Inspired Moorpark Team Seeks to Extend Historic Season : Motivated by the Memory of a Deceased Teammate, Little Leaguers Have Advanced to the Western Regional

Although Little League tournament rules allow for team rosters of 14 players, Moorpark will begin Western Regional play tonight against Utah with only 13.

Another player accompanies the team in spirit, however, and the Moorpark faithful believe his role is as crucial as that of the boys in the dugout.

Joel Burchfield, an 11-year-old Moorpark Little Leaguer and seemingly a friend to every player in the league, drowned in February attempting to cross a swollen Moorpark drainage canal during a rainstorm.

His parents, Dan and Laura, donated an electronic scoreboard to the league in Joel’s memory, and the season was dedicated to him during opening ceremonies.

Now the season is historic: Moorpark is the first 11-12-year-old team from Ventura County to advance to the Western Regional. A regional championship will put the team in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

“I don’t know how to explain it but the boys all believe Joel is there with them,” said Colleen Hubler, a Moorpark Little League official. “The Burchfields are such a part of our Little League family. This has helped with the healing process.”

Each player wears a red wristband marked with Joel’s number--15--and his initials. Before and after games, the players touch a banner memorializing Joel that hangs near the dugout.

Nearly every game has ended in celebration. Moorpark (12-2) won the District 13 championship over Thousand Oaks, marched through sectional play, and won the Southern California title with a thrilling 12-10 victory over La Puente.

Moorpark trailed, 8-2, in the top of the second inning when time was called because a squirrel was dashing around in the outfield. Laura Burchfield shouted to Moorpark pitcher Aaron Garcia: “Everything is OK. Joel is here.”

Garcia broke into a wide grin, then pitched out of the inning.

Moorpark promptly scored seven runs in the bottom of the inning and led the rest of the way.

“That game was nothing short of a miracle,” Hubler said.

Garcia’s father, Hector, is Moorpark’s manager. He points out the accomplishments of the players on the field--especially the six home runs and .650 batting average of center fielder Erik Johnson--but acknowledges that the team is motivated by Joel’s memory.

“There is something with that kid,” he said. “We say a little silent prayer before every game with him in mind.”