DAILY BREEZE ALL-AREA BASEBALL TEAM 2024
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mateo Rickman, Torrance, Junior
Mateo Rickman put up impressive numbers as a sophom*ore at Torrance in 2023 and was named the Daily Breeze player of the year.
What would he do for an encore this season?
“I put the pressure on him at last year’s banquet,” Torrance coach Rob Ybarra said. “When everyone is asking about Torrance baseball, it’s going to be Mateo Rickman leading the way. He’s done a tremendous job being a leader.”
On the field, Rickman again produced big numbers, hitting .420 with five home runs and 31 RBI while leading Torrance to the Pioneer League title.
He’s now a two-time Daily Breeze player of the year.
“I think he was better than last year,” Ybarra said.
Rickman also did some pitching for a total of 12 innings. He struck out 14 and had a 1-2 record with a 1.16 ERA.
At the plate, Rickman said the key was patience.
“Being mentally prepared and trying to be patient,” Rickman said. “Kids (opposing pitchers) know I’m a good hitter and I had to be smart and decisive and ready to attack. This year, I would probably only get one pitch (in the strike zone), so I had to be ready for the first pitch. I thought throughout the whole season, I was more patient.”
The work will continue throughout the summer as he gets ready for his senior year. Rickman expects to commit to a college this summer.
“I want to grow and get better and get stronger,” he said. “Can’t take a day off. I want to embrace the summer because it’s the last (summer) with my guys and putting in the work.”
Rickman has settled into a leadership role and will be looking to continue to develop in that area.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience and I really want to share that knowledge,” he said. “I want to pass it down to all the younger kids and the underclassmen because they’re the ones who will carrying the torch.”
PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Jared Galang, Torrance, Senior
As a junior in 2023, Jared Galang saw limited action for the Torrance baseball team, but he did well when he had a chance to test himself.
“He had some success and showed good upside,” Torrance coach Rob Ybarra said. “We knew it was going to be a work in progress.”
Galang proved to be ready as he stepped into a larger role this season as a senior.
“He worked really hard with us and outside and he clearly showed that he had the stuff,” Ybarra said.
Galang, who is headed to Fresno State, posted a 7-2 record as he pitched 68 1/3 innings with 93 strikeouts and 32 walks. He posted a 1.53 ERA and was co-MVP of the Pioneer League.
He recorded a season-high 12 strikeouts in a game twice during the season.
“He’s precise with his daily routines, he’s locked in and understands what he needs to do,” Ybarra said. “I’m sure when he gets to Fresno State, he will get more info, but he’ll be fine on the field. And in the school, he’s a 4.0 student.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Michael Kunipo-Aguirre, Carson
Michael Kunipo-Aguirre took over as Carson’s coach this season, replacing Steven Manqueros, and led the Colts to the Marine League title and to the L.A. City Section semifinals.
“As a team we’ve been focusing on doing the little things right,” he said during the season. “Keep focusing on those little things and we’re going to end up on the good side of games.”
Five of the Colts’ losses were by one run and two were in extra innings.
Carson’s season ended with a 3-0 loss to Birmingham in the Open Division semifinals.
ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM
Pitcher – Jared Galang, Torrance, Sr. (Pitcher of the Year)
Pitcher – Dylan Alcala, El Segundo, Sr.
Pitcher – Tyler Tellenbach, Palos Verdes, Sr.
Pitcher – Peter Broughton, South Torrance, Jr.
Pitcher – Dylan Smith, West Torrance, Sr.
Pitcher – Adrian Pineda, Serra, Jr.
Relief Pitcher – Kai Van Scoyoc, Palos Verdes, So.
Catcher – Kaden Stone, Palos Verdes, Sr.
First baseman – Mateo Rickman, Torrance, Jr. (Player of the Year)
Infield – Amari Hackett, Serra, Jr.
Infield – Slater Nunez, Torrance, Sr.
Infield – Caden Lewis, South Torrance, Sr.
Outfield – Brandon Dillon, Narbonne, Jr.
Outfield – Win Gurney, Mira Costa, Jr.
Outfield – Noah Gomez, Carson, Sr.
Designated hitter – Dylan Mares, Carson, Sr.
Designated hitter – Daniel Martin, Leuzinger, So.
Utility – Mateo Heredia, El Segundo, Sr.
Utility – Aiden Brasher, Carson, Sr.
Utility – Reef Sharman, West Torrance, Jr.
Utility – Robert Guerrero, Banning, Sr.
ALL-AREA SECOND TEAM
Pitcher – Sergio Padilla, Carson, Sr.
Pitcher – Pierson Howe, Bishop Montgomery, Jr.
Pitcher – Alito McBean, Mira Costa, Sr.
Pitcher – Anthony Solis, San Pedro, Jr.
Pitcher – Stephen Deakins, Palos Verdes, Sr.
Pitcher – Makoto Nakawake, North Torrance, Jr.
Relief Pitcher – Maddon McArthur, Redondo, Sr.
Catcher – Johnny Munoz, Carson, Sr.
First baseman – Brody Cuellar, Bishop Montgomery, Sr.
Infield – Braydon Griffin, San Pedro, Jr.
Infield – Nick Aguirre, Redondo, Jr.
Infield – Marc Emmerman, Serra, Jr.
Outfield – Ace Tarango, Mira Costa, So.
Outfield – Hudson Comer, El Segundo, Sr.
Outfield – Noriyoshi Mori, Torrance, So.
Designated hitter – Cam Protiva, Bishop Montgomery, Sr.
Designated hitter: Harrison Belden, Mira Costa, Jr.
Utility – Maximo Martinez, Mira Costa, Sr.
Utility – Maddox Wiltshire, Wiseburn Da Vinci, Sr.
Utility – Zach Grant, Leuzinger, So.
Utility – Jason Torres, Banning, Sr.
