitting, great defensive plays, and a well-pitched game by both sides.  Game photos will be viewed HERE (use "slide-show" for best results).  The South will head to Lincoln Glen on Friday in their first Sectional All-Star game.

You can also click HERE or on the link to the left to access the game-by-game updates for all Almaden all-star teams.