Westminster seniors, who ‘helped changed the culture’ honored in drive through event

Christian Bedolla, two-time All-Golden West League player, stands by the poster of the Lions seniors (from left) Gus Haro (26), Matt Malloy (9), Christian Bedolla (16), Brando Monroy (25) Fernando Jara (2), Anthony Morales (5), Ish Molina (13) Joe Bill (4) and Moon Luna (10). (Photo courtesy Westminster baseball)

Seniors on the Westminster High baseball team, which was on the verge of a big season before the coronavirus pandemic haulted play, were honored recently at the school.

“We did a drive through where we gave them their gifts, letters, bars and pins,” said Westminster Coach Craig Jones.

Jones described the event as “emotional.”

The squad was off to a 7-5 start and Jones said was the first winning season in almost a decade at Westminster.

He said the seniors, “changed the culture of Westminster High School baseball. Four seniors are going on to play at JC’s.”

Seniors were Christian Bedolla, Anthony Morales, Matt Malloy, Brando Monroy, Fernando Jara, Gus Haro, Joe Bill, Moon Luna and Ish Molina.

Bedolla, who was the ace pitcher on the staff, will join the varsity team as the third base coach in the spring, Jones said.

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