It’s common in the world of sports for plans to go awry. There’s too much randomness involved; rarely do things happen perfectly.
Still, sometimes they do.
On April 28, 10-year-old Little Leaguer Trevor Garcia of the Southside Dodgers threw a perfect game in a 2-0 victory over the Southside Reds. The fifth-grade gunslinger retired all 18 batters he faced with a mere 58 pitches, including eight strikeouts.
As all good athletes do before a memorable game, Garcia had a little spring in his step that day—an undeniable gut feeling. Baseball players have a reputation for being superstitious, but Garcia didn’t keep the thought to himself.
“I told my friends [of the feeling], but I didn’t brag,” Garcia revealed.
Not only was it a landmark game for the young pitcher, it was also a big win for the Southside Dodgers, as they begin their second-half schedule after winning the first half of the season. Baseball is a team game after all, and pitchers can’t do it alone.
“I only got eight strikeouts, but our team has good defense,” Garcia said. Our shortstop saved me a couple of times.”
Garcia knows the value of a good shortstop, because he plays that position in addition to pitching. And he doesn’t just play baseball in the spring; he hits the diamond year round and is also a member of the Santa Maria Sluggers. When he isn’t playing baseball, he’s watching it on TV or locally with his father.
Garcia grew up around baseball, and the kid definitely seems to eat, sleep, and breathe the sport. His ultimate goal is to suit up for the real Dodgers some day. He already has the cap—and the arm.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2011.