2003 World Team Sao Paolo, Brazil August 7-17, 2003

- roster - schedule - game results - other news -
- history - our sponsors - photo album - 

Though the "World" tournament team is not officially affiliated with Alameda Babe Ruth, there is a close relationship between the two organizations.  The Bay Area World team and Alameda Babe Ruth share players, coaches, fields and other resources.

So while the World team was away in Brazil, crack correspondents traveling with the team sent us game summaries so we could keep you apprised of all the results.

WORLD TEAM ROSTER

Coaches: Carlos Macedo, Mike Ballerini, Clare Kruse
Support:  Bill Dal Porto - Director of International Relations
Ron Matthews - General Manager
Batboy - Cameron Braband

team photo	team w/trophy

SCHEDULE

Alameda was in Bracket 1, which also included:
Mexico (Rojo), Argentina, Italy, Korea and Brazil

    Bracket 1 Games...

Game 1:  Mon., Aug 11 (rain-delayed), vs. Mexico (Rojo) - (L, 12-11)
Game 2:  Sun., Aug 10, vs. Argentina (W, 4-2)
Game 3:  Mon., Aug 11, vs. Italy (W, 9-4)
Game 4:  Tue., Aug 12, vs. Korea (W, 13-6)
Game 5:  Wed., Aug 13, vs. Brazil - (L, 11-2)

    Finals (based on record from Games 1-5)...

Game 6:  Fri., Aug 15, vs. Japan (L, 5-3)
Game 7:  Sat., Aug 16, vs. Chinese-Taipei (L, 11-3)

-- Alameda finishes in 4th Place (out of 12 teams) --

Teams in Bracket 2 included:
Taiwan, Japan, Peru, San Diego, Fresno and Mexico (Verde)

GAME SUMMARIES

• Game 1:  12-11 Loss to Mexico Rojo
  This game was postponed on Saturday due to rain, and was played as part of a double-header on Monday.

Alameda World Team played twice on Monday, losing a heartbreaker to Mexico Rojo 12-11 and then defeating their lodge mates, Italy, 9-4.

In the first game, which turned into a slugfest, Alameda took a 2-0 lead in the first on Nick Botello’s two-run homer (photo). Mexico Rojo came back to score two in the second and one in the third to go ahead 3-2. In the fifth, Mexico Rojo single, but Graham Matthews threw out the runner trying to steal second. In the bottom of the inning, Matthews singled, Ruben Solis doubled, Andy Ahrens (running for Matthews) stops at third. Mexico intentionally walked Botello to load the bases. Steve Barbosa hit one over the fence for a grand slam (photo) and a 6-3 Alameda lead.

After Mexico Rojo scored one in the top of the sixth, Alameda sent nine batters to the plate, scoring five runs to go ahead 11-4. But Mexico wasn’t done. They sent a dozen batters to the plate and scored eight runs in the seventh to regain the lead 12-11. Andy Lusk reached on a single in the bottom of the inning and Zack Braband sacrificed him to second, but Lusk was stranded there as the game ended.

Correspondent Ron Matthews (w/assistance from Anne Wolfe) reporting

• Game 2:  4-2 Win over Argentina  
  After enjoying the beautifully staged Opening Day Ceremonies, by our host Brazil, with speeches by many dignitaries, entertainment by local school children and the grand entrances of the 12 participating teams, we were forced to sit out our opening game (against Mexico Rojo) due to heavy rains.

  With great anticipation the following day, we opened against Argentina. With key hits, in critical situations, Alameda World Team enjoyed a 4 to 2 victory!

  In the 3rd inning, with 2 outs, and Rueben Solis on 2nd, Mark Rowland doubled to the left centerfield fence, to drive in Alameda's 1st run. In the 4th inning, Andy Lawson (photo) doubled to right-center. Ryan Zimmerman followed with a sharp single to left, then Michael Taylor tripled to the left-center fence to drive in both runners. 

  In the 6th inning, with another single by Zimmerman, Taylor came through with another single to drive in Alameda's final run. Fine defensive plays by Solis, running down a long fly ball, Graham Matthews throwing out two runners attempting to steal second base, and errorless plays by the rest of the defense, proved to be all the support needed to back up a fine pitching performance by Ryan Zimmerman. Zimmerman's 7-strikeout performance allowed only 3 hits and 2 runs, though he fell victim to fatigue in the 6th inning. Mark Rowland came in to relieve.  With 2 runners on and 2 outs, he walked the next batter to load the bases, but struck out the next hitter to end the threat. Rowland finished the game with a 1-2-3 7th inning.

  Many parents and grandparents in the stands cheered the Alameda World Team on to victory.

  Ace correspondent Margaret Lawson reporting

• Game 3:  9-4 Win over Italy
  Against Italy, Andy Lawson pitched five innings (photo), giving up two runs and striking out seven.  Jesse Schmidt got the save (photo). Joey LoParo was two for two with a double and scored a run.  Steve Barbosa had two doubles, two RBI, and scored two runs.  Cody May had an RBI single and David Salas got an RBI on a suicide squeeze. Final score 9-4.

Correspondent Ron Matthews (w/assistance from Anne Wolfe) reporting

• Game 4:  13-6 Win over Korea
  In game #4 against Korea, Alameda unleashed their bats to come away with a 13-6 victory.  Mark Rowland was the winning pitcher, stinging Korea with 7 strikeouts in five innings. After giving up 4 hits and 2 runs, the tiring Rowland was replaced with David Salas (photos). Salas pitching 2 fine innings sealed the win.

  Nick Botello continued his hitting steak, smacking an RBI double in the first inning, and then adding a crushing, 2-run homer in the seventh. Andy Lawson struck with 4 RBI's, having a 3-for-4 day at the plate. Ruben Solis was also 3-for-4, scoring 3 times. Cody May finished 2-for-3 with well placed hits, and Michael Taylor was credited with 2 RBI's with a sharp hit single into right-center. After ripping a single to left, Zack Braband scored on a double by Solis. Steven Barbosa also singled and scored on a balk.

  Alameda jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, adding 3 more runs in the second. The Alameda World Team held their lead throughout the game. In the 6th inning, Korea started a comeback, batting through their order to score 4 runs. But in the 7th inning, with a lead off walk for Korea, their dreams of a win were dashed with a 4-6-3 double play.

  It was a great day for baseball in Ibiuna, Brazil; the sun was shining, just like the team. It was a well-timed win to give Alameda the confidence and enthusiasm for our next game against the undefeated Brazilian team. Keep your fingers crossed.

  Correspondent Sheryl Rowland reporting

• Game 5:  11-2 Loss to Brazil
  This final game of pool play, featured the first and second place teams in their division. Twelve teams representing 10 countries are participating in the 22nd World Tournament Baseball. Brazil's record being 4-0, and Alameda 3-1. Brazil automatically would advance to the Championship Series, but because of the tie-breaker for 2nd place, Alameda either had to win, or hold Brazil to 11 or fewer runs to advance.

  Steve Barbosa of Logan High started on the mound for Alameda, and gave up 3 runs on 3 walks and an infield hit and a fielders choice. In the second, Alameda gave up three unearned runs with two out, and found themselves down by 6 after two. Brazil scored 3 more in the third, and two more in the fourth to make the scenario bleak for Alameda.

  David Salas of Alameda High continued to battle on the mound after replacing Barbosa, and the tide began to turn. Alameda scored two in the 4th with back to back walks to Andy Lawson of St. Mary's, and the tournament slugging leader Nick Botello of Logan High. They were both driven in by Barbosa's sharp single to left.

  Salas kept the Brazil bats quiet through the 5 & 6, and Ryan Zimmerman of American High in Fremont came in to finish the game in the seventh. 

  By holding Brazil to 11, Alameda (3-2) advances to the Championship Series by virtue of their allowing fewer runs than Mexico Rojo (3-2) and Korea (3-2). 

  Friday, Alameda will play Japan, the first place team in the second division of the pool. Brazil plays China Taipei, the second place team in the second division. The winners Friday will play for the Championship, and the losers will play for 3rd place.

  - Day off Thursday - 

• Game 6:  5-3 Loss to Japan
  The Championship Series semi-final game between the Japan National team of 15 year olds (selected from a population of nearly 200 million people) versus the team from Alameda (with a few boys added from other High Schools in the East Bay) figured to be a tough one. Japan was 5-0 in their pool of 6 countries/teams, including China, Fresno, Mexico, San Diego, Peru, and Fresno. Alameda placed second in their pool with a record of 3-2 against teams from Brazil, Korea, Mexico, Italy, and Argentina.

  The boys from Alameda came out strong as the visitor in the top half of the first. Mark Rowland of Washington High in Fremont started the rally by walking, and Alameda's own Andy Lawson quickly doubled to right field off the best pitching Japan had. With runners at second and third, Nick Botello of Logan High fouled off four straight pitches before sending a ball 325 feet to the right field warning track for a sacrifice fly (photo). Japan evened the score in their half of the first with a single, an error on a throw trying to pick off the runner, and another single. The very strong Japan pitching and defense held Alameda scoreless until the sixth, while scraping together two runs in the second and fourth to take a 5 to 1 lead. Alameda's defense was also sharp with double plays in the fifth and sixth, to keep the game close.

  In the sixth, Alameda's showed their fight was not over. Botello walked to start the inning, and Steve Barbosa, also from Logan, singled sharply to left. Ryan Zimmerman of American High was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Alameda's pinch hitter Andy Lusk. Lusk sent the second pitch into center field for an RBI single, keeping the bases loaded. Cody May, also from Alameda, was sent in to pinch hit, and promptly brought in another run with a shot to the shortstop that was played well, retiring Zimmerman. The score was now 5 to 3, and Alameda was still in it.

  In the seventh, the boys couldn't get things going with another tough Japan fire-baller, and the game ended with a score of 5 to 3. Nick Botello took a tough loss after scattering 9 hits over the seven innings, striking out four and giving up only 3 earned runs. Alameda faces another tough opponent in China Taipei for third place in the tournament. Japan faces Brazil in the Championship after beating China Taipei 7 to 4 in the morning game.

• Game 7:  11-3 Loss to Chinese-Taipei 
  Alameda finished the tournament in 4th place after losing to a solid Chinese-Taipei team, 11-0. Japan won the tournament by beating the home crowd favorite Brazil, 5-2. Alameda was awarded a beautiful 4th place trophy. 
  
  Nick Botello of Logan High was awarded Outstanding 3rd baseman for the tournament. 
  
  The closing ceremonies provided a festive, party atmosphere to close the Boys League, 22nd World Tournament. Players were busy taking pictures of each other and trading for the other teams memorabilia.
  
  Now it's off to Rio, and then finally... back home.

OTHER NEWS

• Bulletins from Brazil 

  • 8/7 - Departed Oakland @ 12:30pm for Sao Paolo (via Dallas).

  • 8/8 - The team arrived safely in Brazil after 13 hours in the air.
    Everyone is (sleepy) happy & healthy.

  • 8/9 - Saturday's games rained out, though Opening Ceremonies were still held.  Turned into a shopping day.

  • 8/10 - Defeated Argentina 

  • 8/11 - Split... lost a heartbreaker to Mexico, then beat Italy

  • 8/12 - Beat Korea

  • 8/13 - Lost to Brazil

  • 8/14 - Day off

  • 8/15 - Fell to Japan

  • 8/16 - Dropped the final to Taiwan

  • 8/17-18 - Left Sao Paolo for Rio and a little R & R.

  • 8/19 - Departed Rio in the evening.

  • 8/20 - Team arrived back home safe & sound.

• Alameda Advances in Brazil Tourney
  STAFF REPORT - Alameda Journal
  August 19, 2003

  The Alameda World Team lost to undefeated Brazil 11-2 in the final game of pool play in the 22nd annual World Tournament on Wednesday in Ibiuna, Brazil, but still advanced to the Championship Series.

  Alameda needed to hold the Brazilians to 11 or fewer runs to advance past Mexico Rojo and Korea, which also ended pool play with 3-2 records. Twelve teams representing nine countries are participating in the tournament in Ibiuna, which is located 30 miles south of São Paulo.

  Steve Barbosa started on the mound for Alameda and gave up three runs on three walks, an infield hit and a fielder's choice. In the second inning, Alameda gave up three unearned runs with two out, and found itself down 6-0. Brazil scored three more in the third and two more in the fourth to make the scenario bleak for Alameda.

  David Salas continued to battle on the mound after replacing Barbosa, and the tide began a slight turn. Alameda scored two runs in the fourth on back-to-back walks to Andy Lawson and tournament slugging leader Nick Botello. They both scored on Barbosa's sharp single to left. Salas kept the Brazil bats quiet through the fifth and sixth, and Ryan Zimmerman came in to finish the game in the seventh.

  By keeping Brazil to 11 runs, Alameda (3-2) advances to the championship series. Alameda played Japan on Friday, the first-place team in the second division of the pool. Brazil played China Taipei, the second-place team in the second division. The winners will play for the championship, and the losers will play for third place.

  ---

  Alameda 13, Korea 6: In game four of pool play on Wednesday, Alameda once again unleashed its bats to come away with a victory. Mark Rowland was the winning pitcher, giving up four hits and two runs and striking out seven in five innings. David Salas came on to pitch the final two innings to seal the win.

  Nick Botello continued his hitting steak, smacking an RBI double in the first inning, and then added a two-run homer in the seventh. Andy Lawson went 3-for-4 with four RBI. Ruben Solis also went 3-for-4, scoring three runs. Cody May finished 2-for-3, and Michael Taylor was credited with a two-run a single to right-center.

  After ripping a single to left, Zack Braband scored on a double by Solis. Steven Barbosa also singled and scored on a balk.

  Alameda jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first and added three more runs in the second. Alameda led throughout the game, but in the sixth Korea started a comeback, batting through their order to score four runs. But in the seventh, after a leadoff walk, Korea's dreams of a win were dashed with a 4-6-3 double play.

  ---

• Alameda Welcomes Back its Friends
  By Scott Strain
  STAFF WRITER - ccTimes
  September 28, 2003

  In a bond of friendship and competition that extends over 20 years, players, coaches and parents of the Fukuoka branch of the Japan Boys Baseball League and the Alameda World Tournament organization got together Thursday night in Oakland for a welcoming banquet.

  This is the second time in the last 10 years that teams from Fukuoka have traveled to play Alameda.

  During the festivities Alameda mayor Beverly Johnson presented Mr. Mitsuru Hiyashi, president of the Fukuoka Boys League, with a proclamation honoring the Fukuoka visit.

  Alameda World Tournament Director of International Relations Bill Dal Porto addressed the gathering in Japanese saying in part: "Have the courage to make new friends -- all you need is sign language and a big smile."

  He told the young Japanese players: "This is the best trip in your life -- so far."

  Both the North Fukuoka and South Fukuoka managers gave brief messages to the gathering. North Fukuoka manager Mitsuyuki Fujimaru, whose team lost to the Alameda World Team 10-8 in the first game at College of Alameda on Thursday, said: "We lost the first game, but we'll win the next."

  Kiyoshi Takayama, manager of the South Fukuoka team which defeated the Alameda Mariners 3-2 also on Thursday said succinctly: "We won the first game and now our job is done."

  The Alameda World Tournament then combined on serenading the group with its version of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." The South Fukuoka team, taking over for its North counterparts, came up with a group "shout" and quickly exited the stage.

  Tournament Director Ron Matthews placed, at every adult table, bottles of beer labeled 'Alameda-Fukuoka, 2003 Friendship Baseball.' "They had them for us when we went to Japan last year," Matthews said.

  The teams had games at College of Alameda and at Stargell Field on Saturday and Sunday as the Fresno World Team came up for the weekend.

  The Alameda Word Team has participated in the World Tournament every year since 1982. The locals have won it once, in 1986, when they combined with Fresno to win the championship in Osaka, Japan.

  On Friday, the Alameda and Fukuoka teams took time off from playing baseball to watching baseball -- they took in the Giants-Padres game at Pac Bell Park. Also on the day's itinerary was a visit to Pier 39, a cable car ride and a visit to Niketown.

  The Alameda players travel to Fresno for games on Aug. 2-3. They come back to Alameda and leave for the World Tournament in Brazil on Aug. 6.

• Additional news will be posted as submitted.