The most memorable moment of Santa Monica High’s baseball season was David Castellanos’ slide into home plate and the look on his face as he scored the run that put the Vikings into the Division 4 championship game at Dodger Stadium, their first appearance there in 31 years.
The play was captured by Mirror photographer Margaret Molloy, a highlight of Castellanos’ career and hers.
It is not the only reason that Castellanos, the Vikings’ reliable senior shortstop, was named first team all-CIF on June 18, but it helped.
Castellanos batted .389, was solid defensively and led the Vikings in stolen bases with 10 in 12 attempts.
Also making the first team was pitcher Joe McGrew, who was similarly honored last season.
Senior Devon Ramirez was named to the second team. He batted .361 and was 5-2 as a pitcher.
Coach Kevin Brockway started McGrew in the playoff semi-final game, that 5-4 victory over Northview, reasoning the Vikings needed their best to qualify to get into the championship contest. As a result, McGrew didn’t pitch three days later in Dodger Stadium, except to get the last out in the seventh inning of a 7-1 loss to Charter Oak.
But McGrew was outstanding all season. The senior lefthander had a 9-2 record and 1.33 ERA.
One other Westside player was honored. Ryan Toomin of Brentwood made the Division 5 second team. He excelled as both a hitter and pitcher.
