Recent Culver City high school graduate Jacob Weiner was two for four with three runs batted in, as he led the Gold team to a 15-3 win over the Blue team in the Westside Victory Custom Athletic All-Star Classic at West Los Angeles College last Saturday. The All-Star game showcased 40 graduating players from 28 high schools.
In Weiner’s second at bat he drove a fast ball into the right-center field gap with the bases loaded to score two runs, and he later dove in his third run with a sacrifice fly. Also present was Culver City’s recent graduate Nolan Martinez. Martinez, who was also on the Gold team, did not play but was there to root on his teammates. Martinez was the 98th player chosen in the Major League Draft a few weeks ago.
“It feels great,” said Martinez before the game on Saturday. “I graduated from high school and I get a call from the Yankees. I was happy I was able to share these great moments with my friends that I grew up with and played little league with. I always wanted to play professional baseball.”
Martinez was offered a baseball scholarship to San Diego State, but will probably sign with the Yankees this summer. “It’s an honor to play for a college, but I want to pursue my dream of playing professional baseball and hopefully make it to the big leagues,” said Martinez. “If baseball does not work out, I can always go back to school.”
“I will probably go down to Tampa, Florida to their rookie camp and sign down there because I am not 18 yet, so one of my parents has to come down and be there when I sign.”
Both Martinez and Weiner played on a league championship team so leaving Culver City is bittersweet for both players. “I had a great time at Culver City,” said Martinez. “We had a great team this past season.”
Weiner will also be leaving the California because he accepted a baseball scholarship to play for Hawaii Pacific University. “It’s exciting,” said Weiner. “Yes I am going off to Hawaii. I have never been there before so I am really looking forward to the experience.”
Like most young athletes there is always parents and coaches along the way that have been instrumental in their success. In Weiner’s case his father, Larry and mother Laura are his biggest supporters.
