Sports
Venice Baseball Is Stepping Up
The Gondos move from Division II to Division I in the City Section.
Last season, the Venice High baseball team nearly completed a miraculous run in the City Section Division II playoffs, making it all the way to the finals as a No. 10 seed before losing to Westchester 10-3 at Dodger Stadium. This year, Venice got moved up to Division I and head coach Walter Fujita knows his team has a tall task on its hands.
“We got moved up this year, so our chances of getting past the teams like Chatsworth are pretty slim," Fujita said. "But we are working on building good students and good adults at this program.”
The Gondoliers lost some fire power with stars Daniel Hordo, Junior Campos, and Alfonso Medina all graduating. They were the anchors of last year's Division II runner-up squad, but Fujita has confidence in his new crop of players.
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“I think that we are actually better at pitching this year then we were last year," Fujita said. "I’ll be looking at guys like Steven Diaz, Nolan Sax, and Vincent Medina to step it up this year and lead the guys.”
The Gondoliers went 19-12 last year, but were only 4-8 in the Western League, finishing second to last. Venice has started the season off on the right foot, winning its season opener at Hollywood 3-2. Fujita thinks if players bond, this could be a special team.
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“The team has some big shoes to fill this year, but I think if they can work on their chemistry we will be find," Fujita added. "I need my captains to be leaders both on and off the field. If they do that, I can’t ask for anything more.”
As far as goals this year, Venice would love to return to Dodger Stadium, but that seems unlikely due to the bump up to Division I. Instead, Fujita says his goals are for his players off the field.
“A deep run in the playoffs would be great this year, but I’m mainly concerned with making sure all my kids graduate," Fujita said. "Our main goal is the build a strong program on the field while also making respectful adults off the field.”
The Gondoliers have a few more nonleague games before they open Western League play against L.A. University on March 21.
