Little League: No Love Lost

Steve Virgen

MISSION VIEJO- A grand slam in the fifth inning might have taken

the life out of the Newport Beach Little League American Majors All-Stars

Friday. But that was on the field.

Away from baseball, aside from being eliminated in the District 55

All-Star Tournament, the NBLL All-Stars still discovered smiles and even

some laughter, though they lost, 10-2, to Laguna Hills at Youth Sports

Park.

“As the game developed, they really got down on themselves,” NBLL

Manager Paul Von Berg said. “But looking at them now, you wouldn’t

believe that. They’re all playing with each other and I see a lot of

smiles on their faces. There’s a lot of friends here.”

And when it was time to talk about the game, the NBLL All-Stars

shifted back into game-time mode to receive a lesson learned from the

loss. For some, this was their last Little League baseball game and

though there was hardly much to celebrate, the NBLL All-Stars realized

their mistakes and focused on the positives with the hopes that it will

help their futures.

“I learned that we need to play hard no matter what,” said starting

pitcher Jake Lemmerman, who slammed a solo home run Tuesday in a 7-6

heartbreaking loss to Laguna Niguel. “Just don’t give up ... play as hard

as you can.”

The NBLL All-Stars also learned that they have to be mentally prepared

for each game, Coach Alan Lemmerman said. They committed seven errors and

appeared to lose spirit with each mistake and each umpire’s call that

didn’t go their way.

The NBLL All-Stars collected six hits. Shortstop Vinnie Saint John,

who lined a shot to left field for a triple, scored a run, as did Jake

Lemmerman, who went 3 for 3 with an RBI.

Ford and Tommy Hutchison had one hit each and Bobby Manning earned an

RBI.

Jake Lemmerman pitched five innings as he struck out seven. Dion came

on in the sixth and retired the side in order, including two strikeouts.