Dallas calls Lakeside new Stars’ home

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: June 12, 2021

2021 SAN DIEGO STARS BASEBALL

STARS 8, CLIPPERS 5 BOXSCORE

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS staff writer

LAKESIDE —- Dallas Seidel, a two-time member of the All-East County as a member of the Santana Sultans (2007, ’09) is enjoying his new role at the new home of the San Diego Stars summer collegiate baseball team.

Seidel was one of three members of the Stars to hammer home runs Saturday (June 12), powering over the West Coast Clippers, 8-5, in their Western Baseball Association opener.

The Stars spent a quarter-century at a privately-constructed ballpark on the Barona Indian Reservation before moving to West Hills High three years ago. Both were big ballparks, but the cozy confines of El Capitan High’s Hostetler Field could produce big power numbers like the Stars teams smack to each their barn-storming years.

“Slugging has always been something that has come easy with this group of guys,” Seidel explained. “We hit 20-plus home runs in 2019 and we’re always talking smack to each other about who will lead this team in homers.”

“The field does carry out to both left-center and right-center, so I think we will have a big year as long as we can keep putting good swings on the baseball.”

Seidel, a 10-year veteran with the semipro/summer collegiate ballclub, is also serving in a new role as one of the assistant coaches as several members of the organization received promotions following the passing of owner/manager Mickey Deutschman; the season is dedicated to the memory of “Mickey D.”

“I have always put my player role before my coaching role,” he added. “But this year, I’m going to talk a lot to the guys about hitting. This was always Mick’s thing, so I have some big shoes to fill.

Along with the Seidel, the hitting shoes were also worn by Luke Arias and Tristen Salinas, who also homered to give the Stars a 5-0 cushion after just two innings.
Leading 3-0 after the first, Seidel launched his rocket onto Ashwood Street in the second, a two-run shot also scored Kip Famolaro (hit by pitch), who just graduated from Foothills Christian High.

Arias smacked his shot to left for a 5-0 cushion in the fourth, then Salinas also went to left for his leadoff blast in the eighth.

For the ballgame, Arias batted 3-for-5, while Seidel went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI and scoring twice.

The Clippers, based in Temecula, also received a homer from Anthony Babcock.

Because the scheduled doubleheader was limited to one contest — the Clips didn’t have enough arms — the Stars utilized six arms so players could get their work.

Starter Bailey Roberson tossed three shutout innings, allowing just two hits to collect the victory. Ryan Culp, a recent graduate at San Diego Christian College, pitched the ninth to garner the save.

“This season should be a good one as long as we can get a little bit more pitching down the stretch,” noted Seidel.

For interested high school, college, or former professionals interest in joining the Stars — playing for the ballclub does not affect one’s amateur status — contact Kelly Ritayik, the club president and new owner, by EMAIL.

The San Diego Stars return home to face the North County Gorillas on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.