The City Section baseball championships wrapped up this weekend with a thrilling display of talent, grit, and heart from some of Los Angeles’ top high school teams. With four divisions—Open, Division I, II, and III—on the line, players left it all on the field at Dodger Stadium and other host venues. As the dust settled, new champions were crowned, dynasties defended, and memories made that will last a lifetime.
Open Division: Birmingham Repeats as Champions
In the marquee matchup of the weekend, Birmingham Community Charter High School defended its Open Division crown with a 5-3 win over Granada Hills Charter. Behind a standout performance by senior pitcher Luis Ramirez, who struck out eight and walked none over six innings, the Patriots sealed their second consecutive title.
Birmingham’s offense capitalized early, jumping to a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Junior infielder Marcus Green delivered a key two-run single that set the tone. Granada Hills attempted a late-inning rally, scoring twice in the seventh, but Birmingham’s closer Jaden Lopez shut the door with a strikeout to end the game.
“This win is about more than baseball,” said head coach Matt Mowry. “It’s about commitment, trust, and representing the Valley with pride. These kids have earned every bit of this.”
Division I: San Pedro Walks It Off
San Pedro High captured the Division I title in dramatic fashion, defeating Venice High 4-3 on a walk-off single by sophomore catcher Emilio Rivera. With the game tied in the bottom of the seventh and two outs, Rivera lined a fastball into right field to bring home the winning run, sending the Pirates’ dugout into a frenzy.
Pitcher Anthony Soto was stellar on the mound, giving up just two earned runs over six innings and keeping Venice’s potent lineup in check. It was San Pedro’s first City title since 2017 and a major statement about the strength of their program.
“This is a dream,” Rivera said after being mobbed by teammates. “I wanted that moment. I believed in myself, and my team believed in me.”
Venice, which entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed, played a tight, strategic game, but San Pedro’s resilience and timely hitting proved decisive.
Division II: Legacy Rides Pitching to the Title
Legacy High School continued its meteoric rise through the baseball ranks with a commanding 6-1 win over Gardena High in the Division II final. Led by ace pitcher Bryan Castillo, who threw a complete-game four-hitter, Legacy controlled the tempo from the first pitch to the last.
Castillo also helped himself at the plate, adding a two-run double in the third inning that gave Legacy a 4-0 lead. Gardena managed just one run on a wild pitch, unable to string together any significant offense.
“This is the best group of players we’ve had,” said Legacy coach Alex Medina. “They play for each other, and Bryan is the heart of this team. He deserves every accolade.”
It was Legacy’s first-ever City Section championship, capping off a season marked by upsets and steady improvement.
Division III: Triumph for Torres High
In the Division III final, Torres High School emerged victorious with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sun Valley Magnet. The tightly contested game saw multiple lead changes, but it was Torres’ small-ball approach and sharp base running that tipped the balance.
Senior outfielder Kevin Ortiz scored the go-ahead run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly, and pitcher Diego Morales pitched a flawless seventh inning to secure the championship.
“It’s unreal,” said Morales. “We worked for this all season. People didn’t think we’d get here, and we proved them wrong.”
A Showcase of Local Talent
The City Section championships once again highlighted the deep talent pool in Los Angeles high school baseball. From major prospects to unsung heroes, the level of play underscored the importance of high school sports in building community and character.
Scouts from multiple colleges and even a few MLB teams were in attendance, particularly for the Open Division final, where several players are already drawing interest ahead of the 2025 draft.
In addition to team achievements, several individuals stood out across the divisions:
Luis Ramirez (Birmingham): MVP of the Open Division final, 6 IP, 8 K.
Emilio Rivera (San Pedro): Game-winning hit, solid behind the plate.
Bryan Castillo (Legacy): Complete game win and 2-RBI double.
Kevin Ortiz (Torres): Scored decisive run, displayed strong defensive play.
Looking Ahead
As the high school season concludes, attention now turns to summer leagues, showcases, and college commitments. But for the players, coaches, and fans who poured their passion into the 2025 season, this weekend’s championships offered the perfect finale.
For many seniors, it was the last time donning their school colors. For others, it was just the beginning. One thing’s certain: the future of baseball in the City Section is bright.
