Seven Foresters took part in the annual California Collegiate League All-Star Game at the MLB Academy on a North team led by Foresters manager Bill Pintard. The North fell behind early on a grand slam by the Conejo Oaks’ Chad Spanberger, but that was just the start of an offensive explosion that ended with the South winning, 10-9. The event was another great, nationally televised showcase (FOX Sports West) for the CCL, showing the whole baseball nation the great players and teams here on the West Coast. Pintard was one of several special interviews during the game, and he reflected on how far the CCL has come in his 21 years, as well as the importance of summer ball in developing players. The broadcast also included an interview with Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, one of the founders of the group that owns the Oaks, and he added important insights into the kinds of things that CCL teams teach these future pros. The game followed a day full of drills, workouts, and practice, all observed by scouts from every Major League team.
As for the game itself, all seven Foresters took part and every Foresters batter had at least a hit. Matt Henderson started at short and had a base hit, while Bret Boswell started at third. Boz also had a hit and an RBI. Hunter Williams came in at first base and later singled and scored. Lex Kaplan played left field. He was hit by a pitch and scored, and then singled in the ninth, scoring a second run on a three-run error by the South left fielder that created a possible game-winning at-bat, but the South struck out the final North batter. Santa Barbara’s Kyle Johnston started on the mound and unfortunately gave up the slam to Spanberger (who was named the game’s MVP) and took the loss. Connor Mayes and Cody Crouse each pitched an inning.
The broadcast also showed how the Foresters and other CCL teams are giving back to their communities. The Hugs for Cubs was mentioned, along with the Legends’ work with a food bank and the Catch’s work building a home in Mexico.
