By Tony Aiello (aiellotony/X)
La Mirada~The La Mirada Little League Junior All-Stars are headed to the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan, for the first time since capturing the championship 23 years ago.
On July 30, La Mirada blanked Hawaii 8-0 to claim the West Regional title and secure its berth in the tournament. The Southern California champions finished regional play undefeated at 4-0, with victories over Colorado, Utah, and Hawaii (twice).
As the West representative, La Mirada will open World Series play on August 10 against an opponent still to be determined.
The 12-team event, featuring six U.S. regions and six international regions, runs August 9-12 at Heritage Park in Taylor.
Roster members include Ryan Barberena, Adam Brewer, Nathan Dowlin, Lucas Gaeta, Noel Jaime, Noah Jauregui, Blake Leal, Jayden Lopez, Ryder Ong, Jeremiah Ortega, Ryann Rios, and Jayden Valdez. Manager Ray Jauregui leads the 13- and 14-year-olds, assisted by coaches Ernie Jaime and Ricky Rios.
This marks only the second appearance for La Mirada in the Junior League World Series, often called the “big brother” to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In 2003, La Mirada won the title with an 8-7 victory over Santiago, Panama, in the championship game. That tournament was disrupted by the historic Northeast blackout that cut power to the Michigan venue. The team was later recognized in the U.S. Congressional Record for its achievement.
The 2003 roster featured Chris Amezquita, Jordyn Baldwin, Jason Dovel, Frankie Fichera, George Gonzalez, Jacob Johnson, Stephen Kaupang, Michael Le Blanc, Brandon Pesante, Kevin Platzer, A.J. Rodriguez, and Taylor Seimens, managed by Jim Gordon with coaches Larry Kaupang and Gary Bouchard.
La Mirada last came close in 2013 but fell to Rio Rico Little League of Arizona in the Western Regional final.
