LA buddies have epic Spring Break at Spring Training

Charlie Downey and Kendall Hailey have played together in Toluca Youth Baseball since they were five. As their first trip to baseball’s Spring Training bears out, the 12-year-olds take their hardball seriously.

Making the most of their Spring Break, the two Los Angeles kids, with some willing navigation from Charlie’s father Jake, visited seven Cactus League games in four days. They even made time to go a Phoenix Suns NBA game, play paintball and have lunch at BankOne Ballpark, home to Arizona’s Major League Diamondbacks.

Like most kids at baseball games, the two were focused on autographs and foul balls. Though they were successful on both fronts, they’re already mapping out next spring’s trip to Arizona.

“Our goal is to get a ball every game, basically,” said Charlie. “I think next year we’re gonna have to stay longer, see more baseball parks, meet more players, get more autographs. Right now we’re doing pretty well, but next year we’re gonna have to up our game.”

Kendall agreed, and said they were also doing some scouting. The young baseball players watched the pros closely, hoping to improve their own games.

“I’m not really rooting for anybody,” he said. “We’re just coming out here and embracing it all.”

California Life’s Brent Weber tried to keep up with the two baseball fans. Check out his story below, airing statewide this week!