2025 40+

Montebello Angels 12, Cerveceros Las Vegas 5

Submitted by Michael Alcala

The Montebello Angels entered uncharted waters in the 2025 MSBL Kickoff Classic, as they were without their Manager Robert Oskin, who was sidelined after being in the hospital nearly three weeks from a ruptured appendix.  But staying true to form, he arranged an ever-changing roster from his hospital bed.

The Angels’ offense was great all weekend!  Leading the way were Andy Corona, Daniel Arruda, Joseph Moose, Adolfo Sanchez, and Bobby Sanchez, but the best all-around offensive production was from our defensive specialist, Joey Flores.  Joey played exceptionally in center field for every inning and dazzled at the plate. Flores never took any innings off and was a base-stealing threat all weekend!

Not to be outshined, the Angels’ pitching staff was phenomenal! Amazingly, the Angels were able to cover all seven games with only four pitchers!  The starters threw six complete games with Tony Cabrera in game one, Yosjan Brizuelas throwing complete games in games two and three, Bobby Yanez in game four and in our playoff game five, and not to be out done, Luis Lira started the semi-finals and championship game with Tony Cabrera closing out the championship game, ending the weekend with a staff record of 7-0.

The Montebello Angels have always been known for their pitching, but what an outstanding job this tournament from all.

Team Captains Louie Gonzalez and Ken Lumpkin took the reins this weekend and didn’t miss a beat, making all the right decisions to secure the 2025 MSBL KICKOFF CLASSIC Championship trophy.