12U

Game Summaries

 As of September 1st, the 11U will change to the 12U.

November 14-15, Triple Crown San Diego Showdown

 

Longhorn 11U Win Triple Crown San Diego Showdown – Qualify for Triple Crown 2010 World Series Events!

“It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”. The Longhorn 11U team played in the Triple Crown, San Diego Showdown and came out on top going 5-0 in the tournament!  Behind in a few games, the offense simply refused to lose. Down 6-1, then 7-3 in pool game, racked up 9 runs in the bottom of 4, hitting until time expired to win 12-7.  In the Finals, they spotted a very good Stars 10U team 5 runs in the top of 1^st, rallied to win 12-7.   Pitching was hot and cold, and was helped by solid defense and consistent and at times explosive offense.  The 11U team simply played baseball.  They didn’t care about the score, they just played.  As a team they are beginning to understand the “game within the “game”, approaches at the plate are improving and they are showing great character, with clutch hitting and big defensive plays.  Grade B+

October 10-11 2009 AAU NIT Qualifier – San Clemente   

San Diego Longhorns 11U D1 Champs – Qualify for AAU Nationals in Florida 

The 11U played their first tournament on the larger, bigger fields and did just fine.  The Longhorns handled the competition and blew through Sunday only giving up 2 runs in the entire tournament. Over all they pitched well and caught the ball and swung the bats very well, a good formula for good (winning) baseball.  By winning this tournament, the Longhorn 11U team has qualified for the AAU National Championships, next summer in Florida – Congratulations Horns!  Grade A

“Sometime you get the bull, sometime the bull gets you”.  The Longhorns competed in their last 10U tournament.  Due to some unusual seeding, they ended up playing 41 innings in 48 hours (24 innings on Saturday in 100F temps).  They played well and were 1 strike away from a top finish, but had trouble getting the last out and even that last strike.  As part of our learning process we will continue to work on how to close out innings and games.  Despite the temperature and the number of games and innings, the team continued to battle until the end, still placing in the top 8 of a large national tournament.  Grade Effort A, Baseball B-

San Clemente - The 10Us shook of  the rust after a month off and competed in the AAU Dog Days of Summer tournament.  With some explosive offensive on Saturday, they went into Sunday as the 2nd seed. Matching up against some of Orange County’s top teams, they played very solid baseball and  won 3 straight on Sunday, ending with exciting come from behind 9-7 win against a very good Team Rawlings in the Championships.  Having won 3 of their last 4 tournaments, the 10s are continuing to improve their baseball skills and learning to play consistently at a high level.  Great job Horns.

Cooperstown Tournament 2009

Our ten year olds have returned from our annual trip to the Historic grounds of Cooperstown. Every year the Longhorns sent a team to participate in this prestigious nationwide tournament.

The Cooperstown experience for the ten year old horns who have moved to eleven year old horns, will be a memorable trip for us all. Five days, 7 games, rain, thundershowers,lightening,delays in both the opening and closing ceremonies due to thunder showers,  finished one game at 1:30 in the morning, played against some of top ten year old travel teams in the country, visited the Historic Baseball All of Fame, the boys experience many life lessons from sharing time with their teammates on a daily living bases, eating together, staying in the same barracks day and night with their teammates, trading logo pins with 88 teams, playing card games with their teammates during the rain delays just like they do in the big leagues, making new friends with players thru out the country along with accepting two players, coach  and making them welcome,  who join our team from state of Louisiana.
 Their conduct on and off the field was outstanding. All parents, families, friends,and the Longhorn organization are very proud of their actions they demonstrated during their stay in Cooperstown.
  The horns played with a lot enthusiasm, played very well at times and not so well at other times. The lack of practice time, the conflict of transferring a station to station game(Little League) to a faster game, created numerous problems for the horns through the tournament. This team must learn how to "play the game with in the game" in short, knowing how play situational baseball, failure to do so will prohibit them competing at the next level. This team has some very good athlete's who should be able to make the needed adjustments to play at the next level providing they commit to becoming "Real Baseball Players".
 The skills needed to play this activity is like no other activity, it's difficult, it takes time,patience, and the willingness to become the best you can be.
 Finally, I want to recognize the great job coach Keith, coach Phillip, and Chris  did at this tournament. They are outstanding men,fathers,husbands, and  they demonstrated great leadership on and off the field for our boys.

Grade:B-

Yogi Berra( former Yankee player and All Famer) is noted for numerous sayings in the baseball world, and one of his most famous saying is, "It ain't over until it's over," and the 10 year old Horns validated that famous saying. Their performance was well below their ability for first three games of the tournament, they needed to win the fourth game to get the last seed in pool play and did just that.

They then faced single elimination and proceeded to win the next 3 games in one day, against the top seeded teams in the tournament. And they had to do it as the visiting team,played from 9:30 am until 5 pm, under hot and winding conditions, tired, hungry, a below par infield and outfield, which was like trying field ground balls like they were playing a pin ball machine, were 5 runs down in two of the 3 games, plain and simple folks what they accomplished was not only outstanding it was remarkable. I have been around this game more years than I care to admit and this achievement is one the highlights of my coaching career.

It was a total team effort from all including the bench players who supported their team mates, the encouragement from family, friends, Longhorn supporters, and the coaching staff contributed to the championship results.

Yes," Yogi ain't over under it's over."

Grade: A+

USSSA Field Dreams Tournament

The 10 yr old Horns brought home the Gold. They played 4 games -won 4 games and from game one thru game 4, each game they played better and better.

Baseball is primary a game of playing catch, and the Horns did just that, they pitched very well, minimize the walks, pitched to contact, kept their composure, fielded their positions. The infield and outfield made the routine play, stayed focus, and executed situtional baseball.
Offensively, they show patience at the plate, pass at the ball well, improved on contact with each game, timely hitting, ran the bases aggressively, played with a purpose, supported each other, and the bench conduct was better as they focus on the game in front of them.
Thus, the Gold was attained.

Job well done by all.

I want to thank Coach Keith, Dan, and Mark for all their assistance, they were important ingredient for winning the gold......

Grade-A
Well Done

May 1 - (UTBSA)

Completed, played hard, and was competitive thru out the tournament. The lack of team practice's showed as we collectively had trouble throwing strikes, making the routine play and making contact on the offensive side of the white lines.

This team will improve as they are athletic and numerous players lack travel ball experience, but with more practice time and reps both offensively and defensively this team will improve a lot as they continue along the learning curve of how to the faster game of baseball.
Grade: C

Triple Holiday Tournament

December 20-21, 2008
CA

The 'Horns competed collectively through the tournament and played in some adverse weather and field conditions. The Baby 'Horns (8U's) were exposed to the faster game and broke their maiden for their first win. A lot was learned by all--parents, players and coaches. I want to remind all that patience, and understanding the difficultly of learning the proper way to play this game is not a sprint but a marathon. Much is to be learned--and learn they will. Trust the process and system, and don't get wrapped up in the moment. The Baby 'Horns did fine and had a lot of fun as well.

The 10U 'Horns collectively played very well considering that they had only 9 players. They finished second, and played with a lot of grit and determination. I was particularly impressed with their desire to compete and not give in or up. A job well done by all team members.

The 13U 'Horns also competed under adverse conditions; sometimes the bats stay in bed and don't go to the ball park--such is baseball. The lesson that's learn from this is that pitching and defense will keep the game intact. Players then need to manufacture runs, play smart, and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes. This game takes no prisoners. You must come ready to play, both physically and mentally. Failure to do so, and this game will humble you as a player and as a team in a New York minute.

The coaching and administrative staff would like to wish all Longhorn families a happy and safe holiday. I personally want to give a special thanks to the Reilly family for their support of this website through their personal family ordeal and our prayers are with them daily. Thank You -Thank you.........

Triple Crown Classic Tournament

November 15-16, 2008
Poway, CA

All teams must have a certain mindset: throw strikes, play catch, play smart, play hard, play the one second game, and TRY TO WIN EVERY INNING, one inning at a time and have FUN doing it.

For the 10U 'Horns, the application of the game itself, what to do, when to do it, and why you do it is, plus working on the individual skills needed to play "Real Baseball" is a major objective of this age group. This takes time and patience from all, including parents, family, friends and coaches. All must trust the system in place and understand that this an ongoing "learning curve," and there will be a lot of mistakes along the way.

This past tournament the boys played hard, competed well, and are showing signs of improvement in crucial areas that are needed to be competitive. Collectively the boys need to continue to improve on playing catch, throwing strikes, and concentrating on the task at hand. The "ball is coming to me," and" what am I going to do with it after I catch it?" Offensively, for the most part, they passed at the ball well, and made contact.

Grade: B

A special note: It was great to see Vince at the tournament rooting his teammates on. His presence inspires us all.

USSSA Longhorn One Day Tournament

October 26, 2008
Poway, CA

[Note: The 10U 'Horns team was winner in their division. Congratulations!]

Summarizing the games in which the 'Horns participated in this past weekend, I would like to emphasize that there are certain baseball axioms that hold true to all age groups, from the 8Us through the Big Leagues.

Baseball is an individual activity played within the confines of a team. Each player must perform and trust that his teammates will also perform. The game of baseball revolves around the activity of playing catch, running, and hitting, in that order of preference as well. Failure to properly play catch consistently will disrupt the process of the rudiments of the game; running is needed on both sides of the white lines to assist in the art of playing catch and hitting. Hitting is the most difficult activity to perform successfully--you fail more than you succeed on a regular basis. That being said, winning is a by-product of the above mentioned axioms. Whomever plays catch consistently, runs effectively, and makes contact when hitting on a consistent basis will perform at a higher level of excellence than those who don't.

So what does all this mean? Plain and simple--one has to work on the needed fundamental skills on a daily basis if he expects to improve on the needed skills to continue to play this very difficult game.

Bafiaism: You don't find time, U make time to become a Real Baseball Player. Those who make time will continue to improve along the baseball learning curve, and those who don't, the genesis of the game will.....!

Grade for all age groups: B-

Triple Crown National Tournament

Sept 12-14, 2008
Henderson, NV

The 9U and 11U's completed their tenure as 9's and 11's in the Triple Crown National Tournament in Las Vega, Nevada. Both teams competed, played hard, and it's now time to move forward to the next level of competition.

This past year, both of these units improved as a team as well as individually. They both now must continue to improve their individual baseball skills along with understanding and executing how to play the "game within the game," along with understanding that baseball is an individual activity played within a team concept.

The game will continue to play faster and those players who are able to adjust to that will be able to continue along the Learning Curve of becoming a "Real Baseball Player".

Again, I want to emphasize to all--if "U" can't throw and catch, the faster pace game will be a game will pass them by.

I want to thank all the familie's for their ongoing support. Without you this organization would not be what is. And finally a special thanks to all the coaches who have volunteered their time to help me, in executing the process of becoming a Real Baseball Player.

Year Grade: B

Triple Crown State Tournament

Aug 30 - Sept 1, 2008
San Diego, CA (Canyonside)

The young 'Horns saddled up and won 4 out of 5 games and came home with the Gold Buckle. They competed, played with better focus, made the most of the routine plays, threw strikes, minimized the walks, ran the bases aggressively, made contact with two strikes, and got timely hitting with two outs.

The coaching staff managed the game with a purpose and in a very positive manner, the players played loose and were comfortable in their approach to playing on both sides of the white lines as well. Conduct in the dugout was better than usual and all players were very supportive of their teammates.

As this group very shortly will graduate to the 10U level where they will compete against better athletes, the game will play faster. They ('Horns) need to continue to improve in the rudiments of the game--in particular playing catch, making the routine play, and learning what to do in given baseball situations that occur throughout the season. Pitching needs to improve in throwing first pitch strikes, our approach in hitting need to improve in particular cutting down on our strike outs with runners on base.

There is a lot of upside to this group of young athletes and if everyone understands that attendance at practices is needed to work on the rudiments of the fundamentals, that will improve their personal playing skills. I want all of you to remember that Rome wasn't build in a day. It's not a sprint but it is a marathon. Our objective is to teach these boys how to play this very difficult game, which will lead to tomorrow not just today.

Grade: B

USTBA Championship

July 25-29, 2008
Chula Vista, CA

The young 'Horns competed throughout the tournament. Again, I want to remind all parents and coaches that the 9U season is a transitional year where the boys are exposed to the game of "Real Baseball." Recognition of what, where, when, and how is a major adjustment from their LL experience.

At times in the tournament, the boys demonstrated that they are moving forward on the Learning Curve. They will continue to improve with repetitions, and exposure to real-time situations.

I want to remind everyone again, the game of baseball revolves around playing catch--those who do it well, for the most part compete; those who don't, struggle.

We will continue to emphasize the rudiments of the game and not lose that what this organization's goal is is to learn how to Play Baseball Correctly.......

Grade: C

State USSSA Championship

June 14-15, 2008
Big League Dreams, Chino, CA

The 'Horns again ran into some difficult bulls to ride, and got thrown off twice and rode one for 8 seconds. This was a Big Time Rodeo with quality bulls through the event. Again, the 'Horns got bucked off twice because they failed to routine the ball on defense, and put the ball in play on offense.

It was quite apparent the difference between the 'Horns and their opponents in this tournament was not entirely the skill level of our opponents as the Horns also have skilled athletes. Their opponents play and practice the faster game on continuous basis, get more reps and develop the needed skills to become a baseball player. At times, the Horns in this tournament demonstrated good baseball play, but had difficulty closing out innings on defense and continuing innings offensively. Yes, they are only 9, yes they are getting better, no they are not transitioning and processing to the faster game. For this team collectively to Cowboy Up and play against the Big Bad Bulls, change is needed in a continuous methodology of preparation, which will be addressed shortly.

Grade: C-

Triple Crown Memorial Tournament

May 24-25, 20077
Temecula, CA

The Longhorn teams collectively competed in the Triple Crown Memorial Tournament in Temecula. The teams competed and at times played very well. At other times, they had difficulty adjusting to the faster game.

All of our teams at times had difficulty with the elements of the game that must be mastered if you are to challenge your opponent on a consistent basis. You must bring your arm, glove, feet, and the "game within the game" to the ball park every game. What does this mean? If you can throw, field (play catch), run (smartly), and know what to do, when to do it and why, you will give yourself a chance to win the contest.

Throw first pitch strikes, keep the walks at a minimum, make the routine play, run the bases smartly and aggressively and play the game inside the game. The inside the game consists of knowing what your role is and executing it when the situation arises. (EXAMPLES: relays and cutoffs, field spacing on defense, backing up bases, bunt coverages, pick-offs, run-downs, one-second game, and team play and support.

Note: nothing has been said about the bats. Why? Sometimes the bats just don't show up. Gloves, arms, and feet show up at every game and if you learn how to utilize them to your best ability, you will win more than you lose. By no means am I saying that offense doesn't play a role in winning--it certainly contributes a lot, and you must score to win. Using your arm, glove, and feet determine the outcome of games more often than the offense does.

Grade: No Grade -- Coach's Observations only

USSSA Poway Invitational

May 18, 2007

The 'Horns battled the 100 degree temperature for 5 hrs and 3 games, rode the bull 3 times for 8 seconds, and bought home the Gold Buckle. The saddle slipped a few times while riding, but collectively they cowboyed up and completed the rides. They are still having some riding issues with the adjustments from the station to station game and the fast game. Anticipating the next one second game and what do, how, when. (Examples: covering first base by the pitchers on a ball hit to the right side, checking runners at second base, throwing to cutoff man, losing patience at the plate, knowing what and where to go with the ball, dictated by the score and inning.)

As I have said numerous times this a very difficult and highly skilled game. Now add the game inside the game (mental reference needed to be a complete baseball player which is needed to complete the equation of being a successful team. The irony of this you may still not be successful...so we strive for consistency.) All in all, today there were more pluses than negatives and we are continuing to move forward on the learning curve of being a Real Baseball Player.

Grade: B

I again, want to thank the coaching staff and all the parents for their contributions to the organization. "Appreciate" is not a good descriptive word. The best words I know are "Thank You....."

USSSA Poway Invitational

April 20, 2008

The 9U 'Horns co-sponsored their first tournament with USSA Baseball and it was a smashing success. I want to thank all the parents and friends of the Longhorns who assisted in all the responsibilities needed to make this tournament run smoothly.

The 'Horns participated in the championship and came up short. There is a lot to be learned from losing, and we need to remember first that these boys are very young as baseball players, secondly, that this is a very difficult game to play, and finally, mastering the art of throwing and catching is essential if one wishes to excel in playing this game as an individual or as a team. Throwing strikes and playing catch is what separates individuals and teams alike. Those who can will move forward those who can't, the game will pass them by. So we (the coaching staff) will continue to utilize the Sesame Street approach. Tell, show, do,do, do, do, do, and continue to do until they (the players) perform the needed skills to become a Real Baseball Player........!

Grade: B

Scrimmage vs. Santa Fe Titans

April 6, 2008

I first want to thank all the parents, families, and friends that showed up to support the 'Horns on Sunday. What a sight--bleachers full, and the ongoing support from you all. Thank you again, your support as the 10th man is a valuable asset to the 'Horns and the boys love it, as does the coaching staff. Plain and simple, the 'Horns came to the rodeo and rode the bull numerous times for 8 seconds. Pitchers threw strikes, infielders routined the ball, the team played catch, and the 'Horns passed at the ball at the plate well. They went deep in the count, put the ball in play to manufacture runs, and had numerous quality at bats. Base running was aggressive, although we did show some signs of playing the slower game, in particular with our secondary leads. All in all, the coaching staff was pleased with the play of the Horns. The bulls should of stay in the loading pens as the 'Horns never lost the cowboy hat while with the rides today.

Grade: A-

Triple Crown Spring Training Tournament

March 8-9, 2008
Tempe, AZ

The 9U 'Horns competed well in the rodeo in Tempe, riding the bull for 8 seconds twice, but got bucked off on the third ride trying to qualify for the buckle.

Collectivity, the 'Horns played well and won most innings they played. Many games are won in one inning as well as lost in one inning, case in point for 'Horns in this tournament. You gain experience through making mistakes, and this will be an ongoing process this year for the 9U's as they are exposed to many different game situations:  the one-second game, what to do, when, where and how.

The coaching staff, as well, needs to keep abreast of the one-second game and the situations that are presented, reminding players what, where, and how. As most of our 'Horns are playing the station to station game also, this conflict of processing will be an ongoing challenge on both sides of the white lines for the players and the coaching staff throughout this year.

I need to remind everyone that Baseball is a marathon not a sprint and the learning curve is on going.

Game Summary for Temecula Winter Classic

February 10, 2008
Temecula, California

The 'Horns are still processing the transition to the fast game in all aspects of the playing. This year the 9 year olds will be exposed to a lot of one second games, and will experience numerous failures during this transitional year. Most, if not all, the players will be participating in two games: recreational baseball, and real baseball throughout the spring. This has positives and negatives for the 9Us. The positive is team play, and reps if done correctly (hitting, throwing, etc.). The major negative is the pace of the game slows down, thus the processing of action versus reaction is greatly diminished in executing the one second game.

That being said, we need to continue work on the skills, reps, practicing game-like situations, teaching awareness and recognition. I would again, like to remind everyone that winning will take place, but it's not just about now. It's preparing these boys to play at the next level. It's a process.

Grade: C

Game Summary for Scrimmage

January 13, 2008
vs. Temecula Terminators

9U's played 9 innings of needed participation in Real Time Baseball. Hitters saw live pitching, pitchers threw to live hitters, and fielders fielded batted bats and thrown balls, base runners worked on base running skills. Again, we need to be reminded that baseball is a very difficult activity to master, practice time is essential along with putting the practice reps to work in Real Time.

The 'Horns collectively played OK considering the lack of reps and practice time. This year is essential for this age group to learn how to play faster, and react to situational baseball correctly.

Grade: N/A

Triple Crown Christmas Qualifier

December 15-16, 2007
San Diego, CA

You win some, you lose some, you get rained out some, but mostly importantly you learn some.

So the boys continue along the Learning Curve of becoming "Real Baseball Players". The next two years will be crucial in this learning process. Not only mastering the skills needed to play positions, but learning how to implement those skills in to a team concept, knowing the why and the when of it is needed.

This is the most difficult game to learn how to play efficiently. Failure presents itself regularly, and the ability to understand this and how to manage it is an ongoing process.

This tournament provided a lot visualization that we have just begun journey of becoming a "Real Baseball Player."

Grade: C

Palm Desert Thanksgiving Division I Qualifier

November 23-25, 2007
Palm Desert, CA

The next couple of years the "Learning Curve" will be a challenge for these players. The game is faster--opponents are equal in ability or better; situational baseball must be learned and then executed; self-improvement is needed. They will need to understand the game within the game; accept personal failure; learn to separate the game on both sides of the white lines; understand that game is a one second game; keep the game in front of you, and that's for starters.

It needs to be noted as well that coaches must become teachers first and coaches second. Our objective is long term not short term. Winning will occur if the process is followed by all.

Grade: B+

Game Summary for Poway Invitational Tournament

November 17-18, 2007
Poway, CA

The 'Horns played up and participated in the Poway Invitational Tournament against Division Two 10 year olds. They competed and won one game and lost one game.

From a coaching perspective, we learn from this tournament. This upcoming 9U season will be an ongoing learning and adjustment period, not just for the improvement of the each individual's physical skills, but learning how to play the game as a team.

Practice time is needed and we need to get back to basics, more reps in all facets of the game: throwing first pitch strikes, holding runners, playing catch, spacing on the diamond, tee work, lead-offs, secondary leads, hitting approach, learning how to accept failure, running with your eyes not your feet, dugout conduct and an area that needs immediate attention is their lack of focus on the task at hand. Yes, I realize they are only 9, but it is important to note that this is the most difficult skilled game to learn how to play and focusing on task is essential in becoming a "real baseball player."

Grade: C

Game Summary for 11/4/07

November 11, 2007
vs. Eastlake Mashers

The 9U's continue their work in progress along the learning curve, and competed well against the Eastlake Mashers. They pitched OK, threw numerous first pitch strikes, and kept their walk ratio down. Hitters showed patience at the plate and numerous players made good passes at the ball.

Defensively, I was particularly pleased as they made the routine play, and played catch well. Our base running continues to be one of our stronger assets, running aggressively, taking the extra base, taking good lead-offs and they are improving on their secondary leads. Collectively from a performance stand point this game was our best to date as 9's.

Grade: B

Game Summary for 11/4/07

November 4, 2007

The 'Horns continue to struggle with the "Learning Curve," in particular with the inability to handle failure. One of our objectives for the 9U 'Horns this year is to teach them that errors, strikeouts, and misplays are and ongoing process in the game of baseball.

This is a one second game--what occurs in that one second can't be a deterrent for the next second. This is very important aspect of becoming a Real Baseball Player. The earlier they learn how to handle this, the faster the growth and development of their physical skills will be. Learning how to play this difficult game, takes patience, practice-practice-reps-reps-1000 of times over and over. And then you may still not get it done right all the time.

So we saddle up and head to the arena for more practice and reps.

Triple Crown Halloween Haunt

October 27-28, 2007
Chino Hills, CA

Game Summary for 10/21/07

Sunday 10/21/07

Grade: B-

Game Summary for USSSA Fall League

Sunday 10/14/07

All the pitchers are improving by adapting to the new rules of this older division. We are minimizing walks, and catching the ball. We need to face tougher opposition to fully determine our capabilities. So far so good as we enter the 2008 season.

Grade: B

Game Summary vs. San Diego Cyclones

Sunday 9/30/07

Longhorns 19
Cyclones 3

Our catchers also performed exceptionally well by keeping the ball in front of them, thus preventing runners from advancing on passed balls. As the score dictates, the 'Horns hit the ball well and also ran the bases exceptionally well. Having said all of this, we still have lots of fine-tuning and preparation ahead of us in order for us to continue to grow as “real baseball” players and to join the top teams in our age bracket.

Great job Sunday! Keep up the hard work!