Newsflash: Arcadia Baseball is the real deal. Arcadia is 21-0 and the only unbeaten team left in Southern California that’s played a minimum of 10 games. Ranked 1st in Southern Section Division 3 and 2nd by The Times, there’s many wondering just how good the Apaches might be.

The Apache squad has cohesion and chemistry widespread within its entire squad. With the powerful throws of shortstop Jeffrey Castillo, the consistency of third baseman Dominick Tello, the exceptional play of catcher Tyus Santa Anna and the ability of outfielders Tim Van Kirk, Jacob Lopez and Dustin Allen to run down and catch fly balls, Arcadia is in an ideal position to turn the ball over to pitchers Caden Ross and Chris Wilson and let the fielders do the rest. “They’re a good team that’s well coached,” Crescenta Valley coach Phil Torres said. “They can beat anybody.” They’re 8-0 in the Pacific League, which isn’t particularly strong on competition with the exception of Crescenta Valley (17-4), a team the Apaches will face to end the regular season in a two-game series on May 8 and May 11. The games will be played under the lights and should be standing-room only.

Most of all, Arcadia has great team chemistry. Lemas was concerned about players on the bench accepting their roles with so many returning players. But if you watch and listen to what’s happening in the dugout, everybody is on the same page. “They support one another,” Lemas said. “We’ve got guys on the bench who can play. They’re having fun. It’s getting rare to have this many kids who love baseball.” Asked who was the best baseball player/handicapper he’s had, Lemas cited Joey Harmon, a 2014 grad now at Chapman. “He had good intelligence,” Lemas said. My intelligence tells me these Apaches are for real.

This season is undoubtedly one of the best the seasons AHS has ever witness. With expert teamwork, communication, and a strong team chemistry. The boys are surly able to claim the title of CIF Champions. Good luck apaches!

Photo by ARIANA PARIZADETH