Whether it’s fans, players, umpires or his father yelling at 15-year-old freshman pitcher Carlos Acuna, the chances that he’ll show any emotion are slim and none.
“I don’t like showing my emotions,” he said. “Once the other team sees it, that’s when they get a groove going. I hide it pretty good.”
He deserves an Academy Award for acting calm, cool and collected no matter the situation.
Few freshman pitchers in the history of Birmingham High’s baseball program have performed as well as Acuna, who entered this week with a 7-0 record, 1.09 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 57 innings.
“It’s been going amazing,” Patriots pitching coach Gus Rico said.
Rico has known Acuna since he was 7 years old while coaching him on his son’s travel ball team.
The City Section has a star in the making. Freshman Carlos Acuńa is a keeper. Four strikeouts and one walk in five innings. Birmingham 2, Chaminade 1. pic.twitter.com/JSVh2ms09G
“He’s got an amazing arm and his baseball IQ is pretty good,” Rico said.
Acuna’s father, Roger, and mother, Lisa, played baseball and softball, respectively, at Burbank High. Roger continued to play adult league baseball and would bring Carlos to games. The Acunas are such a passionate baseball family that everyone sits at home in front of the television watching Dodgers games.
“My dad goes crazy,” said the 5-foot-11, 188-pound right-hander, who plays shortstop when he’s not pitching. “It’s pretty funny.”
Acuna‘s father makes sure his son is learning lessons while watching the pros pitch. Acuna said seeing pitchers have the same routine and throw the ball “around the zone consistently” are two lessons.
His off-speed pitches have been effective this season. He has a slider, change-up, curveball and sinker to go with a good fastball.
He credits playing against older kids in helping his transition to high school.
“I’m used to bigger, older kids,” he said. “I know if I can’t get them with a fastball, I have to go off speed.”
The early days on varsity were about making sure his new teammates thought he belonged. He had to earn their respect. Seniors always have skepticism about freshmen.
“Once you prove you can be there, you love it,” he said.
Birmingham has won five City Section championships in 19 seasons under coach Matt Mowry but zero West Valley League titles. The Patriots lost to El Camino Real 1-0 on Tuesday, leaving them at second place in the West Valley League. Once again, they’ll focus on the Open Division playoffs. Pairings will be announced Saturday and the championship game is May 24 at Dodger Stadium.
Imagine what it would be like if Acuna got a chance to play at Dodger Stadium.
“Pitching at Dodger Stadium would be crazy because I grew up watching my favorite players there,” he said.
Acuna and senior Allen Olmos give Birmingham a formidable 1-2 pitching duo. They figure to do most of Birmingham’s pitching during the playoffs.
Last week, Acuna was sick and vomiting but still able to throw 5 1/3 innings and give up just one run in a loss to Granada Hills.
The pressure of the playoffs is something Acuna intends to embrace. Yes, players in the dugout will be shouting a little louder and the stakes will be higher, but he’s no ordinary 15-year-old.
“I’m really excited because I haven’t been there before,” he said. “I want to see the atmosphere.”
If the atmosphere is anything like watching a Dodgers game at home, he’ll be well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Gabby Marshall was on a spinal board in the back of a West Midlands ambulance when it dawned on her – through the fug of a second concussion in a month – that this might be the injury that would end her sporting career.
On Tuesday morning she made it official.
After three weeks of severe headaches and discombobulating fatigue, the 29-year-old captain of Birmingham Panthers kissed goodbye to her life in netball at a tearful team meeting, concluding there was no other choice she could have made.
It was not how “devastated” Marshall envisaged the first year of Netball Super League’s much-vaunted professional era turning out for her.
Rather this, though, than a worst-case scenario further down the line.
She told BBC Sport: “I dread to think, after a rest period and recovery for this one, if I was to then step on court again and be in the same situation again.
“I dread to think of the symptoms I would have because this one has been quite scary and quite difficult.
“It’s a tricky decision to come to because you never want your career to end like this.”
Marshall was concussed for the first time this season in Birmingham’s opening game against Leeds Rhinos on 14 March.
It left her feeling nauseous for days, but she completed return to play protocols and was feeling fine when she lined up to face leaders London Pulse on 13 April, only for a collision in the third quarter to end her game and ultimately her life as a professional athlete.
Marshall was attempting to catch a pass when she collided with Pulse goalkeeper Darcie Everitt and hit the deck, the back of her head banging against the court at Worcester Arena.
The match was paused for 20 minutes as Marshall was treated and taken away to hospital for checks and a CT scan.
Those showed up clear, but Marshall has endured a dismal time since.
She is seeing a neurological physiotherapist as she looks to lead a normal life again.
“I was quite unwell for the first 10 days or so, not really able to do very much, and I’m not back to normal yet but I’m better than I was,” she said.
She recalls being in the ambulance, helpless.
“You think, ‘oh wow, I’ve just had one particularly big head knock and now the second one’,” said Marshall.
“I’ve got a medical background from studying physiotherapy at university, so I was well aware of the dangers of having two concussions quite close together.
“I’ve had a couple earlier in my career as well, so I was quite aware it’s a very serious injury. I had an MRI yesterday.
“There’s a misconception with concussions where perhaps people think it’s a little bang to the head and you’re going to be OK afterwards.
“Hopefully I do make a full recovery, but this one’s been quite scary.
“There’s been quite a lot of fairly severe headaches, intense pressure in the head, unable to look at any screens, read anything.
“I’ve been sleeping 12 hours at night, then I’d go and sit downstairs for 10 or 15 minutes and would fall asleep for three hours. Crazy exhaustion.”
THE UK has its own ‘Grand Canyon’ that contains hidden cave houses that are carved into the rock, dating back hundreds of years.
With summer approaching, the warm weather means that you might want to look into potential staycations or fun days out.
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Kinver Edge is characterized by its red sandstone, which gives a striking resemblance to Arizona’s Grand CanyonCredit: TikTok/@bellaprsn
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The Staffordshire location in the West Midlands includes houses that have been constructed into the rockCredit: Paul Tonge
Whereas there is one area in Staffordshire that has both amazing views and is a wildlife paradise.
It also has centuries-old homes that have been carved into the rock, but the location has until now been relatively unknown until now.
Kinver Edge in Staffordshire boasts picturesque views and is characterised by its signature soft red sandstone.
As such, the new UK hotspot shares a striking similarity to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
READ MORE ON PLACES TO GO
However, the unique feature of the area is the network of cavernous homes that were built into the three huge rocks.
Nanny’s Rock, Vale’s Rock, and Holy Austin are the mounts that have the intriguing feature which is fast becoming a go-to place for tourists.
According to The National Trust, the earliest record of inhabitants in these unusual dwellings dates back to 1777.
They were some of the last cave homes in England and families lived in them right up until the 1960s.
It’s located just over an hour’s drive from Birmingham’s City Centre, although Birmingham Live reports it’s roughly 45 minutes out from the city.
A resident named Bella, who lives in the city recently gushed about the location to the outlet.
She exclaimed: “The West Midlands surprisingly has more hidden gems than you think. This is Nanny’s Rock in Kinver.”
“We did a circular route following the purple arrows and taking about two hours. This took us past Nanny’s Rock and also the National Trust rock houses.
“The area that we’re exploring here is totally free, but the rock houses do cost, I think £7.50 and there’s a little café too.”
She also described the 6.4km moderate walking trail as ‘amazing’, although the one caveat is that dogs must be kept on leads.
Bella said: “The parking is great because it’s free here on Compton Road or on Kingsford Lane.”
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The only caveat is that dogs need to be kept on a leashCredit: TikTok/@bellaprsn
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Residents lived in the strange homes right up until the 1960sCredit: Paul Tonge
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Now they serve as a fascinating tourist attractionCredit: Paul Tonge
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The National Trust suggested that the earliest records of the houses date back to the 18th centuryCredit: Paul Tonge
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People have lived in the cave-like dwellings from 1777Credit: Paul Tonge
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It also boasts breathtaking viewers which are perfect for walkersCredit: Tripadvisor
The City Section track preliminaries and finals will be run on Birmingham High’s new Mondo track, which is like running on a carpet and improves times.
Birmingham spent more than $1.2 million on the new synthetic track, replacing one that had been put in before the 1984 Olympic Games.
The reviews have been great from runners. The City prelims are scheduled for May 15 and the finals May 22. …
The Southern Section will release its baseball and softball playoff pairings on May 12. The City Section will release its baseball pairings on Saturday. The City softball pairings will be announced May 16. …
League MVP Isaiah Bennett Commits to University of La Verne A four-year varsity standout at AGBU, has officially committed to continue his basketball career at the University of La Verne. Bennett scored over 1,000 points, won two league championships, reached the CIF Final Four,… pic.twitter.com/6MuAd3Qp4u
May Madness has arrived for high school sports. It’s the final month of the 2024-25 season, with lots of spring championships to be won and preparation for the fall football season under way.
Let’s examine the calendar and potential news to be made.
Swimming
Swimmer Teagan O’Dell is looking to lead Santa Margarita to another Division 1 state title.
(Marni O’Dell)
The Southern Section finals are Saturday at Mt. San Antonio College with the City Section finals the same day at L.A. Valley College. The state championships are May 15-17 at Clovis West.
All eyes will be on four-year Santa Margarita standout Teagan O’Dell before she heads off to California to begin her college career with the Golden Bears. She has dominated in Division 1 and is hoping to break more records while leading her team to a sixth straight girls’ state championship.
Lacrosse
Elexus Ray goes on the attack in the City Section girls’ lacrosse final against El Camino Real. The freshman scored nine goals in Palisades’ 12-3 win.
Loyola is seeded No. 1 in boys and Mira Costa is No. 1 in girls.
Baseball
Seth Hernandez of Corona High has 88 strikeouts and given up only three walks in 42 1/3 innings this season.
(Nick Koza)
Corona is 26-2 and atop the Southern Section power rankings. Playoff seedings will be announced on May 12 and the championship games will be played May 30 and 31 at Cal State Fullerton and Blair Field in Long Beach. Division 1 will have its strongest 32-team bracket ever. Regional championships are June 7.
The regular season has been completed for Corona pitcher Seth Hernandez, and his stats are amazing. He’s walked three in 42 1/3 innings with 88 strikeouts and given up one earned run and is 8-0.
It’s a last chance to see Corona pitcher Seth Hernandez before he goes No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 in baseball’s amateur draft this summer. He has 88 strikeouts and three walks in 42 1/3 innings. The Panthers also have another likely top-10 selection in shortstop Billy Carlson.
The City Section championships are set for May 24 at Dodger Stadium. Playoff pairings are announced on May 10. Either Birmingham or El Camino Real will be the No. 1 seed as they battle it out for the West Valley League championship with a two-game series this week. Venice is 24-2 and looking good for a top-four seed.
The Open Division playoffs change from 12 teams to eight teams and playoff games scheduled for May 14 and May 20 make it possible for a team to use a single pitcher to get to Dodger Stadium. “It’s not who has the best team but who has the best pitcher,” Birmingham coach Matt Mowry said of the scheduling.
Softball
Orange Lutheran center fielder Kai Minor is headed to Oklahoma.
(Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Norco, Rosary and Orange Lutheran look like the teams to beat in Southern Section softball. Pairings come out on May 12. The finals are May 30-31 in Irvine.
With the absence of a dominant pitcher, the hitters have a chance to lead their team to a championship, and few have been better than Orange Lutheran’s Kai Minor, an Oklahoma commit.
In the City Section, who wouldn’t want to see a third straight final between Granada Hills and Carson? Last season Carson won on a 14th-inning walk-off home run. The final will be played May 31 at a college field to be announced. San Pedro has won the Marine League title over Carson, so beware of the Pirates.
Volleyball
Mira Costa’s Andrew Chapin and Wyatt Davis block a hit by Loyola’s Simon Capps on March 21.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
Mira Costa is the No. 1 seed in the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs that conclude May 16-17 at Cerritos College. The regional playoffs are the following week, then the state championships May 31 at Santiago Canyon College.
Boys Volleyball: @CIFLACS 2025 Playoff Brackets Are Live!
Irvine University and Beckman are the favorites to win a Southern Section Open Division title. The finals are May 16 at the University of Redlands.
Sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu of St. John Bosco will have a top corps of receivers to work with this spring and summer.
(Craig Weston)
This month schools are ending spring practices by holding college showcases and playing seven-on-seven competitions against other schools.
One of the most intriguing should take place Tuesday at Sierra Canyon, where Newbury Park and quarterback Brady Smigiel will be facing the Trailblazers’ talented secondary, led by USC commit Madden Riordan.
Long Beach Millikan is hosting the first big seven-on-seven event on May 17 that will feature 20 teams.
This month, the National Federation of State High School Assns. will release its first national rules for girls’ flag football. It will have a big influence in California, with special teams used for the first time (punting) and defenses allowed to rush from one yard back of the line of scrimmage instead of seven last year. Coaches say that will lead to fewer touchdowns and fewer long passes.
Track
Demare Dezeurn of Bishop Alemany High crosses the finish line in 10.32 seconds in the 100 meters at the Mission League finals.
(Craig Weston)
The Southern Section track and field finals are set for May 17 at Moorpark High, followed by the Masters Meet on May 24. The City Section finals will be May 22 on Birmingham’s new Mondo track. The state championships are May 30-31 at Buchanan High in Clovis.
The Arcadia Invitational was a good sneak peek for athletes to watch, including Servite’s group of young sprinters, Temecula Valley’s Jack Stadlman in the 400, Santa Margarita’s Leo Francis in the long jump and Aliso Niguel’s Jaslene Massey in the girls’ shotput.
Palisades High’s Luke Schultz follows through on his tee shot on the last hole in Wednesday’s playoff to decide the City Section boys’ golf championship.
(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
The City Section championships will be held May 21 at Harding Golf Course. Luke Schultz of Palisades is back to defend his individual title.
The Southern Section team finals are May 19-20, followed by the individual final on May 22. The state championships are June 3 at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach.
Watch to see if St. Francis freshman Jaden Soong can contend for an individual title.
