ROX Baseball -- Club News & Notes
April 17, 2016 -- 11U Gray wins XDS Best of the West NIT for 2nd consecutive gold bracket championship
Strong pitching and solid defense during Saturday's pool play, with 7-1 and 10-0 wins, earned the team a 2nd overall (out of 18 teams) seed for Sunday. The ROX boys got ahead early on the Alpine Patriots in the semi-final, pushing across five runs in the 2nd inning and hung on for an 8-7 win. The championship game, a 12-8 victory for ROX Gray against a tough Torrance Tribe Elite team, was a tight back-and-forth contest until the ROX boys broke it open in the 4th with a 7-run explosion.
March 20, 2016 -- ROX Gray wins Arizona USSSA Dual Super NIT AAA division championship
The ROX boys traveled to Arizona to participate in a premiere 250+ team spring training tournament and came back as champions of the 11U AAA division. After going 3-0 in pool play, winning by a combined score of 27-5, the team seeded 1st overall for Sunday eliminations. After a close quarter-final game against a team out of Colorado and a quick mercy of the Cali Rage in the semi-final, the boys advanced to the championship game against a strong-hitting So Cal Smoke & Fire team. The ROX boys were able to push across 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th in the final to break a 9-9 stalemate and hung on for a close victory to earn their gold rings.
October 11, 2015 -- ROX 11U Gray earns Triple Crown Fall Stampede tournament championship
The team continued their strong fall season by capturing the TCS Fall Stampede 11U championship. The semi-final game, a 2-1 win against the #1 overall seed Easton Elite, was an extremely well-played game featuring great pitching & near-perfect defense by both teams. The tourney championship game against the OC Mavericks was an exciting back-and-forth affair, featuring nine lead changes during the game, with the ROX boys walking off in the bottom 6th for a 7-6 victory.
August 23. 2015 -- ROX 9U (turning 10U) win XDS Slugfest Tournament D2 championship
Less than 3 months after their initial formation as the newest ROX team, the ROX 9U boys captured their first tournament title, winning the Xtreme Diamond Sports division 2 tournament championship to begin their fall season, just before moving up to 10U.
April 19. 2015 -- ROX 12U win AAU Old School Wood Bat Tournament championship
Led by stellar individual performances at the plate and on the mound, the ROX 12U boys captured the AAU Old School Wood Bat tournament hardware with a hard-fought win in the final game against BPA. The championship marked the first tournament title for the 12U team this spring.
April 19, 2015 -- ROX 11U runner-up in AAU Old School Wood Bat tournament
After posting a 2-0 record in pool play, the ROX 11U captured the #1 seed and eventually advanced to the championship game, before losing a tough game against the SeaDogs.
March 29, 2015 -- ROX 13U finish second in USSSA March Madness tournament
Despite struggling to find their offensive rhythm in five games against tough major-caliber competition, some strong pitching and defense helped the ROX advance to the championship game of the USSSA March Madness tournament. It was the 13U team's third consecutive runner-up finish in a tournament.
December 20, 2014 -- ROX alumni Moore and Leitao named preseason All-Americans
Collegiate Baseball announced its preseason All-America teams, which included RHP's and former ROX players, Sam Moore (UCI) and Brennan Leitao (Sacramento State).
December 1, 2014 -- ROX 10U win Los Alamitos Thanksgiving fundraiser tournament
Compiling a 5-0 record while allowing only 2 runs the whole weekend, the ROX boys dominated competition in winning the Los Alamitos tournament. The wins included two victories over cross-town opponents, Irvine Colts, by identical 11-1 scores.
November 30, 2014 -- ROX 13U reach championship of USSSA NIT
After winning both pool play games, the ROX advanced to the gold bracket playoffs, beating the So Cal Terror in extra innings in the semifinals, and advancing to face the Easton Arsenal in the championship. The ROX held a 4-3 lead when the game was suspended due to rain, to be resumed (if possible) at a later date.
November 29. 2014 -- ROX 11U & 10U players help team win OJCAAF Super Bowl
Several ROX players on the Irvine Chargers clinic division football team helped capture the 2014 Super Bowl title today with a 14-0 win over Cerritos, earning recognition as the top 10-year old team in Southern California.
November 23, 2014 -- ROX 10U Gray win CCYB fall league championship
With a come-from-behind (14-11) win over Baseball West Coast and an 11-1 victory against Magnum Baseball, the ROX 10U Gray captured the CCYB fall league championship. The boys posted a 15-1 record in the league, including playoffs.
November 20, 2014 -- ROX 10U Gray advance to CCYB finals
After posting a 11-1 regular season record, the ROX 10U Gray team swept both games in their initial playoff round (beating the Irvine Pythons, 12-2, and OC Premier, 2-0) to advance to the CCYB Fall 2014 season championship round on 11/23 at Woodbury Park.
September 2, 2014 -- ROX open fall season with 9 teams
Participating in local tournaments, Connie Mack and CCYB leagues, the ROX are at 6 different age levels for the 2014 fall season: 18U, 16U, 14U, 13U, 12U, 11U (2 teams) and 10U (2 teams).
August 8, 2014 -- ROX 12U finish 5th out of 104 teams at Cooperstown Dreams Park
Following a 6-0 run after 3 days of pool play, the ROX earned the #5 seed out of 104 teams before winning their first two playoff games, 11-2 against the #37 Sacred Heart Angels and 18-6 against the #12 Hollister Headhunters, before falling to the Red Land Patriots in the "Elite 8", finishing in 5th place overall. For the week, the ROX outscored opponents 133-32 in 9 games, and hit 51 home runs. Paul Skenes, Daniel Lee and Jakob Ho led the ROX with 11, 8 and 7 home runs, respectively.
July 20, 2014 -- Paul Skenes earns silver medal at Pan American Games
The USA 12U National Team put together a remarkable run over an 9-day span, but fell short in the championship against Nacaragua, earning a silver medal at the COPABE Pan American Games. A great accomplishment for Paul -- who had a highly successful tournament, starting almost every game and batting in the middle of the order -- and his teammates..
July 7, 2014 -- Paul Skenes named to 2014 12U USA National Team
After a stellar performance at the USA National Open and subsequent National Team Trials, ROX 12U player Paul Skenes was named to the USA 12U National Team, which is scheduled to compete in the COPABE Pan American Games in Mazatlan, Mexico later in July.
June 20, 2014 -- Sam Moore earns several post-season honors
Rox alumnus, Sam Moore, who played for the club from 2008-2010, was named NCAA All-American by several publications to cap a remarkable seasoning in which he compiled 1.88 ERA and 23 saves, one short of the NCAA single-season saves record. In addition, Sam was named "Gregg Olson Breakout Player of the Year" award winner for his achievement. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2014 player draft, but elected to return to UCI for his senior season.
June 18, 2014 -- Brennan Leitao named All-Conference for 3rd consecutive season at Sacramento State
Brennan Leitao, who played for the ROX from 2004-2010, was named 1st team All-WAC Conference after compiling a 9-4 record and 2.15 ERA for the 2014 season. He also received academic All-Conference recognition. He will enter his senior season at Sacramento State as the all-time leader in wins (24) and innings pitched (304).
June 6, 2014 -- Two former ROX players selected in 3rd round of MLB draft
Wyatt Strahan (USC) and Trevor Megill (Loyola Marymount) were both selected in the 3rd round of the 2014 MLB draft, Wyatt, who played for the ROX from 2009-2010, was chosen by the Reds, and eventually signed to play professional baseball. Trevor, a ROX player from 2007-2009, was picked by the Cardinals, but elected to return to LMU to continue his college career.
December 9, 2013 -- ROX 10U Gray holding tryouts in December and January
Initial tryouts will be held on December 21st in the afternoon. Contact coach Joe Maynard for additional details.
July 8, 2013 -- ROX player, Austin Schell, named to USA Baseball NTDP 14U team
Congratulations to Austin Schell, who was named to USA Baseball 14U National Team Development Program. The week-long program kicks off at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. on Aug. 6-10, 2013.
February 18, 2013 -- Matt Locklear commits to play soccer at Cal
Long-time ROX player Matt Locklear (Northwood ‘14), who has juggled club baseball and elite-level soccer since joining the ROX as an 11U player, verbally committed to play soccer at UC Berkeley. Congrats to Matt on his tremendous accomplishment; a great example for younger ROX players.
January 21, 2013 -- ROX 12u Black wins Xtreme Diamond Sports MLK Winter State Championships
Reeling off 4 consecutive wins in their first significant baseball weekend since reaching the semifinals of the PONY 11u World Series in July, the ROX captured their first tournament championship of 2013. The ROX pitching and defense was dominant, allowing 3 runs in its opening game, followed by shutouts in each of its next 3 games, to outscore opponents 23-3.
July 26, 2012 -- ROX 14U to hold tryout
ROX 14U (as of fall 2012) is holding an open tryout on Thursday, July 26 on Winslow Field at Northwood (Castle) Park in Irvine. Registration and warm-ups will begin at 6 pm. Tryouts will start at 6:30 sharp and end about 7:30. Evaluation of those who also want to be considered as a pitcher or catcher is planned from 7:30 until 8 pm. Contact Coach Don Carrig to reserve a spot for this tryout. Don Carrig, Manager -- 714-931-5070 or [email protected].
June 9, 2012 -- Former ROX player, Zack Weiss, is heading to Omaha
With UCLA’s two-game sweep of TCU in the super-regionals, the Bruins and starting pitcher Zack Weiss are heading to Omaha, home of the College World Series. Zack played for the ROX over parts of 6 years, from ages 11-14 and again at ages 16-17. The Bruins will open their championship run against Stony Brook.
June 5, 2012 -- Former ROX player, DJ Crumlich, drafted in 9th round of MLB draft
Congratulations to DJ Crumlich, who was drafted in the 9th round of this year’s MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The next step in DJ’s baseball career follows a very successful 4 years at UC Irvine, and a prep career at Irvine HS in which he made his mark as one of the best athletes in the city’s history. A hardworking player and student, and a great example for ROX players. Best of luck to DJ.
May 19, 2012 -- ROX 16/17U team looking for a few players for USA Baseball Championship
Our Rox 16/17U team will be participating in this years USA Baseball Championship formerly known as the JO’s and are looking for 2-3 quality players to round out their roster. If interested, contact David Okuda at [email protected]
April 10, 2012 -- Leitao earns WAC pitcher-of-the-week honor
Brennan Leitao, a RHP/SS for the ROX from ages 11-18, was named Western Athletic Conference pitcher-of-the-week at Sacramento State following his complete game, 5-hitter at Louisiana Tech. Leitao struck out 8 batters in the effort, and has settled into the Saturday starter role for the Hornets in his true freshman season.
February 20, 2012 -- ROX 10u Black wins Triple Crown Presidents’ Day NIT Tournament
Shaking off the rust in their first real games since early December, the ROX 10u Black used timely hits and some dominating pitching to earn their second consecutive tournament championship, capped by a 9-4 win against a tough Irvine Diamondbacks team in the final.
February 11, 2012 -- Ryan Matranga commits to play at USF
Ryan Matranga, a top player in the ROX program from 2008-2010, committed to play baseball at the University of San Francisco in the West Coast Conference. Ryan is a 3-year varsity starting 3B and senior at Santa Margarita HS, and was recruited as a C/3B. Congrats to Ryan and his family; the ROX are very proud.
For a list of former ROX players who have committed to play in college, or who have been drafted, see the "Alumni" menu link above.
Strong pitching and solid defense during Saturday's pool play, with 7-1 and 10-0 wins, earned the team a 2nd overall (out of 18 teams) seed for Sunday. The ROX boys got ahead early on the Alpine Patriots in the semi-final, pushing across five runs in the 2nd inning and hung on for an 8-7 win. The championship game, a 12-8 victory for ROX Gray against a tough Torrance Tribe Elite team, was a tight back-and-forth contest until the ROX boys broke it open in the 4th with a 7-run explosion.
March 20, 2016 -- ROX Gray wins Arizona USSSA Dual Super NIT AAA division championship
The ROX boys traveled to Arizona to participate in a premiere 250+ team spring training tournament and came back as champions of the 11U AAA division. After going 3-0 in pool play, winning by a combined score of 27-5, the team seeded 1st overall for Sunday eliminations. After a close quarter-final game against a team out of Colorado and a quick mercy of the Cali Rage in the semi-final, the boys advanced to the championship game against a strong-hitting So Cal Smoke & Fire team. The ROX boys were able to push across 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th in the final to break a 9-9 stalemate and hung on for a close victory to earn their gold rings.
October 11, 2015 -- ROX 11U Gray earns Triple Crown Fall Stampede tournament championship
The team continued their strong fall season by capturing the TCS Fall Stampede 11U championship. The semi-final game, a 2-1 win against the #1 overall seed Easton Elite, was an extremely well-played game featuring great pitching & near-perfect defense by both teams. The tourney championship game against the OC Mavericks was an exciting back-and-forth affair, featuring nine lead changes during the game, with the ROX boys walking off in the bottom 6th for a 7-6 victory.
August 23. 2015 -- ROX 9U (turning 10U) win XDS Slugfest Tournament D2 championship
Less than 3 months after their initial formation as the newest ROX team, the ROX 9U boys captured their first tournament title, winning the Xtreme Diamond Sports division 2 tournament championship to begin their fall season, just before moving up to 10U.
April 19. 2015 -- ROX 12U win AAU Old School Wood Bat Tournament championship
Led by stellar individual performances at the plate and on the mound, the ROX 12U boys captured the AAU Old School Wood Bat tournament hardware with a hard-fought win in the final game against BPA. The championship marked the first tournament title for the 12U team this spring.
April 19, 2015 -- ROX 11U runner-up in AAU Old School Wood Bat tournament
After posting a 2-0 record in pool play, the ROX 11U captured the #1 seed and eventually advanced to the championship game, before losing a tough game against the SeaDogs.
March 29, 2015 -- ROX 13U finish second in USSSA March Madness tournament
Despite struggling to find their offensive rhythm in five games against tough major-caliber competition, some strong pitching and defense helped the ROX advance to the championship game of the USSSA March Madness tournament. It was the 13U team's third consecutive runner-up finish in a tournament.
December 20, 2014 -- ROX alumni Moore and Leitao named preseason All-Americans
Collegiate Baseball announced its preseason All-America teams, which included RHP's and former ROX players, Sam Moore (UCI) and Brennan Leitao (Sacramento State).
December 1, 2014 -- ROX 10U win Los Alamitos Thanksgiving fundraiser tournament
Compiling a 5-0 record while allowing only 2 runs the whole weekend, the ROX boys dominated competition in winning the Los Alamitos tournament. The wins included two victories over cross-town opponents, Irvine Colts, by identical 11-1 scores.
November 30, 2014 -- ROX 13U reach championship of USSSA NIT
After winning both pool play games, the ROX advanced to the gold bracket playoffs, beating the So Cal Terror in extra innings in the semifinals, and advancing to face the Easton Arsenal in the championship. The ROX held a 4-3 lead when the game was suspended due to rain, to be resumed (if possible) at a later date.
November 29. 2014 -- ROX 11U & 10U players help team win OJCAAF Super Bowl
Several ROX players on the Irvine Chargers clinic division football team helped capture the 2014 Super Bowl title today with a 14-0 win over Cerritos, earning recognition as the top 10-year old team in Southern California.
November 23, 2014 -- ROX 10U Gray win CCYB fall league championship
With a come-from-behind (14-11) win over Baseball West Coast and an 11-1 victory against Magnum Baseball, the ROX 10U Gray captured the CCYB fall league championship. The boys posted a 15-1 record in the league, including playoffs.
November 20, 2014 -- ROX 10U Gray advance to CCYB finals
After posting a 11-1 regular season record, the ROX 10U Gray team swept both games in their initial playoff round (beating the Irvine Pythons, 12-2, and OC Premier, 2-0) to advance to the CCYB Fall 2014 season championship round on 11/23 at Woodbury Park.
September 2, 2014 -- ROX open fall season with 9 teams
Participating in local tournaments, Connie Mack and CCYB leagues, the ROX are at 6 different age levels for the 2014 fall season: 18U, 16U, 14U, 13U, 12U, 11U (2 teams) and 10U (2 teams).
August 8, 2014 -- ROX 12U finish 5th out of 104 teams at Cooperstown Dreams Park
Following a 6-0 run after 3 days of pool play, the ROX earned the #5 seed out of 104 teams before winning their first two playoff games, 11-2 against the #37 Sacred Heart Angels and 18-6 against the #12 Hollister Headhunters, before falling to the Red Land Patriots in the "Elite 8", finishing in 5th place overall. For the week, the ROX outscored opponents 133-32 in 9 games, and hit 51 home runs. Paul Skenes, Daniel Lee and Jakob Ho led the ROX with 11, 8 and 7 home runs, respectively.
July 20, 2014 -- Paul Skenes earns silver medal at Pan American Games
The USA 12U National Team put together a remarkable run over an 9-day span, but fell short in the championship against Nacaragua, earning a silver medal at the COPABE Pan American Games. A great accomplishment for Paul -- who had a highly successful tournament, starting almost every game and batting in the middle of the order -- and his teammates..
July 7, 2014 -- Paul Skenes named to 2014 12U USA National Team
After a stellar performance at the USA National Open and subsequent National Team Trials, ROX 12U player Paul Skenes was named to the USA 12U National Team, which is scheduled to compete in the COPABE Pan American Games in Mazatlan, Mexico later in July.
June 20, 2014 -- Sam Moore earns several post-season honors
Rox alumnus, Sam Moore, who played for the club from 2008-2010, was named NCAA All-American by several publications to cap a remarkable seasoning in which he compiled 1.88 ERA and 23 saves, one short of the NCAA single-season saves record. In addition, Sam was named "Gregg Olson Breakout Player of the Year" award winner for his achievement. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2014 player draft, but elected to return to UCI for his senior season.
June 18, 2014 -- Brennan Leitao named All-Conference for 3rd consecutive season at Sacramento State
Brennan Leitao, who played for the ROX from 2004-2010, was named 1st team All-WAC Conference after compiling a 9-4 record and 2.15 ERA for the 2014 season. He also received academic All-Conference recognition. He will enter his senior season at Sacramento State as the all-time leader in wins (24) and innings pitched (304).
June 6, 2014 -- Two former ROX players selected in 3rd round of MLB draft
Wyatt Strahan (USC) and Trevor Megill (Loyola Marymount) were both selected in the 3rd round of the 2014 MLB draft, Wyatt, who played for the ROX from 2009-2010, was chosen by the Reds, and eventually signed to play professional baseball. Trevor, a ROX player from 2007-2009, was picked by the Cardinals, but elected to return to LMU to continue his college career.
December 9, 2013 -- ROX 10U Gray holding tryouts in December and January
Initial tryouts will be held on December 21st in the afternoon. Contact coach Joe Maynard for additional details.
July 8, 2013 -- ROX player, Austin Schell, named to USA Baseball NTDP 14U team
Congratulations to Austin Schell, who was named to USA Baseball 14U National Team Development Program. The week-long program kicks off at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. on Aug. 6-10, 2013.
February 18, 2013 -- Matt Locklear commits to play soccer at Cal
Long-time ROX player Matt Locklear (Northwood ‘14), who has juggled club baseball and elite-level soccer since joining the ROX as an 11U player, verbally committed to play soccer at UC Berkeley. Congrats to Matt on his tremendous accomplishment; a great example for younger ROX players.
January 21, 2013 -- ROX 12u Black wins Xtreme Diamond Sports MLK Winter State Championships
Reeling off 4 consecutive wins in their first significant baseball weekend since reaching the semifinals of the PONY 11u World Series in July, the ROX captured their first tournament championship of 2013. The ROX pitching and defense was dominant, allowing 3 runs in its opening game, followed by shutouts in each of its next 3 games, to outscore opponents 23-3.
July 26, 2012 -- ROX 14U to hold tryout
ROX 14U (as of fall 2012) is holding an open tryout on Thursday, July 26 on Winslow Field at Northwood (Castle) Park in Irvine. Registration and warm-ups will begin at 6 pm. Tryouts will start at 6:30 sharp and end about 7:30. Evaluation of those who also want to be considered as a pitcher or catcher is planned from 7:30 until 8 pm. Contact Coach Don Carrig to reserve a spot for this tryout. Don Carrig, Manager -- 714-931-5070 or [email protected].
June 9, 2012 -- Former ROX player, Zack Weiss, is heading to Omaha
With UCLA’s two-game sweep of TCU in the super-regionals, the Bruins and starting pitcher Zack Weiss are heading to Omaha, home of the College World Series. Zack played for the ROX over parts of 6 years, from ages 11-14 and again at ages 16-17. The Bruins will open their championship run against Stony Brook.
June 5, 2012 -- Former ROX player, DJ Crumlich, drafted in 9th round of MLB draft
Congratulations to DJ Crumlich, who was drafted in the 9th round of this year’s MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The next step in DJ’s baseball career follows a very successful 4 years at UC Irvine, and a prep career at Irvine HS in which he made his mark as one of the best athletes in the city’s history. A hardworking player and student, and a great example for ROX players. Best of luck to DJ.
May 19, 2012 -- ROX 16/17U team looking for a few players for USA Baseball Championship
Our Rox 16/17U team will be participating in this years USA Baseball Championship formerly known as the JO’s and are looking for 2-3 quality players to round out their roster. If interested, contact David Okuda at [email protected]
April 10, 2012 -- Leitao earns WAC pitcher-of-the-week honor
Brennan Leitao, a RHP/SS for the ROX from ages 11-18, was named Western Athletic Conference pitcher-of-the-week at Sacramento State following his complete game, 5-hitter at Louisiana Tech. Leitao struck out 8 batters in the effort, and has settled into the Saturday starter role for the Hornets in his true freshman season.
February 20, 2012 -- ROX 10u Black wins Triple Crown Presidents’ Day NIT Tournament
Shaking off the rust in their first real games since early December, the ROX 10u Black used timely hits and some dominating pitching to earn their second consecutive tournament championship, capped by a 9-4 win against a tough Irvine Diamondbacks team in the final.
February 11, 2012 -- Ryan Matranga commits to play at USF
Ryan Matranga, a top player in the ROX program from 2008-2010, committed to play baseball at the University of San Francisco in the West Coast Conference. Ryan is a 3-year varsity starting 3B and senior at Santa Margarita HS, and was recruited as a C/3B. Congrats to Ryan and his family; the ROX are very proud.
For a list of former ROX players who have committed to play in college, or who have been drafted, see the "Alumni" menu link above.