The founders behind the Southern California Bombers Baseball Club didn't intend it to take off the way it did. But twelve years later--and seven international championships in the past six of those years--and the Bombers Club has seen their reputation extend beyond their years. Founder Ed Sifuentes explained the genesis of his creation, which began in 1996.

"A friend of mine was a junior college coach, and another played college and pro ball," Sifuentes said. "Our boys weren't getting enough in recreational leagues, so we decided to challenge them more. That's when the club started, and it's grown since."

While the Bombers have a number of success stories, there are two teams that are current standouts: the 13u (pictured right) and the 15u. The 13u team, coached by Carlos Jimenez, recently made history at the USSSA's Spring Fling; prior to 2008, no two teams from the same organization had made it to the championships.

The 15u team--not to take anything away from the 13u squad--is referred to by Sifuentes as the Bombers'  "pride and joy." Last year, when the team was 14, they won the Sandy Koufax World Series; two players from that team--INF-RHP Austin Davidson from Oxnard HS and INF Dante Flores from Alhambra HS--went on to play for the USA team that competed in Puerto Rico. A third, 3B-1B Adrian Franco, made it to the USA team trials.

But the Bombers Club isn't about creating an atmosphere for elite baseball. According to Sifuentes, the goal of the club is to have an egalitarian foundation, and a dedication to playing the game the right way.  

"We're not just for elite players," Sifuentes said. "We might not always have the best teams because our thing is getting kids to play the right way."

To meet those ends, the Bombers have created extra teams when enrollment has necessitated. They also ensure they're getting the right type of players by stressing practice attendence and doing grade checks.

"If a kid has grade issues and doesn't show up to practice, they probably aren't right for us" Sifuentes said. "That's always how we've done things, and we've managed to stay successful."