Clovis Cal Ripken 9U All-Stars win State Championship

The Clovis Cal Ripken 9U All-Star baseball team defeated the Visalia Cal Ripken team 3-2 to win the state championships on June 27. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLOVIS BABE RUTH/FACEBOOK

The Clovis Cal Ripken 9U All-Star baseball team has earned the title of State Champions after defeating the Visalia Cal Ripken team 3-2 on June 27.

The 11-player team is made up of 9-year-olds selected from 10 teams in the Clovis Cal Ripken division. So far, the team has played together for about six weeks and looks to extend its time together by continuing its winning streak.

Team coach Rus Hartmann remarked on the level of play his athletes have performed at, particularly on defense, having allowed just four runs through the State Tournament.

“I’m extremely impressed with how well they’ve played for this age group,” Hartmann said. “I’m excited for the boys to continue playing, and for them to get the opportunity to play teams from different places.”

The next stop for the team is the Pacific Southwest Regional Tournament in Hanford from July 15-20.

The team will play its first three games against teams from Northern California, Arizona and Hawaii.

Hartmann also said he is happy the team will get to spend more time with each other and the team member’s families, who he said have been “phenomenal” throughout the team’s championship run.

Seth Casey is an aspiring journalist, an avid sports fan and a Fresno/Clovis native. He currently attends Fresno State, where he is pursuing a degree in Media, Communication and Journalism with an emphasis in print journalism. He is excited for the opportunity to work at the Clovis Roundup and looks forward to serving the Clovis community and its residents by showcasing all the city has to offer.