Antioch West Little League celebrated the end of another baseball season on Saturday, June 16, at the Fairgrounds complex. The complex was decked out in flags and streamers, and the public address system belted out tunes between innings as players, parents and coaches celebrated a fantastic season.

Throughout the week, teams in the baseball program participated in a league Championship Tournament, the winner advancing to the District 4 Tournament of Champions (TOC). The winner of each softball division will represent the league in the same district tournament. Each team will be playing teams from all over the East Bay in a single-elimination format.

On championship Saturday, the AA Tigers took on the division-winning Pirates. The Pirates, behind good defense and pitching, won 5-0 to advance to the TOC. At the same time, the Minor Cardinals played the division winning A's. Good pitching and hitting helped the Cardinals pull off the upset and advance to the TOC.

The Showcase game of the day featured the Major Bears and the Major Fireballs in a six-inning thriller, as 10-year-old Malik Hutchings drove in the winning run in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Bears then held off the Fireballs in the sixth to clinch the 5-4 win. Davarian Redd and Anthony Norris both pitched exceptionally well.

Representing Antioch West Little League in the TOC are: Major - Bears; Minor - Cardinals; and AA - Pirates. The softball program will be represented by: Senior - Heat; Major - Riptide; and Minor - Bandits.

A special award was given to Butch Felix, who has dedicated his time and love of the game and passion for youth sports in Antioch for 30 years in Antioch West Little League. Felix has managed in the league for 30 years and has been on its board of directors for over 15. He has coached many All-Star Teams. In 1989, he took the All-Star team to San Bernardino and came up just short of reaching the Little League World Series.

The Fairgrounds event recognized the teams in all of the league's divisions, from Tee Ball to senior girls softball. In addition, special recognition was given to each division winner, the teams playing in the TOC, and players representing the league in Little League's annual All-Star Tournament.

The highlight of the day's ceremony was the announcement of the All-Star teams and kids who would be playing on them. Depending on age and which team they are selected to play for, the team can advance to Kalamazoo, Mich. or Williamsport, Penn. for the Little League World Series.

For more information, visit Antioch West Little League at www.antiochlittleleague.com or call 756-7920.