CCL stars set to come out at Stengel
GLENDALE — Glendale Angelenos Coach Tony Riviera can sense the buzz leading up to the third annual California Collegiate League All-Star Game.
The best that the CCL has to offer will flock to venerable Stengel Field, where there will be plenty of local ties on hand with the Fox Sports West cameras rolling. The exhibition contest will begin at 6 p.m. today and will feature 72 players.
“There’s a lot of excitement and hopefully it will be the first of many being held at Stengel Field,” said Riviera, who will be a part of the National team’s coaching staff. “I think it will be big time and the game will be shown nationally.”
Ten members of the Glendale Angelenos, a first-year program, will participate in the game. Those representing the National squad will be outfielder Aaron Brown, first baseman Ellis Whitman, designated hitter Alex Muren and pitchers Thomas Korn and Greg Fowler. The Angelenos slated to participate for the American team are outfielders Matt Young and Franco Broyles, catcher Chad Nacapoy, infielder Sako Chapjian and pitcher Sean Wardour.
Chapjian, a former Hoover High and Glendale Community College standout, said it will be a chance for the players to shine in front of numerous Major League Baseball scouts expected to be on hand.
“It’s a big deal for me and my family and for the Angelenos who will be playing,” said Chapjian, who was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 45th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft in June and leads the league in home runs with eight and 26 runs batted in. “It’s an honor to be a part of the All-Star Game and the fact it’s going to be televised.”
Riviera said having 10 Angelenos set to play in the game was a reflection on the respectable numbers they put up in the first half of the season.
“It’s huge to have that many players on,” Riviera said. “These guys were selected for specific reasons.
“It’s not just what they do with the bats, but also with defense and pitching.”
Korn said being a part of the contest and playing with and against the different players is an honor.
“It’s a great privilege to be a part of this group,” said Korn, a Glendale college product who sports a 2.29 earned-run average in 16 appearances. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase my skills.
“I feel confident that I can compete at that level and I want to go out there and have a good time doing it.”
The CCL consists of the Angelenos, Santa Barbara Foresters, San Luis Obispo Blues, Orange County Pioneers, Conejo Oaks, Academy Barons and Team Vegas.
League Commissioner Pat Burns said renovated Stengel Field made sense to host the contest.
“Parks like Stengel Field were built for community baseball,” Burns said. “An event like this is something that’s big.
“The city has been getting ready for this game and we are happy to have it here. There are some good players who will be on that field and quite a bit of talent.”
The cost is $10 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
