City Players Make Impact in Puerto Rico

A baseball team made up of City Section players won two games last weekend in Puerto Rico as part of major league baseball’s opening-day festivities.

The team, consisting of players who participate in the Reviving Baseball in Innercities (RBI) program, defeated Puerto Rico, 6-2, and Miami, 5-3.

Luis Reyes of Locke earned the victory against Puerto Rico. Ethan Katz of University was the winning pitcher against Miami.

Catcher Francis Poni of Carson, shortstop Harold Holbert of Locke and infielder/pitcher Pedro Parra of Garfield led the way on offense.

“It was a terrific experience for everyone,” said Tom Butler, a scout for the Chicago White Sox who coached the Los Angeles team. “The kids played great and it was a great chance for them to see another part of the world.”

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The seventh annual Chet Brewer baseball tournament, sponsored by RBI, begins Saturday and will be played at several local universities. The 16-team tournament concludes April 14 at USC. The first Liz Shapiro softball tournament also will begin Saturday. The 12-team event features Washington and South Gate among others.

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Four victories. Three career bests. Two trophies as athlete of the meet.

Not a bad day’s work for siblings Allyson and Wes Felix in last weekend’s Pasadena Games track and field meet at Pasadena City College.

Allyson Felix, a sophomore at North Hills L.A. Baptist High, won the girls’ 100 in 11.82 and the 200 in 23.77. Wes Felix, a senior at Valencia, won the boys’ 100 in 10.78 and the 200 in 21.86.

Allyson’s time in 200 was the fastest outdoor time in the state this year. Wes posted the fastest fully automatic times of his career in the 100 and 200.

Allyson opted to attend L.A. Baptist because of its small size and because several of her friends go there. The arrangement works well, Wes said.

“Because we go to different schools and have different coaches, her coach will give her tips and my coach will give me tips, and we’ll come back and share them with each other,” he said.

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Athletes from 21 states will take part in the prestigious Arcadia Invitational track and field meet April 14 at Arcadia High.

The girls’ 400 will feature Monique Henderson of San Diego Morse, Angel Perkins of Cerritos Gahr and Natasha Hastings of New York.

Staff writer John Ortega contributed to this report.

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* TRIAL UNDERWAY

Opening statements are made at the trial of Russell Otis, the former Dominguez basketball coach accused of molesting a player. B12