(Youth1) - Coach Israel Garcia’s 7-year-old So Cal Prospects played in the Cecil Fielder Elite World Series, making it all the way to the championship game before being defeated by the SGV Hustle. The championship game came down to the last run, as the Hustle edged out the Prospects 7-6.  We had a chance to catch up with Coach Garcia and talk to him about competing in the Cecil Fielder World Series.

Y1: What was the overall tournament experience like for you and your team?

IG: Overall it was a great experience. Getting to play against teams from outside the country, like Mexico, was invaluable to the kids.

Y1: What was the competition level like?

IG: The level of competition was certainly elite to say the least. There were a couple of games played that anybody could have beaten anybody; it was just a few plays in the end that made the difference.

Y1: Any teams in particular that gave you a tough challenge? If so tell us a little about the game

IG: A lot of the games were tough but the championship game against the Hustle was intense, it came down to the last run before they finally beat us 7-6. We’ve played (The Hustle) a few times before so we’re used to the way they play and they’re used to us as well.

Y1: How did the kids react to meeting one of the all-time great hitters in Cecil Fielder?

IG: At first the kids knew him as Prince’s father, and I think the parents were a little more star-struck meeting him. Cecil was great all weekend though; he stayed at the host hotel and spent a good amount of time around the kids and parents.

Y1: What was your most memorable moment from the tournament?

IG: At the end of the tournament, even after coming in 2^nd place we were still awarded with brand new jerseys in addition to our medals. That was great for the kids to get such a nice reward even as runners-up.

Y1: Any other high-profile tournaments you’re playing in through the remainder of the summer?

IG: We’re thinking about playing in the West Coast 7U USSSA World Series, and we’re almost definite, but just waiting on a couple kids to see if they’ll be able to make it.

For more on the Cecil Fielder Elite World Series visit The Baseball Legends at: thebaseballlegends.com

Sport Manger: Matthew Carl