Laguna juniors show class in defeat

The Laguna Beach Little League Junior League All-Star team ? known as the Laguna Beach Firefighters during the regular season ? had its season come to an end July 5 in a 10-1 loss to Aliso Canyon in District 55 All-Star Tournament action at Woodfield Park in Aliso Viejo.

Laguna appeared to have its offense in high gear early on a day when the temperature reached 85. Sean Pigden led off the first inning with a single and was followed by Raphael Vickers, who doubled.

Casey Miller then singled, but Laguna was only able to push one run across after that promising start.

That run turned out to be their only run of the game.

In fact, the only other hit Laguna could muster was a single in the second inning by Jack Clark.

Vickers pitched the first five innings and Ryan Raffo came on in relief in the sixth.

Laguna, which defeated Saddleback, 8-3 on July 3, finished the tournament with a record of 1-2.

Laguna Beach Manager Mark Christy said that the tournament director, who also occasionally would umpire, addressed the Laguna team following their loss to Aliso Canyon.

Christy said the official complimented his team on its character and noted its composure, class and for “laughing and having fun until the last out.”

“His comments echo my own sentiments,” Christy said. “As far as the tourney went, we were the little engine that could. We were over-matched but we played hard. We even upset a strong team from Saddleback.

“Even in defeat I am proud of every single kid on the team. I look forward to watching them as they continue on life’s path. Laguna is a pretty small pond, so I know that I will be able to keep tabs on their accomplishments. After a season like we’ve had, these guys are like family.”

During the course of the regular season, the Firefighters went 8-4. During the District 55 Tournament of Champions, which preceded the All-Star tournament, the Firefighters posted a 1-1 record.

The team went 10-7, overall.

Eight players on Laguna’s 13-member squad batted over .200 for the season: Vickers (.526). Ben Hanson (.424), Miller (.366), Jackson Christy (.343), Pigden (.327), Raffo (.319), Logan Schoembs (.286), Travis Sampson (.261) and Jake Glazer (.229).

The 2006 Laguna Beach Junior League All-Star team is Jackson “J-Rod” Christy, Jack “JC” Clark, Jake “Frodo” Glazer, Ben “El Guapo” Hanson, Casey “Pineapple” Miller, Ryan “Rhino” Raffo, Travis “Noserider” Sampson, Sawyer “Kikkoman” Pierce, Sean “Pigeon” Pigden” and Raphael “V-Train” Vickers, Manager Mark Christy and Coach Don Vickers.

Luke Dressler and Brenden Ferguson played for the Firefighters during the regular season, but were not available for the All-Star tournament.