Inaugural Urban Youth Academy Wood Bat Christmas Classic

Christopher was drafted on one of the 14U teams at the inaugural Urban Youth Academy Wood Bat Christmas Classic with games beginning today. Tournament play will continue through Dec. 23 and the outcome will determine seeding for the playoffs. The schedule is tentative, weather permitting.

Former Los Angeles Dodger Kenny Landreaux who was on hand during the draft announcement and opening ceremonies, is among one of Christopher's trainers/mentors and batting instructors at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, CA.

During one of his at-bats, Christopher loads-up and works the count for a base-on-balls.

Christopher at first base stays focused.

Christopher, shortstop, was watched closely by the opposing team's shortstop at second base during the Game 1.

Fielding a ground ball hit up the middle, Christopher prepares to throw the runner out at first base.

In one of the final outs of Game 1, Christopher fields a ball thrown by his catcher team mate to tag the runner out at second on a stolen base attempt.

Team USA Wins the GOLD

A Perfect Game by Jimmy Wallace Sealed the Victory and the GOLD for Team USA

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CONGRATULATIONS TEAM USA! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!

Team USA Mashed Mexico in the Semi-Finals

14U USA National Team Advances to the Finals

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Team USA Took On 18U Guatemala National Team

Thursday Team USA took on the 18U Guatemala National Team in a "friendly" scrimmage game and came out the victor with a score 8-3.

Team USA Greeted at US Embassy

Team USA along with parents and families visited the US Embassy at Guatemala, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photos of Team USA - 14U National Team: Christopher Rivera

Courtesy of Todd Rogers, Patty Martinez and others accompanying Team USA, here are some photos mostly of Christopher Rivera.

The entire 2008 14U USA Baseball National Team

A Team USA player at-bat during the COPABE Pan Am "A" Qualifiers in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Christopher does leg lifts during a training and practice session at Guatemala

Christopher connects during one of his at-bats during Game 4 versus El Salvador

Christopher posed for team and individual photos at Guatemala

Christopher side-stepping during training and practice.

Christopher poses for more team photos prior to the start of the COPABE Pan Am "A" Qualifiers

Team USA hiked up Pacaya National Park to view one of the active volcanoes "Fuego" while in Guatemala

The opposition in Game 4 versus El Salvador of the COPABE Pan Am "A" Qualifiers in Guatemala

Christopher shows his skills during training and practice prior to the COPABE Pan Am "A" Qualifiers in Guatemala

Christopher and one of the coaches at Guatemala

Christopher during one of his at-bats gauges the pitch

A young ballplayer mimics Christopher's moves during international players training

Christopher prepares for the game

Christopher poses while hiking through Pacaya National Park with Mt. Fuego, the active volcano in the background

Team USA Tops Off El Salvador

Two teams tied for first with a record 3-0 tangoed today and Team USA came out the victor topping off El Salvador with a score 12-1 in Game 4 of the COPABE Pan Am "A" Qualifiers in Guatemala.

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Team USA visited a live volcano today on their first day off since arriving in Guatemala. On the way to the live volcano, Team USA drove through what is known as "Limonada Shanty" and to the boys, it was an eye-opening experience. While on site, the volcano erupted causing a low-grade lava flow and was certainly an ominous site to see. Team USA took some time out for photo opportunities in front of the live volcano as well. After their long walk back from the volcano and equally long drive back to their hotel, we spoke with Christopher briefly tonight. They retreated back to their respective rooms and comfortable beds to rest from a full day of activities.

Tomorrow, they will face El Salvador in Game 4 which will begin at 3 p.m. CST. El Salvador mirrors Team USA's record 3-0 and the winner of this game will determine the first place team in "pool play." A special guest will be in attendance at tomorrow night's game: the acting U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala.

On their way to see a live volcano, Team USA drove through LImonada Shanty. Team USA had many photo opportunities like this one on Pacaya in front of "Fuego" (volcano). While scaling Pacaya, Team USA witnessed lava flowing from "Fuego" (volcano). Team USA hiked back from visiting "Fuego," a live volcano on Pecaya.

Article Contributor: Rick Riccobono, 14U National Team Director

Photos courtesy: Rick Riccobono

Team USA Shut-Out Streak Continues with Win Over Honduras 18-0 in Game 3

Continuing on their shut-out win streak, Team USA blew past Honduras in Game 3 with a score 18-0, earning a well-deserved day off Tuesday.

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