SOUTHERN SECTION 4-A BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP : Caso Makes the Most of Extra Year

Brand Caso trotted toward first base, then paused for a second to watch the ball disappear behind the 386-foot sign at Anaheim Stadium.

He was going to enjoy this moment.

Rounding third, Caso pointed to his father in the stands, then hit home plate and was mobbed by the rest of the Capistrano Valley High School baseball team.

It was a great way to end a rather tumultuous high school career.

Caso’s two-run homer gave the Cougars a 4-0 lead in the first inning Saturday, the beginning of an 8-3 victory over Canyon for Southern Section 4-A title.

“This is the best,” Caso said. “There was no way I could have imagined being here and doing that.”

Mainly because Caso wasn’t supposed to be in high school at all.

A year ago, Caso thought his high school career was over, but he was 30 units short of graduation. He had spent 2 1/2 years at a prep school in Connecticut but was expelled midway through his junior year.

“It was a little thing with an aerosol can and a lighter,” Caso said.

He returned to Capistrano Valley behind on units because of the difference in the two schools’ curriculums. “I thought I would go to Saddleback College and get my diploma and play some baseball for them.” Caso said. “But Saddleback didn’t invite me to play on their summer team. So I decided to return to Capistrano Valley.”

After Caso decided to get his high school diploma, his mother Julie got involved. First she called Cougar Coach Bob Zamora, who directed here to the section office.

“I figured that would be the last I heard from her,” Zamora said. “Then the Southern Section gave us a gift.”

In a rare move, the section allowed Caso a fifth year.

Caso made the most of the decision. He hit .360 with seven home runs and 35 runs batted in.

His performance earned him the team’s most improved player award for the second consecutive year. But last season, he won for his defensive efforts.

“We were going to cut him last year,” Zamora said. “He was a pitcher and the last guy to make the team. Then, with 10 games left, we lose all three catchers. Brand comes up and told me he could catch. He finished the season behind the plate and did a great job.”

But Caso lacked punch at the plate. He hit only .220 with no home runs.

During the summer, Caso lifted weights and worked at building supply company.

“I was lifting bags of cement every day,” Caso said. “That really built me up. I was really looking forward to the season.”

Caso finished it in a rush. In the last two games, he had four hits, two home runs and six runs batted in.

He also picked up the necessary units needed to get his diploma and scored 1,090 on his SAT.

“The extra year has really helped me,” Caso said. “I’ve matured, gotten stronger and pulled my grades up.”

And won a championship.