By Chuck Taylor
The Alpine Sun

     BRAWLEY — I am writing this report more as a broadcaster than a reporter because the color and emotion surrounding the success of our Alpine All-Star 11-12 year old team is much more than statistics and win/loss records.
     Of course the statistics are important so lets start with the fact that Alpine is undefeated since beginning pool play and tournament playoff schedules. They are the District 41 Champions for the first time in the long history of the league and so far they have dominated the championship teams from other districts within our Little League Sector. Another interesting stat is that they have always had the lead after the first inning and have gone on to never be behind in any of these playoff games.
     What’s the secret? A lot of other team managers are scratching their heads and wondering that too. I believe the magic behind this team is cohesiveness, balance and an extraordinary will to play every game, every inning, and every at bat as perfectly as possible. The Alpine All-Stars have great pitching, their players all know how to both hit a pitch or take one, and their base running is as professional as you will see.
     In the dugout and on the sidelines you will find supportive coaching staffs and parents who understand that the best way to keep the team focused is to continue to be supportive and at ease. That’s not to say that all the parents are “at ease” but for the most part, there is a shared support from the stands.
     As Alpine progresses, we see more and more fans coming out to the games from other local teams and even teams from other areas to cheer Alpine on.
     All of these playoff games are being broadcast by LITE 107.9. Marc Bailey, Dana Zeno and I are delivering live play-by-play action to East County and hope to follow our boys to the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Local businesses have provided tremendous support in helping to bring the broadcasts home. They include: Alpine Country Day School, The Alpine Sun, Alpine Tobacco, The Permit Pro, Joseph Murray at Re/Max, Head East Salon, Janet’s Montana Café, Art Arbogost at JB Realty, Sportland, Beverly McCabe at Inn-Finity, The Fleming Companies and others who did not wish to be acknowledged. Support like this is one of the reasons this is such an amazing area to live in.
     Where does this team go from here? In order to get to the World Series, which is televised around the world, they still have a steep ladder to climb. I spoke with the Little League Commissioner and here is how it plays out.
     After winning the sectional they must play the sub-division champions. These games will be played at Chollas Lake Little League near College Grove from July 21-26. After making it through the sub-division finals Alpine would then move on to the Division playoffs where the best of the South would face the best of the North.
     Getting past the divisional playoffs, Alpine would then move on to the La Mirada Little League Field, near Knott’s Berry Farm where the winner would emerge as the best in Southern California. That game will be played on July 29.
     Now things get intense. Alpine would advance to the Western Regional game at San Bernardino where they would face off against Northern California. If (still being positive here) Alpine defeats Northern California on Aug. 4 to 12, they will be facing Hawaii, Utah, Nevada and Arizona. The winner then goes to Williamsport, Pa. representing the USA West region.
     As you can see, there is a way to go, however many seasoned coaches and umpires have told me that our Alpine All-Star 11-12 year olds are as balanced a team as they have ever seen.
     Stay tuned — they could go all the way!