The Basline League harkens memories, sort of
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Besides beating Mission Viejo all three times I faced them in high school with my El Toro teammates, my next greatest athletic achievement came about six years ago at The Epicenter, pictured right, in Rancho Cucamonga.
In my mid-30s and already well out of shape, I launched a ground-rule double over the left-center field fence during a batting practice session for media members. Surrounded by colleagues and other journalists, it was the first time I felt like an Alpha male, nevermind that it was the only ball I’d hit out of the infield.
I’m not sure what that has to do with the Baseline League, except a team from Rancho Cucamonga will likely win the title this season. Los Osos has won four out of its first five games, including a 28-20 victory last week over San Andreas League-favorite Colton.
The Grizzlies open league play Friday against visiting Etiwanda (2-3), one of four teams that will vie for runner-up. Of that second tier, only Upland (3-2) plays host to Los Osos. That game is scheduled for Oct. 26 and could be worth watching.
What stands out most when looking over Los Osos’ roster is that quarterback Richard Brehaut and running back Arby Fields are only juniors.
Brehaut (isn’t it about time his misspelled name is fixed on Maxpreps.com?) has thrown for 991 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He’s coming off his best game, a 264-yard, two touchdown performance against a really physical Colton defense. Fields also had one of his best games against the Yellowjackets, totaling 108 yards and two touchdowns in 16 carries.
What’s also interesting is that four other Baseline League quarterbacks are also non-seniors: Josh Nunes of Upland and David Kessler of Claremont are juniors, and Angel Santiago of Etiwanda and Greg Watson of Rancho Cucamonga are sophomores.
Keep an eye on this league in upcoming years.
- Dan Arritt
-- Image by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times