(LOS ANGELES) The California Collegiate League announces the North and South Division rosters for the 2024 CCL Showcase Game on Wednesday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at the MLB Youth Academy:
North Division – Manager Dean Treanor, San Luis Obispo Blues
South Division – Manager Kenny Landreaux, MLB Academy Barons
(LOS ANGELES, CA) The California Collegiate League’s annual midsummer classic—the CCL Showcase Game—is coming to the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. on Wednesday, July 17. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. Catch the action live on Bally Sports Regional Networks across the country. Veteran play-by-play broadcaster and radio host, Chris Sylvester, and color analyst Keith Ramsey, will be on the call.
The CCL Showcase Game will feature the league’s premier players representing top college and universities from across the nation. USA Baseball will host a player combine for professional scouts and college coaches beginning at 2:30 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., the CCL’s top sluggers will compete in a three-round home run derby.
Two World Series Champions will be leading their division’s respective squads. Former Los Angeles Dodger and current skipper for the CCL’s MLB Academy Barons, Kenny Landreaux, will manage the South Division. Landreaux caught the final out as the Dodgers topped the New York Yankees four games to two to capture the MLB title in 1981. Dean Treanor, a member of the Florida Marlins’ 2003 World Series coaching staff and current headman for the CCL’s San Luis Obispo Blues, will lead the North Division.
Players of the game will be announced at the conclusion of the showcase.
The MLB Youth Academy is located on the campus of Compton College at 901 E Artesia Blvd, Compton, CA 90221. Tickets are available at the door for $5.
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – The 2024 NCAA Super Regionals wrapped up with multiple CCL alumni putting on impressive performances. Now, with the beginning of the 2024 NCAA College World Series, the premier event in college baseball has arrived. The CCL has current players or alumni competing on teams that are battling it out in Omaha.
Photo credit: The Athletic
(LOS ANGELES, CA) The 2024 California Collegiate League summer baseball season is underway! Be sure to follow the CCL and its teams on social media:
(LOS ANGELES, CA) After celebrating the league’s 30th season in 2023, the California Collegiate League is pleased to announce the 2024 season schedule. Every league member will play a minimum of 30 league games. Opening Night of this year’s campaign is slated for Thursday, June 6, as 10 clubs will be in action:
The nationally ranked Santa Barbara Foresters begin the CCL summer season on the road against a new addition to the North Division, the San Luis Obispo Blues, on June 8.
The CCL will again feature two divisions across the state of California:
The annual CCL All-Star Game, a showcase of the league’s most outstanding players, is slated for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, Calif.
The 2024 edition of the CCL Postseason will again feature a Wild Card Round and Divisional Championship Game followed by a best two-out-of-three series to determine the 2024 CCL State Champion. The finale to the 2024 season will be played in the North Division at a location to be determined.
Inter division games will count toward league standings for the first time in recent years, with postseason standings determined by winning percentage.
The Foresters and Blues will continue their longstanding rivalry facing each other eight times this season. The Walnut Creek Crawdads will make a trip to the South Division to face the Saints and Riptide. The Foresters will play host to the Legends, while San Luis Obispo will again face-off against traditional South Division foes.
The CCL welcomes four new affiliate organizations from San Francisco to San Diego: the San Francisco Sea Gulls and Alameda Merchants in the North Division and the Ventura County Pirates and San Diego Sunrays in the South Division.
SELECTIONS BY POSITION
CATCHERS
Brendan Durfee – CO
Nolan Wilson – LP
Omar Gastelum – SS
FIRST BASE
Jake Tandy – SM
Ryan Brome – WCC
Eamonn Lance – SBF
SECOND BASE
Hunter Dorraugh – HPP
Ryan Ellis – WCC
Connor McGuire – OCR
THIRD BASE
Raider Tello – AS
Jeff Hoffman – SM
SHORTSTOP
Kamau Neighbor – MLB
Matt King – WCC
UTILITY
Zach Chamizo – LP
Will Rogers – SBF
OUTFIELD
Robbie Hamchuk – HPP
Jay Burden – SS
Cameron Nickens – HPP
Max Belyeu – SBF
Damian Bravo – HPP
McCabe Moyer – CO
Max Blessinger – AS
Cole Fellows – WCC
Patrick Hackworth – OCR
DESIGNATED HITTER
Connor Charpiot – HPP
Dylan Lina – MLB
PITCHERS
Starting Pitchers
Chris Stamos – HPP
Tyler Valdez – OCR
Ben Bybee – SBF
Myles Patton – HPP
Fisher Johnson – SLO
Caleb Reyes – AS
Jack Kirrer – OCR
Carter Herrera – AS
Combination Pitchers
Sean Youngerman – SBF
Carson Turnquist – SBF
Robert Aivazian – HPP
Relief Pitchers
Jacob Henderson – AS
Brian McBroom – HPP
Arthur Stienkamp – LP
Boston Warkentin – SLO
Sean Fitzpatrick – WCC
Cade Cushing – WCC
Aidan Colin – SS
Kevin Warunek – AS
Hayden Lewis – AS
SELECTIONS BY TEAM
MLB Academy Barons: Kamau Neighbor, SS // Dylan Lina, DH
Arroyo Seco Saints: Raider Tello, 3B // Max Blessinger, OF // Caleb Reyes, RHP // Carter Herrera, RHP // Jacob Henderson, RHP // Kevin Warunek, RHP // Hayden Lewis, RHP
Conejo Oaks: Brendan Durfee, C // McCabe Moyer, OF
Healdsburg Prune Packers: Hunter Dorraugh, 2B // Robbie Hamchuk, OF // Cameron Nickens, OF // Damian Bravo, OF // Connor Charpiot, DH // Chris Stamos, LHP // Myles Patton, LHP // Robert Aivazian, RHP // Brian McBroom, RHP
Lincoln Potters: Nolan Wilson, C // Zach Chamizo, UTL // Arthur Stienkamp, LHP
Orange County Riptide: Connor McGuire, 2B // Patrick Hackworth, OF // Tyler Valdez, RHP // Jack Kirrer, RHP
San Luis Obispo Blues: Fisher Johnson, RHP // Boston Warkentin, RHP
Santa Barbara Foresters: Eamonn Lance, 1B // Will Rogers, UTL // Max Belyeu, OF // Ben Bybee, RHP // Sean Youngerman, RHP // Carson Turnquist, RHP
Solano Mudcats: Jake Tandy, 1B // Jeff Hoffman, 3B
Sonoma Stompers: Omar Gastelum, C // Jay Burden, OF // Aidan Colin, RHP
Walnut Creek Crawdads: Ryan Brome, 1B // Ryan Ellis, 2B // Matt King, SS // Cole Fellows, OF // Sean Fitzpatrick, LHP // Cade Cushing, RHP
TEAM DESIGNATIONS
MLB – MLB Academy Barons
AS – Arroyo Seco Saints
CO – Conejo Oaks
HPP – Healdsburg Prune Packers
LP – Lincoln Potters
OCR – Orange County Riptide
SLO – San Luis Obispo Blues
SBF – Santa Barbara Foresters
SM – Solano Mudcats
SS – Sonoma Stompers
WCC – Walnut Creek Crawdads
By CCL Reporter Sean Brennan
(THOUSAND OAKS, CA) – For the third straight year, the CCL State Championship belongs to the ‘Burg.
After dropping the first contest of the best-of-three CCL 30 State Championship Series against the Arroyo Seco Saints, the Healdsburg Prune Packers pulled off a gutsy, come-from-behind victory in Game 2, setting the stage for a winner-take-all Game 3. With nine innings separating the Packers from cementing their dynasty and bringing a third title back to Healdsburg, head coach Joey Gomes’ message to his team was simple – he urged them to “Empty the clip” and give 110% on the field.
And the Packers, the CCL North Division’s regular-season champion with a 26-9 league record, did just that. Despite the score being tied at two after five innings, the Packers’ offense came to life during the two ensuing frames, plating a combined six runs en route to an 8-5, title-clinching win.
“This is a really resilient group,” Gomes said. “With the amount of injuries and guys that came in and out, the core stayed together, and the resiliency and how much fun these guys have playing the game [stuck out to me].”
From the get-go, the Packers had their work cut out for them. Starting on the hill for the Saints was right-hander Carter Herrera (Cal State Fullerton), who tossed 6.0 scoreless innings in Arroyo Seco’s 1-0 CCL 30 Divisional Round victory against the Orange County Riptide. Herrera’s regular season numbers very much reflect those of his first playoff appearance, as the Calimesa, Calif. native pitched to a 2.00 ERA and 0.86 WHIP this summer while striking out 35 in 36.0 innings of work, a resumé deserving of the nod when the first CCL State trophy in franchise history up for grabs.
It appeared Herrera’s momentum had carried over from the Divisional Round early on, with the rising sophomore retiring the side in the first. Healdsburg would break through a frame later, posting a three-hit second highlighted by an RBI single from infielder Peyton Schulze (Cal).
The lead was short-lived. In the third, Arroyo Seco outfielder Kyte McDonald (Rice) drove in fellow outfielder Max Blessinger (Belmont), who doubled and reached third on an error. McDonald, much like Herrera, played a major role in his team’s hard-fought Divisional win, hitting the fifth-inning solo shot that punched the Saints’ ticket to the title round.
After a scoreless fourth inning, the pendulum would swing once again during the fifth courtesy of Healdsburg infielder Hunter Dorraugh, one of five San Jose State Spartans on the Prune Packers’ roster. Leading off the frame, Dorraugh unloaded on a 2-1 pitch, sending a majestic, 388-foot, 102 mph blast off the bat sailing over the left-field wall – against the wind – to give Healdsburg a 2-1 advantage. But this wasn’t nearly the first big moment the Vacaville, Calif. delivered this postseason. In four playoff games, Dorraugh totaled seven hits with two home runs and six RBI in 16 at-bats, earning him CCL 30 Postseason Most Outstanding Player honors.
“The goal when you do everything is to win,” Dorraugh said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity Joey Gomes has given to me to come out here and develop as a player, and to be able to make a great relationship with those guys… I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
The Saints would again tie the score in the bottom of the 5th inning, but the Packers’ bats had found their groove. Outfielder Robbie Hamchuk (San Jose State), Healdsburg’s second hitter of the sixth inning, set the tone with a one-out triple and later cashed in thanks to a sacrifice fly from Dorraugh. Infielder Connor Charpiot (Long Beach State), another focal point of the Packers’ offense, extended the lead with an RBI double.
Charpiot’s dominant performance in the postseason didn’t come as a surprise, as he claimed the CCL regular season batting title with a .410 average in 83 at-bats. Throughout the playoffs, he continued to deliver, hitting .500 in 14 at-bats and recording three-hit performances in Games 2 and 3. And for Charpiot, the key to success was remaining consistent in his approach.
“[My approach] wasn’t changed from the season,” Charpiot said. “You’ve got to treat it like any other game and luckily, it worked out for me.”
Healdsburg struck again in the seventh, scoring three more runs, but the offense was only part of the equation throughout the game’s late innings.
After Packers starter Caden Bugarske (Concordia) held Arroyo Seco to one run in three innings – a solid outing against a Saints’ offense that has been among the league’s best all season long – Healdsburg looked to its bullpen, which has proved a major asset of late. During the first two contests of the State Championship series, the Packers’ relievers didn’t allow a single earned run, keeping their squad within striking distance in both games.
Right-handed reliever Michael Rice (San Jose State), who succeeded Bugarske on Sunday, was named the postseason’s Most Outstanding Pitcher. Rice was key in the bullpen holding Arroyo Seco scoreless in the final four innings of Game 2, tossing three strikeouts in three scoreless innings. During the series finale, he faced the minimum in his first frame of work before running into trouble the next time he took the mound. Despite this, Rice played well enough to earn his fourth win of the summer.
While imperfect in Game 3, allowing four runs – three of which came on a three-run homer from outfielder Connor Bradshaw (Pepperdine) in the eighth – the bullpen did its job, as five different arms combined to prevent Arroyo Seco from erasing the lead Healdsburg’s offense had built.
Right-hander Grant Cherry (Long Beach State) entered the game in the fifth inning and immediately made his presence felt, retiring each of the first three batters he saw. In total, Cherry tossed 3.0 innings of one-run ball, striking out five batters in the process. Following short stints from righties Brian McBroom (New Mexico) and Charpiot, who also contributed on the mound – reliever Gary Hall (San Jose State) picked up a strikeout and save, completing the Packers’ memorable championship run.
“Every single one, a tip of the cap to those guys,” Gomes said. “Grant Cherry was just the nail in the coffin, to kind of extend us and get the ball to Gary Hall, who just threw the heck out of it.”
What makes this year’s title so much sweeter is the fact that it sealed a back-to-back-to-back CCL State Championships for the Packers, one of the most demanding accomplishments in sports. Most players, new or returning, cherished contributing to this special moment.
“I mean, it’s great,” Charpiot said. “I grew up around Healdsburg. And seeing them win the last few years, now that I finally get to be a part of it, it’s great.”
The Healdsburg Prune Packers cap off the California Collegiate League’s 30th season in style—State Champs for a third consecutive time.
CCL 30 Postseason Most Outstanding Player: INF Hunter Dorraugh (San Jose State)
CCL 30 Postseason Most Outstanding Pitcher: RHP Michael Rice (San Jose State)
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – The California Collegiate League Showcase Game Selection Committee has announced the participants for the CCL 30 Showcase Game. The following players will play in the league’s signature midsummer event:
Click to view the CCL 30 Showcase Game Rosters
[+ North Division Roster] // [+ South Division Roster]
By July 5, each of the CCL’s 11 teams nominated players for consideration to the Selection Committee. Final North and South Division rosters and the managers of the game were chosen based on each of the division’s highest winningest percentage through July 8.
The CCL hosts an annual all-star game highlighting its brightest stars to coaches, scouts, and fans alike. This tradition remains today, as nearly 60 of the CCL’s most outstanding players will participate in the mid-summer classic in Compton, Calif. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. PST live on eight Bally Sports regional networks.
In addition to a nine-inning North vs. South Division contest and USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline combine, the CCL 30 Showcase Game will feature an inaugural Home Run Derby presented by the Walter Bat Company adding even more fireworks to an already action-packed event.
Texas Tech play-by-play broadcaster Chris Sylvester and San Diego Padres color commentator Bob Scanlan will have the call. Check your local listings for viewing instructions.
Fans can purchase tickets to the CCL’s premier event at the gate, watch live on Bally Sports TV, or follow the CCL on social media.
Team Designations // MLB – MLB Academy Barons, AS – Arroyo Seco Saints, CO – Conejo Oaks, HPP – Healdsburg Prune Packers, LP – Lincoln Potters, OCR – Orange County Riptide, SLO – San Luis Obispo Blues, SBF – Santa Barbara Foresters, SM – Solano Mudcats, SS – Sonoma Stompers, WCC – Walnut Creek Crawdads
By CCL Reporter Sean Brennan
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – For 30 years, the California Collegiate League has been a stepping stone for some of baseball’s most exciting prospects, allowing top collegiate players to hone their skills while preparing for professional baseball.
The CCL hosts an annual all-star game highlighting its brightest stars to coaches, scouts, and fans alike. This tradition remains today, as nearly 60 of the CCL’s most outstanding players will participate in the CCL 30 Showcase Game at the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, Calif. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. PST.
“The 2023 CCL Showcase game is a must-see event for the ardent baseball fan,” said CCL Commissioner Michael Simpson. “This is an opportunity to view top notch collegiate players demonstrate their prodigious talents. You may be witnessing a future major league player before they attain national fame.”
In addition to a nine-inning North vs. South Division contest and USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline combine, the CCL 30 Showcase Game will feature an inaugural home run derby adding even more fireworks to an already action-packed mid-summer classic.
Texas Tech play-by-play broadcaster Chris Sylvester and San Diego Padres color commentator Bob Scanlan will have the call live on Bally Sports TV. The game will be re-aired regionally on NBC Sports West throughout July and August. Check your local listings for viewing instructions.
Fans can purchase tickets to the CCL’s premier event at the gate, watch live on Bally Sports TV, or follow the CCL on social media.
By July 2, each of the CCL’s 11 teams will nominate players for consideration to the CCL 30 Showcase Game Selection Committee. Final North and South Division rosters and the managers of the game – which will be the head coach of each division’s winningest team through July 8 – will be announced by July 9.
As part of USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline, CCL 30 Showcase Game position players will take part in pre-game workouts at 3 p.m. in front of MLB scouts and college coaches. The PDP is a collaborative effort between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball that establishes an official identification and player development pathway for amateur baseball players in the United States.
By CCL Reporters Sean Brennan, Sam Nute, and Dylan Wickman
(LOS ANGELES, CA) – The 2023 NCAA Super Regionals wrapped up with multiple CCL alumni putting on impressive performances. Now, with the beginning of the 2023 NCAA College World Series, the premier event in college baseball has arrived. The CCL has 27 current players or alumni competing on four of eight teams that are battling it out in Omaha. Check out standout performers from the Super Regionals and a complete list of the CCL members competing to win college baseball’s most coveted prize.
We've seen him do that a few times💪
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) June 11, 2023
Prepped in the CCL: @PrunePackers alumni @blakeburke_ hits one nearly 480 feet to get Tennessee back within one. 💣 https://t.co/LG7U7GQZ4v
🚨 COWLEY CALLS GAME 🚨
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) June 10, 2023
Prepped in the CCL: @ArroyoSecoCCL alum Drew Cowley completes the largest comeback in NCAA Super Regional history as @OregonBaseball erases an eight-run deficit 🦆#CCL30Years #CCLBaseball #SaintsOfSummer #RoadToOmaha #GoDucks https://t.co/0epi1G068c
Tie ballgame 💪
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) June 13, 2023
Prepped in the CCL: @SBForesters alum Jack O'Dowd brings @TexasBaseball all the way back, tying Game 3 of the Stanford Super Regional with a bases-clearing double!#CCL30Years #CCLBaseball #steritup #RoadToOmaha #HookEm https://t.co/z4BVF73CZK
Prepped in the CCL 🙌@SBForesters #CCL30Years #CCLBaseball https://t.co/5J2ryqy8SJ
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) June 10, 2023
Hey, we know this guy… 💪
— California Collegiate League (@CCL_Baseball) June 11, 2023
Prepped in the CCL: Former @PrunePackers pitcher @samstout15_ holds Indiana State to three runs in a 5.1-inning start, sending @TCU_Baseball to a @CWSOmaha berth!#CCL30Years #CCLBaseball #gopack #RoadToOmaha #FrogballUSA https://t.co/kV21ZGdwQC