Click for schedule of games or view below.
For the past couple of years, this tournament has been my annual cameo, a chance to pitch in one tournament, and keep my Minnie Minoso streak alive. Ernie and the Rebels provided a home for me the past couple years. This year though, I’ll be with a new team to the tournament, “Those Guys”, who I pitched for during the local winter and early summer league. The team is run by Paul Castillo (Kevin’s dad), a collection of youngsters, some of whom played for him on the 23-and-under teams that he coached. Come to think of it, many on this group could still play 23-and-under. Except yours truly, of course. Great fun.
Our team finished second in the Artesia city league, runner-up to a team that had Travis Price and Max Montero as pitchers. The Raymond Angulo tournament will be the second tournament of the year for the young team. (They played at Best of the West, after picking up some pitching and hitters, upsetting J&B Printing on the tournament’s final day)
Larry Watts, Jr. is the field leader of this group, a talented young player who can play most any position on the diamond, but fares especially well at third or behind the plate. We’d love to have Paul’s son Kevin playing with us, but he’s back in Oklahoma where he now lives following his college days there. Kevin was in Quad Cities last week, playing third base for the California A’s in the ISC World Tournament.
A great atmosphere at the ballpark, come on out, even if you are not playing, grab a game and something to eat. No matter where you sit, you’ll be among friends.
For photos from last year, including a slide show, click here.
Butterfield Park Softball Field
1886 Butterfield Drive
Corona, CA 92882
A couple years ago, I had the pleasure of playing on the same team with Larry Jr. and Mikey Watts. They would be the third generation of Watts in which I’ve shared the dugout, along with Larry Sr. and Grandpa Del.