In the sunny state of California, where palm trees sway like hula dancers and surfers ride waves like galloping stallions, a team of scrappy young kids, known as the California Crushers, are mastering the timeless sport of baseball. Their story is a mix of the wild and wacky, with a sprinkle of the unbelievable, and a dash of the absolutely hilarious. Let's start with the team's coach, a tall, lanky fellow named Bumblebee Burt. No, he's not a giant insect. But he wears these thick-rimmed glasses that make his eyes as big as baseballs, which somehow give him a superpower to spot the tiniest mistake from miles away. He has a laugh that sounds like a honking seal and a habit of getting his cap stuck in trees, but he's the best coach these kids could ever ask for. Now, onto the team. Leading the pack is 'Hurricane' Harry, a pint-sized powerhouse with a swing that could blow you away. Then there's 'Rocket' Rachel, who's as quick as a flash and can steal bases like a ninja. 'Glove' Gavin is the team's catcher and his mitt is like a magnet for baseballs. Finally, 'Twister' Tina, the pitcher, can twist and twirl a ball in ways that confound even the bravest of batters. This quirky bunch of Californian kids, with their mismatched socks, crazy chants, and outlandish tin-foil trophies, are the heart and soul of California's baseball scene. Through their adventures on and off the field, they show everyone that baseball isn't just a game, it's a wild, wacky, and wonderful way of life.
Read morebest baseball programs in Concord, CA
The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Mike Carzino is the owner and operator of Payless Batting Cages, a business he opened in 1994. His introduction to baseball was coaching the “Foxes” in 1979. The team went on to achieve an incredible 18-0 record and won the T-Ball Division Championship, a feat that was a highlight of Mike’s baseball commitment. Seeing the dramatic transformation of the team from little children who couldn’t bat or throw to a victorious championship team was a thrill that Mike will never forget. In 1981, Mike joined the Rockets coaching staff managed by Bob Beberg and helped to win the Rockets Major Division Championship. Mike and the Rockets staff were also instrumental in building the new T-Ball fields in the City of Concord. To get funding, they established a Bingo Fundraising committee and operated Bingo for the public. Through this effort, they were able to fence, set up scoreboards, and build fields for the T-Ball teams. Today, Mike Carzino is the proud owner of Payless Batting Cages, a business he opened in 1994. His journey to the business began with the Foxes in 1979, an experience that still stands out as a highlight of his baseball commitment. The team created history with an 18-0 record and a T-Ball Division Championship. Mike later joined the Rockets coaching staff and was part of the team’s Major Division Championship win. His commitment to baseball extended to setting up the T-Ball fields in the City of Concord by establishing a Bingo Fundraising committee and helping to operate Bingo for the public. Mike’s dedication to baseball has been rewarded with the success of his own business.