Ryan Lemmon Showcase a big hit

Tustin players Matt Elizalde (catcher) and pitcher Dwayne Angebrandt warm up before the Ryan Lemmon Showcase.

Four high school baseball games and a sophomore showcase were held in June as part of the 22nd annual Ryan Lemmon Showcase at Ryan Lemmon Stadium.
During the weekend, there were about 1,500 fans in attendance and 170 seniors taking part, according to tournament director Dick Owens of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation.

“We also had 55 sophomore players for the pro style workout. Many of the seniors also played in our sophomore event two years ago,” Owens said.

“This is always a fantastic event for us since it is the last high school game of the year. It is also the last time some of the players will be playing baseball. Many will go on to play college baseball while a select few will have a chance to try and realize their dream of playing pro.”

In the final game of the tournament on June 9, the South Coast League rallied with three runs in the seventh inning, two coming on a home run by Jeff Bruyntjens of San Clemente to defeat the Pacific Coast 3-2.  Bryce Willits of Capistrano Valley knocked home the winning run with a single.

Alex Rosen of Corona del Mar and Jake Groves of Beckman drove in the two runs for the PCL in the second inning.

The Sea View League defeated the Empire League, 3-1, in the other game on June 9.

In the first  game of the tournament on June 8, the Century League defeated the Freeway League 3-2. In the second game, the Trinity League topped the Sunset League, 2-1.

The tourament was special for one of the board members, Rex Lyon, who watched his son Jackson, an outfielder for Woodbridge, play in the showcase this year.

“Jackson has been coming out to the showcase for years,” Owens said. “I know he always wanted to play in it. This year he was able to play but also represented the PCL in the Home Run  Derby. I know this is bitter sweet for the Lyon family. However he will be going to Cal State Fullerton to play.”

Enrique Bennett of Tustin captured the Home Run Derby.

“He hit some absolute bombs,” Owens said. “Not only can he play he got it done in the classroom with a 4.20 GPA. He was on the Honor roll. He is weighing several college options to continue playing.”

Owens said the foundation will continue with the remainder of its events for 2018-19 fall and winter league along with a Future League for freshmen and sophomores, a spring tournament and next year’s Ryan Lemmon Showcase.

“We have given back to the high school baseball community hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.

A number of people contributed to the success of the tournament, Owens said.

“Of course none of this happens with out all the volunteers,” he said. “Special thank you to Rex Lyon, Paul King, Ed Bunnell, Shane Tase, Chuck Lavington and the Woodbridge high school parents.

“This coming November we will have our big fundraiser so we can continue all these events plus donate back to the high school programs. More info will be available soon at www.ryanlemmonfoundation.com.

Owens said the Foundation was also appreciative of the help of corporate sponsors Five Point, Team One, Baseball Factory and Weinerschnitzel.
“Also Justin Roswell of Team One for all their time for the Sophomore Showcase over the last 11 years,” Owens said.