Annual Beckman World Series runs through Thursday with an emphasis on fun

The Rocks celebrate after winning the Beckman World Series last summer, (File photo courtesy Rosalene Ledendecker, For OC Sports Zone)

The annual Beckman Summer World Series begins on Monday, July 15 and runs through Thursday at Beckman High’s baseball field.

There will be two three inning games Monday beginning at 4 p.m.

Then on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there will be two four inning games, also starting at 4 p.m.

The two teams, who will be coached by players, will be called the 60’s and the 80’s.

“The goal of the tournament is to have fun, nothing more than that,” said Beckman Coach Kevin Lavalle.

“For me, I just like watching leaders emerge. I don’t name captains but they always emerge. Someone has to make the lineups and coach the bases. We always ask kids to be leaders, and then we give them so few opportunities to truly lead.”

Lavalle decided to pick the team names this year. He will not be in the dugouts for the games.

“I chose the team names this year because all I do is play the music between innings, and I can guarantee that the music will be fun,” he said.

Among the players on the 60’s team will be Nick McLain and Cooper Munro. Players on the 80’s team will include Alec Gomez.

The team with the best record after nine innings will be the Beckman World Series champion, Lavalle added.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com