Culver City Businesses Rally Around World Series Baseball Team

By Scott Zeidman

In a show of support indicative of the great City of Culver City, local businesses are rallying to assist Westside Baseball’s Westchester Babe Ruth World Series teams make their trips to Virginia and Washington, respectively.

Westside Baseball, which includes Culver City, had its 14U team and its 15U team qualify for the Babe Ruth World Series.  Only 10 teams from across the country qualify for this prestigious event. 

The 15U team won its district title in El Segundo, its State title in Torrance and its Southwest Pacific Regional title in Tucson, Arizona.  The 15U World Series is in Loudoun County, Virginia. The 14U team won its district title in Torrance, its state title in La Canada, and its Southwest Pacific Regional title in Surprise, Arizona.  The 14U World Series is in Moses Lake, Washington.

With success comes expense, and the teams have been feverishly fundraising to offset the costs associated with taking 15 players and three coaches to each series.  Enter the helpful businesses of Culver City. 

Culver Crossroads (4114 Sepulveda Boulevard), the new shopping center on Washington and Sepulveda, has been instrumental in the fundraising. Culver Crossroads’ partner, Barry Knudson, explained, “Supporting our communities is fundamental to Culver Crossroads.  The community gives so much to our businesses, we are delighted when we can give back.”

Culver Crossroads’ Zinga Yogurt and Blaze Pizza have opened their respective businesses and checkbooks to help out.  Zinga not only provided much needed financial support to the players, but also hosted a Westside Baseball night.  Zinga offers a wide variety of fat free and low calorie frozen yogurt flavors and over 50 toppings. 

Blaze Pizza, although not yet even open, joined in the support, providing an immense donation, and a promise of further support. Blaze Pizza, recently featured on Good Morning America, features a wide array of exceptional quality at pizzas at a freakishly fast speed (120 seconds for fast fired pizza).  Blaze will be opening shortly.

Joxer Daly’s, always there to support local endeavors, once again stepped up to the plate with a large monetary donation.  Joxer’s owner, Mehaul O’Leary commented, “These are our kids.  They are tomorrow’s leaders. When a team can perform at such a level, in any arena, they deserve acknowledgement, encouragement and support of their community.  I’m happy to be able to help.”

Local company, Vertical Fashions Window Coverings likewise came up with a large donation.  Owner Joe Delgado wished the team luck along with his generous donation.