National Classic

The schedule has been finalized for the National Classic that begins on April 5 in Orange County. Baseball teams participating in the National Classic next week in Orange County will only use wood bats. The decision was made after tournament organizers polled coaches following a suggestion by Marin Catholic to use wood bats.

Marin Catholic switched from aluminum to wood because of a serious injury suffered by pitcher Gunnar Sandberg, who was struck in the head by a line drive. The school will be providing 15 wood bats for each team, according to an e-mail sent by Steve Gullotti, the tournament organizer. Marin County Athletic Director Rick Winter said he will be transporting more than 200 wood bats to be distributed to teams.

Action begins on April 5. Perhaps the best opening matchup has Valencia West Ranch playing Orange Lutheran at 1p.m. at El Dorado. The championship game is set for April 8 at 7 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton.

An update on the condition of Sandberg can be found at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gunnarsandberg/