Due to a schedule change with the Delta Indians returning late from a tournament in Southern California the HOOTS Black will work out at SRVHS on Tuesday July 7 at 5:30PM.  Batting practice and bull pen work only.  Players may wear shorts.

The HOOTS Black team will resume Connie Mack play at Chabot College on Wednesday July 8. 

Friday will begin the Round Robin Invitational with the California Smoke and the Sluggers from Palm Desert.  The Sluggers are managed by former SRVHS standout player Pat Evans who also played at Chabot College and professionally with the Cleveland Indians.  Pat was an assistant coach with the HOOTS on the 2000 National Championship Team. 

Friday Games will begin at 2:00PM with the HOOTS and California Smoke.  The 5:00PM game will feature the Sluggers versus the HOOTS.  Saturday games are at 10:00AM, 1:00PM and 4:00PM.  The HOOTS will play at 10:00AM and 4:00PM.

 All games are at San Ramon Valley High School Baseball field.

The HOOTS Black team failed in Wally Kincaid Wood Bat Tournament Championship Round losing to the San Diego Gamers 3-2.  The Gamers won the tournament with an overall record of 5-0-1.  The Gamers and the HOOTS tied earlier in the tournament due to time limit.  Raul Jacobson and Nick Russ, both 2010 pitchers, did an outstanding job containing the Gamers offense for seven innings giving the HOOTS an opportunity to win.  The HOOTS were unable to execute with runners in scoring position multiple times in the game.  They finish the tournament with an overall record of 4-1-1.

The HOOTS Black Team advanced to the July 5 Championship Round of the Wally Kincaid Wood Bat Invitational In Los Angeles with a 12-0 win on July 4 at Pepperdine University in Malibu with an overall record of 3-0-1.  Stephen Piscotty started on the mound for the HOOTS and through 5 innings had a perfect game but was replaced by Raul Jacobsen to finish the game. Game time Sunday is 9:00AM at Cal State Los Angeles with the opponent pending as of this posting.

The HOOTS tied in their first game versus the San Diego Gamers 3-3 in the first day of the tournament.  But the team came back on Friday at Cal State LA to defeat the Langley Blaze 6-5 and in the second game won 5-1 versus La Playa Vista. .

The schedule and information is now available for the Southern California Wally Kincaid Wood Bat Series.  The web site is www.wallysbirds.com.

The tournament is held in honor of legendary Cerritos Coach Wally Kincaid. Coach Kincaid led his teams to 6 California State Championships at Cerritos and completed his coaching carreer with a .803 winning percent and a record of 678-163. 

The program produced over 150 professional players and many current coach's such as George Horton-U. of Oregon, Dave Serrano-Cal State Fullerton, Mike Weathers-Long Beach State. 

The tournament will feature some of the west region top teams and players and will follow Connie Mack rules which is wood bat only.

 The tournament is hosted by Tim Olivarez of Playa Vista Orioles who the HOOTS played in the 2008 Connie Mack West Regionals.

"All Birds On Deck" for this tough test against SoCal competition

The HOOTS WON THE JOSH ANDERSON MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA IN RENO.

The HOOTS finished the tournament with two back to back days of outstanding tournament play with a 14-2 victory over the Boise Gems in the Championship game.  The semi final game saw the HOOTS defeat the Santa Clara Red Sox 12-2.  The HOOTS finished the tournament undefeated with a record of 6-0.

Four HOOTS players were recognized for their play during the tournament.  Stephen Piscotty was Tournament MVP.  Three other players were selected as All Tournament.  Brian Hamm, Infield-Chris Keck-Infield, Joey Epperson-Outfield.

In Friday's medal round game the HOOTS defeated the Napa River Dogs 8-7.  The winner of today's game will play in the Championship on Sunday.  Stephen Piscotty got the save and the win for the HOOTS on the mound.  Picscotty entered the game in the fourth inning with the game tied 6-6 against a strong offensive Napa team. Brian Hamm hit a double in the sixth inning to get the go ahead RBI for the HOOTS.

The HOOTS Black team won their third game on Thursday 6-25 at the 2009 JOSH ANDERSON TOURNAMENT at University of Nevada Reno and stand with a record of 3-0.  The undefeated HOOTS beat Chico 12-9 to gain the Number 1 seed in their pool.  Jason Kochan got the win on the mound for the HOOTS while the offense was led by first baseman John Vaccaro with 2 doubles and one triple.  Joey Epperson, Brian Hamm and Stephen Piscotty all had an offensive day for the HOOTS.  The first round of medal play begins with the Danville club on Friday at 10:00AM.

Danville won their second game 13-1 versus the Yakima Pepsi Pak.  Andrew Kjar and George Asmus combined on the mound with Kjar getting the win.  Stephen Piscotty hid a home run in the first inning and finished going 3 for 4 and leading the HOOTS offense. 

In their first tournament game the HOOTS defeated the Santa Clara Red Sox on a walk off monster grand slam by Chris Keck in the seventh inning to win 11-8.  Ryan Deeter and Andy Eslick combined on the mound for the HOOTS for the victory.

The HOOTS continue to be a resilient team and they advance their 2009 record to a very impressive start both in Connie Mack league play and non conference games.

Monday before the start of the tournament the Danville club was hosted by the Galena Baseball Club in a non conference game.  Galena is managed by Ron McNutt a long time friend of Coach Johns and Nevada hall of fame coach.  Coach McNutt ran one of the best highschool programs at Carson City High School and also one of the top amateur clubs the Carson City Capitals.  The Galena facility is new and an outstanding baseball complex built by Coach McNutt and community support.  The HOOTS won the game 7-3 but most important was the reunion of these long time friends and coach's. 

A great addition to the HOOTS coaching staff is one of the best pitchers the program has produced. Mateo Mirramontes is working with the pitchers and adding insight from his experience both in college and professional baseball.  Mateo was one of the HOOTS top pitchers for 3 years and led the team to a National Championship in 2000.  He went on to pitch at the University of Nevada and was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Mets.  Everyone here in Nevada has great memories of his years here both as an amateur and a top collegiate pitcher.

The HOOTS Gray team were crowned the CHAMPION in the Fairfield Expo's Fathers DayTournament that was completed on Sunday June 21.  The tournament was held at the new Yarborough Field at Laurel Creek.  The team finished with a overall tournament record of 5 wins and one loss.  The HOOTS Gray defeated the Sonoma Rebels U17 team in the Championship.  Donald Bedard and Kyle Miller combined on the mound for the Gray Team.  Paul Schaaf led the offense with a home run.  The HOOTS Gray pitching staff of Spenser Linney, Christian Felter, Nick Piscotty and Cameron Rowland led the way on the mound. Several HOOTS players were recognized for their play in the tournament. 

Cameron Rowland was named Tournament MVP. All Tournament selections were Ryan Kochan and Donald Bedard.  Honorable Mention awards were given to Steven Moen, Garrett Moore, David Camarena, and Joey Moroney.

Congratulations to the entire team and the coaching staff. 

The HOOTS Baseball Club will host the 5th Annual "FLY WITH THE OWL TOURNAMENT July 16-19 at San Ramon Valley High School Baseball Field.  The tournament features six of the top under 18 amateur teams in the west.  The field this year includes the Santa Clara Red Sox, Reno Knights, California Smoke, Sonoma Rebels, Oakland Baseball Club and the HOOTS.  The HOOTS won the tournament in 2008 for the second year in a row.  Each team has a strong history of success and producing some of the west region top amateur players.

The tournament begins on Thursday July 16.  Game times are 10:00AM, 1:00PM and 4:00PM.  The HOOTS Baseball Club plays in the 4:00PM time slot each day. 

On Saturday July 18 at 3:30PM is TEAM COMPETITION.  Each team will compete in a Home Run Derby, Infield Around the Horn, Outfield Relay, and Fastest Around the Bases.  Winners receive Ringor Professional Training Shoes, Rawlings Pro Glove, and M Powered Professional Wood Bats.

The tournament gives the player the opportunity to compete with some of the best players in the west and to play in front of college coach's and professional baseball scouts.  It give the local baseball fans an opportunity to see some of the very best amateur players that are heading to college or who were selected in the major league draft.

Come see these teams "FLY WITH THE OWL."

HOOTS BLACK AND GRAY fees outstanding as previously announced are due to the club by June 15.  Please send to the HOOTS Baseball Club, PO Box 930, Danville, Ca.  94526.

BALANCE OF HOOTS SILVER FEES ARE DUE FRIDAY JUNE 19.  Letter to players and parents for expenses available today from the coaching staff.

Congratulations to the following players from the HOOTS program that have been selected in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.

• Brett Jackson-UC Berkeley center fielder selected in the First Round as the 31 overall pick by the Chicago Cubs
• Jeff Kobernus-UC Berkeley second baseman selected in the Second Round as the 50th pick overall by the Washington Nationals
• Adam Buschini-Cal Poly first baseman selected in the Fourth Round as the 137th pick overall by the Philadelphia Phillies
• Dylan Tonneson-UC Berkeley catcher selected in the 36th round by San Diego Padres
• Stephen Piscotty-Amador HS shortstop selected by the LA Dodgers in the 45 round.  Stephen is committed to Stanford University on a baseball scholarship.
• Dave Hernandez-University of Texas shortstop selected by Colorado Rockies and signed a professional contract.  Dave will leave U. of Texas and will begin playing professional baseball with the Rockies in Casper, Wyoming with their A team.

This is the second year that the HOOTS program has been honored to have players in our program selected early in the major league draft.  In 2008 Jason Castro, Stanford University, was also selected in the First Round and the 10th pick overall.  We do not take credit for their achievement, we are only honored that they chose the HOOTS prior to playing in college and we had the opportunity to coach them and watch them advance in their career. 

We hope the best is yet to come for each of them.

HOOTS BLACK-RADISSON LA WESTSIDE FOR WALLY KINCAID WOOD BAT TOURNAMENT JULY 2-5.  CALL SERGIO GUERRERO AT 310-348-4569 AND REFER TO THE HOOTS BLOCK OF ROOMS.  RATE IS $79.

HOOTS SILVER-WYNDHAM ORANGE COUNTY FOR DIAMOND CLASSIC JULY 1-5.  CALL TOLL FREE 866-747-2635.  RATE IS $104 PER NIGHT INCLUDED FULL BUFFET BREAKFAST.  CUT OFF DATE IS JUNE 14.

HOOTS BLACK-GRAND SIERRA RESORT FOR UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO JOSH ANDERSON TOURNAMENT. RATES FROM $69 TO $109 IN SUMMIT ROOMS. FORM IS IN HANDOUT SECTION.  CALL PEGGI GOLD AT 888-767-3685.  CUT OFF DATE HAS PASSED BUT SHE CAN ASSIST YOU.

We will be adding information on our former players so you can follow some of them as they start their collegiate season this weekend.

• Adam Buschini, Cal Poly won the Ozzie Smith award as the 2009 MVP and was selected First Team All-Big West Conference.  Adam was also honorable mention All-Ping baseball and during the season won the Louisville Slugger award.  He finished the season at Cal Poly with a .422 batting average.  Adam was selected in the MLB draft by Philadelphia in the fourth round. 
• Sophmore Mike Costello, Chabot College was named 2009 MVP of the Coast Conference. Mike will be transferring this year and is evaluating his opportunites both for baseball and academic.  Mike won the highest recognition as a student athlete at Chabot College.
• Sophmore Tyler Rogers, Chabot College, won the award as the Best Male Student Athlete for 2009.  TR will be transferring also to continue to play baseball.
  
• Freshman infielder Nick Bartalone, Chabot College, was named First Team All Conference.  He is getting multiple contacts for major Division 1 college opportunities such as U. of Nebraska and U. of Tennessee.  
• May 12-Junior Brett Jackson, Cal had eight RBI's and went 4-6 as Cal defeated Sacramento State 15-0. 
• April 20-Junior Jeff Kobernus, Cal was named Pac 10 player of the week. He went 11 for 19, hit .579, with three home runs and 12 RBI's.  Coach Johns had the opportunity to see the Oregon game on Sunday with Minnesota scouting director Deron Johnson who are have Kobernus high on their draft list.
• Cal lost to Stanford 7-6 in 12 innings in Game 2 of the series.  Freshman Marcus Semien helped put the Bears in front with his first collegiate home run. 
• March Madness: Cal beat Stanford 6-5 in their Pac 10 opener March 22. Former HOOTS players had key roles for the Bears.  Brett Jackson continued on a 17 game hitting streak and added an opposite field home run.  Catcher Dylan Tonneson hit a monster home run to the top of the buildings in left field.  Jeff Kobernus led the rally with a lead off single and stolen base and turned 4 DP's. And, freshman Matt Flemer started the game on the mound to throw five strong innings. 
• University of Texas won 2 of 3 games from Stanford University.  Texas shortstop Dave Hernandez one of the teams leading hitters with a .333 average.  Dave was a 2 year player on the HOOTS in 2005 and 2006.
• February 27-Center Fielder BRETT JACKSON led the Bears to a 11-8 win against Long Beach State Friday at Blair Field going 4-6 and a key RBI to win the game.  Brett extended his hitting streak to 6 games as Cal wins it 3rd game in a row and move its record to 4-2. 
• February 27-Second baseman JEFF KOBERNUS led the Cal rally in the sixth inning to tie the game against Long Beach with a lead off double.
• BRETT JACKSON, UC Berkeley, on the 2009 USA Baseball Pre Season Watch List for their coveted Gold Spikes Award.  Brett will be the Bears center fielder and is in junior year at Cal.  Brett was a member of the 2006 HOOTS team.

Congratulations to the following HOOTS players who have received recognition for their achievments during the 2009 high school baseball season. 

                                                    LEAGUE MVP

• Stephen Piscotty-Amador Valley HS-Senior-MVP of the EBAL League
• Tino Lipson-El Cerrito-Junior-MVP of the ACCAL League-Infield
• John Vaccaro-Miramonte HS-Senior-MVP DFAL-Pitcher/Infield
• Andrew Kjar-Miramonte HS-Senior-Co MVP DFAL-Pitcher

                                                     ALL LEAGUE

• Chris Pelayo-Northgate HS-Senior-First Team DFAL-Infield
• Mike Kosturos-Northgate HS-Senior-First Team DFAL-Utility
• Ryan Deeter-Neward Memorial-Senior-First Team MVAL Pitcher-Utility
• Craig Massoni-SRVHS-Junior-First Team EBAL-1B
• Christopher Keck-Amador Valley HS-Sophmore-First Team EBAL-Infield
• Steve Moen-California HS-Sophmore-First Team EBAL League-DH Catcher
• Mike Reuvekamp-Miramonte HS-Senior-First Team DFAL-Infield
• Joey Epperson-Miramonte HS-Senior-First Team DFAL-Outfield
• Corbin Chase-Campolinda HS-Junior-First Team DFAL-Outfield
• Chris Killeen-Campolinda HS-Junior-First Team DFAL-1B
• Kevin Paulson-Miramonte HS-Junior-First Team DFAL-C
• Spenser Linney-Head Royce-Sophmore-First Team BCL East-Pitcher
• Michael Theofanouplos-Foothill HS-Junior-Second Team EBAL-Utility
• Nick Russ-Campolinda HS-Junior-Second Team DFAL-Pitcher
• Michael Kathan-Campolinda HS-Junior-Second Team DFAL-Infield
• Trevor Lahonta-Acalanes HS-Junior-Second Team DFAL-Infield 3B
• JJ Vani-Campolinda HS-Senior-Second Team DFAL-Outfield
• Andy Eslick-Amador Valley HS-Senior-Honorable Mention EBAL-Pitcher
• Steven Swift-Monte Vista HS-Senior-Honorable Mention EBAL-Pitcher
• Brian Hamm-Amador Valley HS-Junior-Honorable Mention EBAL-Infield
• Carter Loud-Amador Valley HS-Senior-Honorable Mention EBAL-Outfield
• Scott David-Amador Valley HS-Senior-Honorable Mention EBAL-Catcher

HOOTS Players recognized by the Contra Costa Times as Top 100 Athletes to be honored at the Prep Sports Banquet June 11. 

• Stephen Piscotty-Amador Valley High School
• Chris Pelayo-Northgate High School
• Andrew Kjar-Miramonte High School
• John Vaccaro-Miramonte High School

The HOOTS Baseball Club finished their fall season on a high note against the always tough Southern California Connie Mack teams and played the Trombly Braves in the Championship game Martin Luther King Weekend on Monday January 19 at beautiful DeDeaux Field at the University of Southern California.  The game was won by Trombly Baseball 6-2.  Left hand pitcher Michael Theofanopoulos pitched four innings which had the game tied at times through the fifth inning.  Trombly continued to score runs on a uncommon shaky HOOTS defense.  2010 Grad Theofanopoulos, a left hand pitcher and hitter, also led the HOOTS offense with a 2 run home run.  The Trombly team featured the Number 1 amateur player in the country, left hand hitting catcher Bryce Harper, and a host of top players from Southern California.  Harper is projected to be the Number 1 pick by Major League Baseball in the 2011 draft.

The HOOTS got to the Championship game with another major win in the semi finals over Playa Vista 6-2.  Stephen Piscotty pitched a complete game to secure the win and advance to the Championship game.  The HOOTS fell behind early 2-0 on unearned runs but Piscotty came back to pitch a great game and keep the tough LaPlaya Vista offense limited to the two runs.     

The HOOTS Black Team finished pool play as the #2 seed with a 9-7 win over Playa Vista Orioles on Sunday to enter the final day with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss.  Will Lemarsh pitched 6 very strong innings for the HOOTS followed by Christian Felter and Mike Kostorus.  The offense was led by Stephen Piscotty, Scotty David, and Corbin Chase all contributing with multiple hits throughout the game.  The HOOTS fell behind early 3-0 but battled back to tie the game in the fourth inning, hold the lead and lose it in the eighth inning, and rallied for the 2 run lead in the eighth inning on a lead off single by Piscotty, double by David and triple by Corbin Chase. Play Vista is a very strong Connie Mack program in Los Angeles and these two teams battled in the Western Regional Tournament in 2008 won by the Playa Vista 5-4 for the Connie Mack World Series berth for the west region.

The Monday Championship will feature Stephen Piscotty on the mound for the HOOTS and opponent to be determined at this time.  As expected, 3 of the very best amateur programs in the west and in the Connie Mack West Region remain in the battle for the Championship.  Trombly Baseball, Playa Vista Orioles and the Danville HOOTS.

All games will be held at USC and will begin on Saturday January 17 and conclude on Monday January 19. The weekend will feature two of Southern California's top teams, the Trombly Braves and the Playa Vista Orioles as well as Rijo Athletics from Washington and the HOOTS.  Three of these four teams won their respective 2008 Connie Mack state championships to qualify for the West Regional Tournament and the HOOTS and the Playa Vista Orioles were 2008 Connie Mack West Region finalists in a game won by the Orioles 4-3. The Baseball Games Camp will feature the #1 ranked amateur player in the nation as well as many other players already committed and underclass players being evaluated.

Cost per player for the MLK weekend is $150 per player. Many of you have been going to college camps paying 2 and 3 times that amount for one day.  We will play 4 games minimum at one of the nation's major universities and one of the best PAC 10 facilities against some of the best players in Southern California and the west.  These teams all bring their "A" game and it is a good measure of where you are a player and we are as a team. Due to NCAA regulations the clubs in attendance are required to pay for field cost and reimbursement for all expenses for the weekend.  This is equally divided between the four teams.

Payment is now past due and must be paid before the first game.  Either give to Coach Johns or send to HOOTS Baseball, PO Box 930, Danville, Ca. 94526.  No exceptions and my expectation is that everyone except players playing in another sport will be attending.

Stephen Piscotty accepted a baseball and academic scholarship and signed his letter of intent with one of the nation's top universities and college baseball programs Stanford University. Stanford is a member of the tough Pac 10 conference and was in the 2008 College World Series last year which was led by former HOOTS catcher Jason Castro who was selected in the First Round as the 10th player by the Houston Astros in the MLB draft in June. Stephen has been in the HOOTS program since his sophmore year in high school and has been a key member of the Northern California HOOTS Connie Mack Championship teams in 2007 and 2008.  He is currently a senior at Amador Valley High School. Stephen will be leading the HOOTS during the 2009 summer season prior to going to college and will be the HOOTS shortstop and will also get some time on the mound.

Stephen Piscotty is a power hitting shortstop that can play anywhere in the infield.  He adds another desirable dimension as one of the top pitchers in the area but has been used sparingly in his amateur career by Coach Don Johns and also at Amador by Coach Lou Cesario.  He offers Stanford a 2 way player which is valuable given the roster reductions by the NCAA that went into effect in 2008 and scholarship limitations for baseball.  Piscotty has been mentioned as a possible player that could be in the 2009 Major League Draft.

"This is my third year of working with Stephen and having him as an important player in the program.  He is one of those quiet players that just works hard and let's his game let you know who he is. He finds ways to excel in critical game situations and brings his game everyday.  I have seen him do things at the plate and in the field that are very impressive for a young player.  I watch him today continue to work hard, attend every off season work out, be there for his team mates and never let you know he is a top flight player. I am going to enjoy coaching him this last year and watch him excel at the next level.  I consider myself lucky to have this opportunity."

Coach Don Johns

Scotty David signed his letter of intent and accepted a Division 1 baseball scholarship with the 2008 National Championship Fresno State University Bulldogs.  Fresno State is a member of the WAC conference and advanced to the college world series last year where they surprised everyone with a dramatic post season run and a National Championship. Scotty has been in the HOOTS program the past three years and is a versatile left hand hitting catcher.  He was the starting catcher the past HOOTS season for the 2008 Northern California Connie Mack Championship team.  He is a senior at Amador Valley High school and a key member of their basketball team and will also be one of the leaders in Coach Lou Cesario's baseball program.

Scotty has continued to improve in the skilled catching position the past two seasons.  His athletic ability and quickness behind the plate offers the Bulldogs a player that can play another position when not catching. He has experience in the outfield and at first base and with his ability as an offensive left hand hitter he gives his team a lot of options. He has the ability to be a gap hitter in college and a key run producer from the left side.

"Your pleased as a coach when you see dramatic improvement of a player through time and effort.  Scotty this past year put his energy into being a catcher and improving his skills there and his arm strength. He attracted a lot of attention from the college coach's.  The position is tough to fill and there aren't a lot of good people at the position.  He is another player that attends every off season work out, never misses a game regardless of playing another sport, impresses me as a team player when he shows up at practice either sick or nursing an injury.  He is a true leader and it shows during the game at a position you have to lead. He is the true example of being a HOOTS player and sets the standard for our young players to follow.  I am proud to say I have this opportunity to coach him one more season."

Coach Don Johns

 THE HOOTS 2008 SEASON ENDED AFTER A 4-2 LOSS TO THE PLAYA VISTA ORIOLES ON SUNDAY.  ANDREW KJAR PITCHED A GREAT GAME THROUGH 5 INNINGS AND KEPT THE ORIOLES SCORELESS AS THE HOOTS LED 1-0.  STEPHEN PISCOTTY RELIEVED KJAR AFTER 2 RUNNERS REACHED BASE.  LMU BOUND SHORTSTOP JAKE ROE HIT A 3-2 PITCH OVER THE LEFT FIELD FENCE FOR GRAND SLAM AND A 4-1 LEAD FOR THE ORIOLES.  THE HOOTS WERE ABLE TO SCORE ONE ADDITIONAL RUN AND MADE ANOTHER THREAT IN THE SEVENTH BUT CAME UP SHORT WITH THE TYING RUN AT THE PLATE.  THE ORIOLES UCLA BOUND PITCHER KEPT THE HOOTS OFFENSE TO ONLY 2 HITS.  THE HOOTS FINISHED THIER SEASON WITH A OVERALL RECORD OF 41 WINS AND 10 LOSSES.  THEY WON THE CONNIE MACK NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW AND FINISH AS THE 3RD RANKED TEAM IN THE WESTERN STATES FOR CONNIE MACK BASEBALL.

"One Step from the Connie Mack World Series is a huge achievement for our club.  We are disappointed but for the three years we have been in Connie Mack baseball this is our greatest achievement as a team.  We defeated 2 of Southern California's best clubs in back to back games and the best other teams in the western states.  We beat the Long Beach Cardinals in a come from behind seventh inning to play in the championship round. This is the toughest tournament to win in amateur baseball and we will find a way to get back down here and get to Farmington, New Mexico.  Every team at this level is lethal, but so are we and we had a great run and won some very tough games in the State Championship and the Western Regional.  We will reload and see these teams again in October. They have a lot of respect for the HOOTS and how we play and conduct ourselves on and off the field and we like to play each other as much as we can.  Every championship goes through Southern California.  We had a great run" 

Coach Don Johns

THE HOOTS DEFEATED THE LONG BEACH CARDINALS IN A COME FROM BEHIND 7TH INNING WALK OFF DOUBLE FROM STEPHEN PISCOTTY TO GO TO THE FINAL DAY OF THE CONNIE MACK WESTERN REGIONAL AND TO PLAY FOR A BIRTH IN THE CONNIE MACK WORLD SERIES. TRAILING 13-11 IN THE BOTTOM ON THE SEVENTH THE HOOTS WERE ABLE TO GET A RUNNER ON WITH A GARRICK CASTRO DOUBLE, WHO ADVANCED TO THIRD. CASTRO SCORED TO MAKE IT A ONE RUN GAME. MARCUS SEMIEN WALKED, NICK BARTALONE GOT AN INFIELD SINGLE, PISCOTTY WAS ABLE TO TAKE A 0-2 PITCH TO THE RIGHT CENTER GAP WITH BOTH RUNNERS MOVING AND BARTOLONE SCORED FROM FIRST BASE TO SEND THE HOOTS TO PLAY FOR THE WORLD SERIES BIRTH ON SUNDAY JULY 27 AT 11:00 AM.

The HOOTS DEFEATED TROMBLEY BASEBALL FRIDAY JULY 25 IN A BATTLE OF TWO OF THE TOP TEAMS IN THE STATE. THE HOOTS WERE DOWN 3-0 AFTER TWO INNINGS BUT TIED THE GAME IN THE 3RD, TOOK THE LEAD IN THE FIFTH, LOSS THE LEAD IN THE SIXTH AND SCORED THE GO AHEAD RUN ON A SQUEEZE PLAY. MATT FLEMER THREW FIVE INNINGS AND WAS RELIEVED BY DAVID SINGLETON. HARMON SIDDU CLOSED THE GAME IN THE SEVENTH WHICH ENDED IN A DOUBLE PLAY. THE HOOTS OFFENSE WAS LED BY KEVIN CANNON WHO WAS 4 FOR 4 IN THE GAME AGAINST USC BOUND PITCHERS. THE HOOTS REACH THE FINAL FOUR OF THE CONNIE MACK REGIONAL WHICH IS A FIRST FOR THEM IN ONLY THEIR THIRD YEAR OF CONNIE MACK BASEBALL. The HOOTS and Trombley are friends and foes and play each other often during the off season. Both are nationally ranked programs and both had won national championships. The HOOTS lost their first game to Arizona but won over Wyoming yesterday. The Danville team had played 6 games in the Northern California Championship in 3 days and were forced to rest the starting pitching staff until Thursday. Robbie LeClair threw a brief 3 innings against Wyoming and Andrew Kjar completed the game as the HOOTS were able to rest LeClair. Matt Flemer, Harmon Sidhu and David Singletonare all available for today's game. Trombley Baseball lost 8-0 to undefeated LA Orioles which featured the two top left handed pitchers in Southern California.

The Western Region tournament champion will advance to the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico that begins on August 2.

The HOOTS DEFEATED THE CALIFORNIA SMOKE TWICE ON SUNDAY JULY 20 FOR THE CONNIE MACK NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIP AT DELTA COLLEGE IN STOCKTON.  The HOOTS entered the Championship with one earlier loss to the Smoke while the Smoke was the only undefeated team and had to lose twice not to win the Championship and advance to the Western Regional Championship.  HOOTS starting pitcher Harmon Sidhu had a complete game shut out to win the first game 2-0.  Matt Flemer hit a 3-0 fastball over the center field scoreboard in the seventh inning for the second run.  The second and deciding game featured outstanding lefty HOOTS pitcher Davide Singleton against high school team mate JR Graham.  Singleton pitching on only 2 days rest was able to keep the Smoke offense limited to one run through 5 innings.  Andrew Kjar came in relief in the sixth inning and was relieved by Stephen Piscotty with runners in scoring position.  The Smoke tied the game in the sixth but the HOOTS battled back to score a single run in the seventh on a Nick Bartalone double and a clutch single from Garrick Castro.  The Smoke had runners on second and third in the bottom of the seventh but the combination of the Piscotty pitching and the HOOTS defense ended the rally to give the HOOTS a 3-2 victory and their SECOND CONNIE MACK NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIP. The HOOTS won their first Connie Mack Championship in  2007 after being affiliated with American Legion Baseball since 1991 and being one of the nation's top American Legion programs with both State, Western Regional and a National Championship.

Coach Johns commented "these were two giants battling each other.  Anyone who watched these games saw amateur baseball at its best.  Our team had decided they did not want their summer to end and they find ways to win in difficult games against good teams.  We continue to play great defense, use our team speed and team offense, and we have outstanding pitching. This was a great HOOTS DAY."

The HOOTS advance to the Connie Mack Western Regional Championship held at Blair Field home of Long Beach State College.  They open play Wednesday July 23 at 5:15PM versus Washington.  The web site will be updated with results daily. Eight Teams will compete in the Regional for the berth in the Connie Mack World Series. 

The HOOTS Baseball Club won the Championship Sunday July 13 in the Fourth "FLY WITH THE OWL" TOURNAMENT at San Ramon Valley High School.  The HOOTS defeated Oakland Baseball Club 5-1 and received an outstanding complete game performance from pitcher Robbie LeClair.  The HOOTS remained the only unbeaten team with a record of 4-0 and had a tournament record of only giving up 3 runs in four games and one shut out by lefty David Singleton.  Keegan Bill, Harmon Sidhu and Matt Flemer all pitched for the HOOTS.  The HOOTS defeated Santa Clara Red Sox 4-0, Oakland Baseball 6-1, and Reno Knights 4-1.  Oakland has had wins over California Smoke and Santa Rosa and their lone loss to the HOOTS earlier in the tournament.

Tournament awards were won by Jordan Reimer of Oakland as the MVP.  Matt Flemer of the HOOTS was awarded the Most Offensive as a 2 way player and pitcher.  The Home Run Derby Competion winners were Nick Bartalone for the "Fastest Around the Bases".  HOOTS Outfield Relay team of Drew Helinini, Marcus Semien and Mike Revukamp won.  HOOTS Infield Relay Team of Steve Cunha, Nick Bartalone, Steve Piscotty and Scott David also won.

Competition in the tournament has been excellent and has attracked many MLB scouts and college coaches throughout the west including UC Berkeley, USF, Santa Clara University, Cal Poly, Arizona State, Long Beach State, Chabot College, San Mateo College, and St. Mary's. The tournament features 6 of Northern California's top teams which include the Santa Clara Red Sox, California Smoke, Santa Rosa Connie Mack, Reno Knights of Nevada, Oakland Baseball Club and the HOOTS. 

Grant Johnson will be joining the HOOTS coaching staff for this coming year.  He will be coaching 3rd base and working with Coach Johns and learning offense strategy with Chabot College Coach Johnny Rodrigues.  Grant is a former HOOTS infielder on the 2001 team that won a American Legion California State Championship, Western Regional Championship and returned to the World Series the year following the National Championship in 2000 which is a feat rarely achieved. Many members of that team like Nate Schierholtz have had successful college and professional carrers.  Grant played his college baseball at Whittier College and is currently the varsity assistant at Monte Vista High School.  Welcome back, Grant Johnson!