Baseball: Two more players decide not play high school season

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Two more high school baseball players who who have been standouts for their team have decided not to player their senior years. Instead, they’ve chosen to participate in a spring league in San Bernardino.

Infielder Willie De La Barcena, who was on track to become the career hits leader at L.A. Marshall, and all-league teammate Jesse Melendez have told Coach Shane Gerard they will be playing in the ABD League.

‘They felt it was a better opportunity for them to play at the next level,’ Gerard said.

Another City Section standout, Palisades shortstop Elliott Barzilli, also won’t be playing high school ball.

It’s a tough blow for Marshall, which returns three pitchers from a team that lost to City champion El Camino Real, 1-0, in last year’s playoffs.

Marshall will turn to freshman Joey Ramirez to take over shortstop duties.

-- Eric Sondheimer