The End of the Road

Mustangs Eliminated
By Annie Rivera

Facing what appeared to be football players masquerading as baseball players, the Mustangs' win-streak came to an end losing in the single-elimination round against Michigan Sports Academy Thursday.

A co-op pitching effort by several Mustangs' pitchers was not enough to keep the team in contention.

The Mustangs were a part of the elite "Sweet 16" going into Thursday's game, landing a whopping 8th seed out of 95 teams. That's no small bones.

Much of the team and families remain in Cooperstown to take in the last few days of vacation before heading back to sunny California.

Steve, Christopher and teammate Barrett and fellow coach Darryl head back to the Bronx to say their final goodbyes to loved ones.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Steve Rivera and his NY family for the loss of his father this week from his battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Cooperstown Update: Mustangs Stampede Ahead

Mustangs' Horse Power Pulls Team Ahead
By Annie Rivera


What a morning - a cup of coffee, danish and webcam to start the day. On the other end of the viewing monitor was the Placentia Mustangs transmitted LIVE via the internet in Game 7 of their regular pool play from Cooperstown, NY.

Donned in their red home jerseys, the Mustangs faced their California counterparts, the Santa Fe Spring Thunder, to vie for a favorable seed in the ranking system.

Off to a slow start, the Mustangs gave up two runs in the 1st inning behind starting pitcher Ryan Morgan. The two runs was the extent of the SFS Thunder's threat as Morgan composed himself and shut down their offense, with a little help from the Mustangs' defense.

Christopher Rivera started the score-fest with a RBI sac-fly to dead center and played a stellar shortstop making hard grounders thrown to 1st base look routine. Ryan Morgan laid an effective sac bunt to move the runner to third.

For a more complete game description, see the Mustangs' web site at http://eteamz.active.com/placentiamustangs or click HERE.


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Placing in the top eight after winning against the Santa Fe Springs Thunder earned the Mustangs a "bye," so instead of playing at 6 p.m. tonight, they played at 8 p.m. versus the LaVerne Eagles (CA). The Mustangs dominated the game and outscore the Eagles 8-1.

The Mustangs face the All American Sports Academy, another California product, Thursday 8:30 a.m. GAMECAM schedules are not posted, however a visit to the web site prior to the game is highly recommended to determine field locations. Not all fields have GAMECAMS.

Mid Summer Night's Dream

Mustangs Win Big at Cooperstown Dream Park in Game Two of Double-Header
By Annie Rivera

If you perched in front of your computer to watch the Mustangs take on the Avalon Park Thunder of Florida during a LIVE GAMECAM, you know they came away with the win tonight.

Transmitted over the internet some 2,000 miles away it was a site for sore eyes to see familiar faces take the field with confidence both defensively and offensively.

Christopher Rivera staked out shortstop and Ryan Morgan behind the plate as catcher.

The final score Mustangs 5, Avalon Park Thunder 3. (Game details will be forthcoming as they become available. Stay tuned).

As of today, the Mustangs were ranked 12th before tonight's game with 5 wins and 1 loss allowing 2.83 runs in combined games. The Mustangs will need to clinch a win in Wednesday's game to stay in the winner's bracket and to gain favorable seeding for playoffs.

GO MUSTANGS!

DON'T FORGET...LIVE GAMECAM WILL BE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY - GAME TIME 10:00 A.M. EST. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE GAME. BE SURE TO CLICK ON FIELD 7.

Cooperstown: Day 3 Results

Mustangs Continue Threat
By Annie Rivera


COOPERSTOWN, NY - The Mustangs ousted the heavily favored Texas Stealers in a head-to-head battle with a score 6-4. Straight from the wire, Christopher Rivera went 1-2 with a line drive bullet to center field bouncing off the wall. Ryan Morgan was relief pitcher and closer winning the pitching dual. More details to come as they become available.

The Mustangs head into town for some sight-seeing, lunch and relaxation before the second of their double-header tonight at 7 p.m. EST.

Don't miss out on the action. LIVE WEBCAM available. Visit Cooperstown web site for more details. Look for the PLACENTIA MUSTANGS game vs. Avalon Thunder (FL).

Cooperstown: Day 2 Results

Twice as Good
By Annie Rivera

With Day One jeers behind them and much needed acclimation to the time zone, weather and living quarters, the Mustangs settled into a groove which included an offsite BBQ fest in a picturesque park. The team came back to continue their win-streak on Day Two.

Box scores:

Game 3 vs South Bay Stallions (CA)
Mustangs win 6-1

Rivera 0-1
Morgan 0-1, BB

PITCHING:

Rivera 2.2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, HBP, 5 K
(Rivera came out after 2.2 IP with arm fatigue and would rest the entire game)


Game 4 vs Plumstead Baseball (PA)
Mustangs win 17-1

Rivera 1-3, BB, ROE, 2 R, SB
Morgan 0-2, HBP, ROE, RBI, 2 R


Visit the Mustangs site by clicking HERE to read narration by Paul DeWeese, Mustangs' Business and Operations Manager (BOM).

Pin-trading was the highlight of the afternoon before retiring to their barracks.

PRELIMINARY SEEDING THUS FAR (MUSTANGS RANKED 17TH)

Seeding	Team	Won	Lost	Runs Allowed Per Game
1	Star Maker Team Mizuno (CA)	4	0	.25
2	Team Anderson (CA)	4	0	.75
3	Southern California Bombers (CA)	4	0	.75
4	Central Carolina Stars (NC)	4	0	.75
5	Eastern Massachusetts All Stars (MA)	4	0	1.25
6	California Sting-Bomberz (CA)	4	0	1.75
7	Team New Era (NY)	4	0	2.00
8	U.S. Baseball Stars (MI)	4	0	2.00
9	Georgia Bandits (GA)	4	0	2.50
10	Southern Tier Titans (NY)	4	0	2.75
11	Utah Horns (UT)	4	0	3.25
12	Central Florida Red Raiders (FL)*	4	0	3.25
13	Virginia Bruins (VA)	4	0	3.50
14	Hanover Heat (VA)	4	0	3.75
15	Blue Wave (CA)	4	0	6.75
16	Michigan Sports Academy (MI)	3	1	2.00
17	Placentia Mustangs (CA)	3	1	2.50
18	Toms River Bengals (NJ)*	3	1	2.50
19	White Plains Wildcats (NY)	3	1	3.25
20	Team Arizona (AZ)	3	1	4.00
21	Tustin Extreme (CA)	3	1	4.00
22	Lapeer Outlaws (MI)	3	1	4.50
23	Montco Mudcats (PA)	3	1	5.00
24	Los Alamitos Sluggers (CA)*	3	1	5.75
25	Northampton Heat (MA)	3	1	5.75
26	Yorba Linda Aztecs (CA)	3	1	6.00
27	Central Jersey Slammers (NJ)	3	1	6.00
28	Blackstone Reds (MA)	3	1	6.25
29	Santa Clarita Sharks (CA)	3	1	6.25
30	Sal Urso's High Performance (FL)	3	1	6.75
31	Alcatraz Boyz (CA)	3	1	6.75
32	West Covina Bandits (CA)	3	1	7.00
33	Connetquot Chiefs (NY)	3	1	7.25
34	Boys of Baseball National Travel Team (AL)	3	1	8.00
35	San Diego Vipers (CA)	3	1	8.50
36	La Verne Eagles (CA)	2	2	2.75
37	Oakdale Colts (CA)	2	2	2.75
38	Indian Mills Chiefs (NJ)	2	2	4.25
39	Smithtown Longhorns (NY)	2	2	4.50
40	Long Island Ducks (NY)	2	2	5.00
41	Avalon Park Thunder (FL)	2	2	5.00
42	Plainview Pythons (NY)	2	2	5.50
43	All American Sport Academy (CA)*	2	2	5.50
44	Sante Fe Springs Thunder (CA)	2	2	5.75
45	Nassau Heat (NY)	2	2	6.00
46	Manhattan Beach Monarchs (CA)	2	2	6.25
47	Tri-County Cobras (NY)	2	2	6.25
48	Metro Baseball Academy (OR)	2	2	6.75
49	Sun Valley Park Bums (CA)	2	2	7.25
50	South Coast Tritons (CA)	2	2	7.50
51	Texas Stealers (TX)	2	2	7.50
52	Orange County Bats (FL)	2	2	7.50
53	Buffalo Baseball Club (NY)	2	2	7.75
54	West Los Angeles Wave (CA)	2	2	9.75
55	Staten Island Titans (NY)	2	2	9.75
56	Sacred Heart (NJ)*	2	2	10.25
57	Carmel Cubs (NY)	2	2	11.50
58	Valley Stream Hawks (NY)	1	3	6.00
59	Broomfield Yankees (CO)	1	3	7.00
60	South Bay Stallions (CA)	1	3	7.00
61	Plumstead Baseball (PA)	1	3	7.00
62	Yorba Linda Trojans (CA)	1	3	7.25
63	S.P.F.Y.B.A. Gold (NJ)	1	3	7.75
64	Arden Bandits (CA)	1	3	8.00
65	Brampton Braves (CAN)	1	3	8.00
66	Warriors Baseball Travel Team (FL)	1	3	8.50
67	Team New Jersey (NJ)	1	3	9.00
68	Bethesda Blue Jays (MD)	1	3	9.75
69	Long Island Lightning (NY)	1	3	10.00
70	Silicon Valley Express (CA)	1	3	10.50
71	Bay Shore Titans (NY)*	1	3	10.75
72	Lake Worth Raiders (FL)	1	3	10.75
73	Generals (NJ)	1	3	10.75
74	Long Island Blue Demons (NY)	1	3	11.25
75	Oakland Braves (NJ)	1	3	11.50
76	Bethlehem Bombers (NY)	1	3	11.75
77	Racine Erickson Rattlers (WI)	1	3	12.00
78	Clark Bombers (NJ)	1	3	12.00
79	NY Capital District Knights (NY)	1	3	12.25
80	Agawam Bulldogs (MA)*	1	3	12.75
81	Jersey Bulldogs (NJ)	1	3	13.25
82	Central Jersey Jaguars (NJ)	1	3	14.00
83	Cherry Hill Stealers (NJ)	1	3	15.25
84	Duneland Flyers (IN)	0	4	6.00
85	Loudoun Bulldogs (VA)	0	4	8.75
86	Vienna Senators (VA)	0	4	9.75
87	Clarkstown Stars (NY)	0	4	9.75
88	Stamford Blue Sox (CT)	0	4	13.00
89	Alle-Kiski Nick Chevrolet (PA)	0	4	13.75
90	Scituate All Stars (MA)	0	4	14.75
91	Central Mass Renegades (MA)	0	4	15.25
92	New Jersey Nationals (NJ)	0	4	16.75
93	Mercer Island Islanders (WA)	0	4	16.75
94	Quincy Red Stockings (MA)	0	4	17.50
95	Mississauga Majors (CAN)	0	4	18.50

SKILLS TEST RESULTS ARE IN!
(Due to inclement weather on Sunday the skills test was rescheduled for Monday. However, some of the players entered the contest Sunday during downpour).

King Of Swat

Christopher Rivera

Placentia Mustangs (CA)

1 (preliminary round)

Around The Horn Plus

Placentia Mustangs (CA)

40.00 secs

The remaining regular games (before seeding) are listed below:

Date	Event	Time	Location
Tue 8/28	Placentia Mustangs vs. Texas Stealers	8:30 AM	Cooperstown Dreams Park
Tue 8/28	Placentia Mustangs vs. Avalon Park Thunder	7:00 PM	CDP Field 9
Wed 8/29	Placentia Mustangs vs. SFS Thunder	10:00 AM	CDP Field 7

TUNE IN AS LIVE WEBCAM IS AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY!

Watch first-hand as Cooperstown Dream Park bring live Webcam action all the way to your computer! Christopher Rivera and Ryan Morgan invite you to see them LIVE!

Game times are:

Date: Tuesday, August 28
Time: 7 p.m. (EST)
Teams: #55 Placentia Mustangs (CA) vs #6 Avalon Park Thunder (FL)

Date: Wednesday, August 29
Time: 10:00 a.m. (EST)
Teams: #55 Placentia Mustangs (CA) vs #65 Santa Fe Springs Thunder (CA)

For more information visit Cooperstown Dream Park - Week 12 - NATC.

Or visit the Placentia Mustangs' web site by clicking HERE.

Cooperstown Scores Update

Game 1 and 2 Split
By Annie Rivera

The Cooperstown-bound Christopher Rivera and Ryan Morgan and their travel ball team the Placentia Mustangs played Game 1 and Game 2 today splitting the wins and losses thus far. Losing Game 1 with a score of 8-6 the Mustangs came back to dominate in Game 2 with a final score of 12-0.

Game Stats (Pool Play):

Game 1 vs New Jersey Bulldogs (NJ):
Rivera 3-4, HR, 2 RBI, R
Morgan 1-3

Pitching:
Morgan (L) 4 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 6 K


Game 2 vs. Bethlehem Bombers (NY):
Rivera 4-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Morgan 0-3, BB

(Seeding will be determined after all games played Wednesday)

Game schedule for the remainder of the week are as follows:

Date	Event	Time	Location
Mon 8/27	Placentia Mustangs vs. South Bay Stallions	10:00 AM	Cooperstown Dreams Park
Mon 8/27	Placentia Mustangs vs. Plumstead Baseball	2:00 PM	Cooperstown Dreams Park
Tue 8/28	Placentia Mustangs vs. Texas Stealers	8:30 AM	Cooperstown Dreams Park
Tue 8/28	Placentia Mustangs vs. Avalon Park Thunder	7:00 PM	CDP Field 9
Wed 8/29	Placentia Mustangs vs. SFS Thunder	10:00 AM	CDP Field 7

TUNE IN AS LIVE WEBCAM IS AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY!

Watch first-hand as Cooperstown Dream Park bring live Webcam action all the way to your computer! Christopher Rivera and Ryan Morgan invite you to see them LIVE!

Game times are:

Date: Tuesday, August 28
Time: 7 p.m. (EST)
Teams: #55 Placentia Mustangs (CA) vs #6 Avalon Park Thunder (FL)

Date: Wednesday, August 29
Time: 10:00 a.m. (EST)
Teams: #55 Placentia Mustangs (CA) vs #65 Santa Fe Springs Thunder (CA)

For more information visit Cooperstown Dream Park - Week 12 - NATC.

Or visit the Placentia Mustangs' web site by clicking HERE.

Let the Games Begins!

Two Buena Park All-Stars Prepare for National Games
By Annie Rivera

COOPERSTOWN, NY - With one player, Christopher Rivera, already in New York and the other, Ryan Morgan set to board a plane to head east, Cooperstown finalizes their upcoming National American Tournament of Champions (NATC) at Cooperstown Dream Park.

Single-game elimination is something the Mustangs want to avoid. Divided by the winner's bracket and the loser's bracket Rivera and Morgan have their heart set on landing a high seed on the World Series path. Cooperstown will host 96 teams from around the country.

Game schedules have been posted.

Sunday

1st Game

8:30 AM Field 15

Jersey Bulldogs (NJ) vs MUSTANGS

2nd Game

1:45 PM Field 18

MUSTANGS vs Bethlehem Bombers (NY)

Monday

1st Game

11:00 AM Field 4

South Bay Stallions (CA) vs MUSTANGS

2nd Game

4:30 PM Field 13

MUSTANGS vs Plumstead Baseball (PA)

Tuesday

1st Game

8:30 AM Field 6

Texas Stealers (TX) vs MUSTANGS

2nd Game

7:00 PM Field 9

MUSTANGS vs Avalon Park Thunder (FL)

Wednesday

1st Game

11:00 AM Field 7

Santa Fe Springs Thunder (CA) vs MUSTANGS

2nd Game

TBD

Follow Rivera and Morgan as they battle in a national class tournament beginning August 25 through 31. Live Webcam and Gamecam will be available on a daily basis. Please visit http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/ for more information. Click on 2007, Week #12 NATC August 25, 2007 for results.

Two from Buena Park Fly the Coop to Cooperstown

Teammates Pack Their Bags and Head to East Coast

By Annie Rivera

Two players from Buena Park American Little League, Christopher Rivera and Ryan Morgan will join their travel ball teammates from the Placentia Mustangs, in a trip cross-country to Cooperstown, NY home of the Baseball Hall of Fame to face some of the best teams in the nation.

Rivera and Morgan made a valiant attempt in keeping their All-Star team in contention for a shot at the Little League World Series during their road to Williamsport, PA. Losing to Tustin Western at the Section 5 Finals in La Mirada halted their big league dreams as they settled for Second Place, the farthest any All-Star team has accomplished in the history of BPALL.

Now their sites are set at competing in the National American Tournament of Champions (NATC) at Cooperstown Dream Park. Cooperstown will host 96 teams from around the United States in a World Series of its own. Teams will be able to compete in the Skills Competition in several categories such as King of Swat, Around the Horn Plus, Golden Arm and Road Runner.

Led by Coach Steve Rivera, long-time BPALL coach and dad, teammates Rivera and Morgan have undergone rigorous and structured practices sometimes in 80-90 degree weather while preparing for their trip.

A native New Yorker from the Bronx, Coach Steve is excited about taking his son to see his birth place and attend their first Yankees game together.

“It’s going to be great,” Coach Steve said. “This is the best part of being on a travel ball team. You face higher level competition and what better place to be at than Cooperstown?”

“I can’t wait for it to come,” Morgan said. “Hopefully we do good enough to be known as one of the best teams in the world.”

“I’m excited about going to Cooperstown and see other teams,” Christopher said.

The Mustangs belong to the California Competitive Youth Baseball (CCYB) organization under the direction of Todd Rogers, Director of Baseball Operations at California State University of Fullerton. The team participates at a high level of competition and participates in tournaments hosted by United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA). Tournaments are held in several locations throughout the Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties such as Champions Sports Complex in Placentia, Big League Dreams Field at Chino Hills and Riverside.

In 2005 the Mustangs qualified through a USSSA tournament earning a berth in the World Series at Steamboat Springs, CO where they placed 4^th in the nation.

Buena Park’s own Rivera and Morgan along with the Mustangs will be in Cooperstown from August 25 through 31. Live Webcam and Gamecam will be available on a daily basis. Please visit http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/ for more information. Click on 2007, Week #12 NATC August 25, 2007 for results.

Buena Park American Little League All-Star Team Received High Honors at City Hall

The 2007 Buena Park American Little League All-Star Team was honored today at City Hall by Mayor Patsy Marshall, City Council and State Senator Lou Correa.

(Hear the introduction to the event).

The California State Senate Certificate of Recognition read:

Senate Certificate of Recognition Presented to Buena Park American Little League All-Stars in honor of your 2007 California District 29 Championship. Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavors.

Click here to listen to Sen. Correa present the certificate to BPALL.

Inscription on the Certificate of Recognition from City Council read:

The City Council of the City of Buena Park does hereby recognize Buena Park American Little League Major All-Star Team.

The City Council congratulates the Buena Park American Little League Major All-Star Team and its manager and coaches for its achievement in earning the title of 2007 California District 29 Champions, and for bringing such honor and distinction to the community of Buena Park, and extends best wishes for continued success in seasons to come.

Family and friends were on-hand to witness a prestigious event as Mayor Marshall introduced each player and coaches. A surprise honorable mention went to Christopher Rivera as the winning pitcher in the District 29 Championship game delivering a perfect game with 14 strike-outs, no hits, no walks and no runs. Clayton Vison was also recognized for his first career homerun and grand slam.

Click here to listen to Mayor Marshall present to BPALL.

Listen to Coach James' final interview.

Knott's Berry Farm contributed to the celebration in donating complimentary park tickets to each of the players - a well-deserved reward for the BPALL All-Star team. Thank you Knott's Berry Farm!

Today's event marked the final time the 2007 Buena Park American Little League Major All-Stars would be together as a team and it was today's event which marked the end of an era.

Best wishes to all of you. You have made Buena Park American Little League, the City of Buena Park and your friends and family very proud. We salute you.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Buena Park City Hall

A closer view of City Hall

Christopher Rivera, Luke and Kyle Schultz await the City Hall presentation.

Isaiah Terrazas, Ricky Marquez, Andrew Romano, Clayton Vison and Devyn Smith gather for the last time as teammates on the 2007 BPALL All-Star Team while waiting for the City Hall presentation to begin.

Ryan Morgan, Justin Ray, and Cole Timm take a few minutes before the City Hall presentation to smile for the camera.

Manager James Vierstra, Coaches Angel Terrazas, Jeff Morgan, Tom Timm, Sr. and BPALL President Kevin Allen await the City Hall presentation.

The Morgans and the Visons proudly wait for the City Hall presentation to begin.

Anthony Vierstra, Steve Rivera, Penny Okabe, Tammy and Eric Ray are among many families and friends who have gathered to witness the City Hall presentation.

Anthony Vierstra and Steve Rivera pose for a picture just prior to the start of the City Hall presentation.

The Romano Family smile for the camera while waiting for the presentation to begin.

The Timm Family smile big as they witness the City Hall presentation.

The Wahlsteen Family are among the many family members and friends who have come together to watch their BPALL All-Star Team receive recognition awards.

Calif. Senator Lou Correa congratulates Isaiah Terrazas and the rest of the BPALL All-Star Team on winning the District 29 Championship.

The 2007 Buena Park American Little League Team line-up behind Mayor Patsy Marshall during introductions.

Sen. Lou Correa delivers an encouraging speech to the 2007 Buena Park American Little League All-Star Team.

Mayor Patsy Marshall shakes the hand of Christopher Rivera and congratulates him for pitching a perfect game in the final game to win the District 29 Champions title. Rivera had 14 strikeouts with no hits, no walks and no runs.

Mayor Patsy Marshall asks Clayton Vison what he "plans to do for an encore" after hitting his first career homerun and grand slam.

Sen. Lou Correa hoists the plaque BPALL presented to both Mayor Marshall and the State Senator for their support during the BPALL All-Star run.

Mayor Marshall, James Vierstra and Sen. Lou Correa take a few minutes to display plaques presented from BPALL All-Stars.

The mastermind behind the City Hall presentation and the timeless videos taken by Jim Reich, Time Warner producer Bob Chance Wahlsteen is presented with a plaque for his dedication and support to the team.

(Absent: Aaron Awat and Sam Carralejo)