Redondo Union begins challenging baseball season with tough non-league foes
Senior shortstop will help lead Redondo’s baseball team as he begins his third season as a starter for the Sea Hawks. Photo
After having only one senior starter in 2018, Redondo’s baseball team is loaded with talented seniors this season and will vie for a Bay League title with rival and defending champion Mira Costa.
“We have a good club that is led by senior shortstop Christian Dicochea (5’11”, 170 lbs.) who will be the catalyst for our team as a leadoff hitter,” Redondo coach Andy Diver said. “On the mound we have strong returning seniors in right handed starters Andrew Dalquist (6’2”, 170) and Jake Thau (6’5”, 230).”
Diver is also expecting big things from a pair of juniors — first baseman Liam Critchett (6’2”, 200) and outfielder Brett McCauley (6’0”, 190) – who will play key roles for the Sea Hawks.
“The pieces are there for sure,” Diver said. “We will gain more confidence as the season progresses, but we’re ready to get started. We also have a talented group of sophomores who have tremendous potential.”
The Sea Hawks will hold their annual Alumni Game on Saturday beginning at noon.
Redondo will surely be tested as its non-league season begins the following weekend. The Sea Hawks open with a double header against Lakewood (Saturday, Feb. 9) who always has a strong program.
In the third week of the season, Redondo will compete in the El Segundo Tournament. The Sea Hawks open with Torrance on Friday, March 1 followed by a game with San Pedro on March 2. The tournament runs throughout the week with the final games played on Saturday, March 9.
“We will host our own tournament beginning March 16 with a game against Santa Monica followed by games against Saugus (March 23) and West Torrance (April 6),” Diver said. ‘The tournament will include many strong teams from Ventura County.
“We also have the opportunity to compete in the 30th annual National Classic during Spring Break (April 1-4) which will be a good test for us.”
The 16-team tournament is hosted by El Dorado High School in Placentia and begins with a Home Run Derby on Saturday, March 30.
“Once again, Mira Costa will be the toughest team to beat in the run for the Bay League title,’ Diver added. “Palos Verdes will also be very competitive which will help us prepare for the postseason. Our goal is to win league and go into the playoffs playing our best ball and make a strong run for a CIF championship.”