The doubleheader featured two of the top baseball programs in the South Bay. The message from the event went well beyond the foul lines into the entire baseball community.
With the help of local citizens, MADD, RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) the Henry Pearson Classic was held at Marine Park not only to honor Pearson – the former Mira Costa baseball standout who was killed along with Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart and friend Courtney Stewart in April 2009 – but to inform the public, particularly its youth, about the perils of drink driving.
One of Pearson’s favorite sayings “Play for Fun” is posted on a new scoreboard which was dedicated before the game. The numbers illuminating at the end of each 7-inning contest gleamed in the eyes of Mira Costa head coach Cassidy Olson as the Mustangs swept the twin bill by scores of 11-1 and 4-3.
“The event went great and, of course, it helps that we won both games,” Olson said. “It was a total community celebration of Henry’s spirit and love of baseball and we helped raise awareness against drunk driving. Marine Park looked incredible with the new lights donated mostly by Mark McDonald, and the new scoreboard donated by Beach Cities Baseball. Jon Wilhite threw out the first pitch and the Pearson’s said Henry would have loved the atmosphere.”
Wilhite, the lone survivor in the Mitsubishi Eclipse that was broadsided by a drunk driver, threw out the first pitch after a miraculous recover from internal decapitation.
Henry’s parents, Nigel and Areta Pearson, spoke to the fans between games and John Young of RBI thanked the Pearsons who have honored their son’s love for baseball by directing money to RBI. Plans for a permanent memorial at the field are in progress.
Olson said his Mustang squad would play at El Segundo next season and face a different team in the Henry Pearson Classic.
“Hopefully every other year will be with El Segundo at Marine Park,” Olson added.
The two wins over El Segundo increased Mira Costa’s winning streak to nine games. Sean Isaac hurled a complete-game four-hitter and Michael Romo pitched six strong innings in the nightcap allowing the Mustangs to snap a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the seventh.
“So far we have been winning because we have had great starting pitching, solid defense and timely hitting,” Olson said. “It’s a recipe for success. Sean Isaac has been masterful on the mound. I think he is showing that he is a D-1 pitcher. He held a good hitting El Segundo to four hits with only one going to the outfield. Our other starters Anthony Lombardo, Michael Romo, and Turner Conrad have also been great.”
Olson said Mira Costa (9-2) is hitting .360 with runners in scoring position crediting Isaac, Lombardo, Conrad, Brett Collins, Derek Largent, and Ian McLoughlin for their timely hitting.
“Defensively our anchor has been shortstop Garrett Fedor,” Olson said. “He has played the best 10-game stretch of any shortstop I have seen in my 11 years at Costa. He is showing he is a college shortstop.”
Olson feels every team with the exception of Leuzinger has a legitimate chance of winning the Bay league.
“Heading into league we just hope to compete for the title,” Olson said. “Peninsula has to be the favorite with their outstanding pitching staff.”
Mira Costa plays Banning today in a pool play game of the Redondo Tournament. The contest will be held at 6 p.m. at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Redondo plays at North Torrance in a non-league game today at 3:30 p.m.
Mira Costa and Redondo begin competition in the 37th edition of the Anaheim Lions Tournament Saturday which will carry over into next week’s spring break. The Mustangs and Sea Hawks will be joined by Bay league rivals Palos Verdes and Peninsula in the 58-team tournament that will include four teams from Utah, one from Colorado, two from Northern California and three from the Central Coast.
Mira Costa begins with a game against San Clemente at 1 p.m. Saturday at Amerige Park. The Mustangs play twice Monday, facing Brea at 1 p.m. at Brea High School and Orange Lutheran at 5 p.m. at Hart Park in Orange. On Tuesday, Mira Costa will play Sonora at Sonora High School in a 3 p.m. contest.
Redondo plays twice Saturday, taking on host Kennedy High School at 11 a.m. before facing Troy at the Warrior’s home field at 3 p.m. The Sea Hawks play San Clemente Monday at 1 p.m. at Amerige Park and Saugus on Tuesday in a 1 p.m. contest at Brookhurst Park. ER
