It all seems so calm right now, but there's a storm brewing. It's a storm of Little League baseball players, aged 11-12, from cities around San Mateo County.
This is the all-star tournament that begins the journey to Williamsport, site of the Little League World Series.
Being named an all-star means these players have already won. They just get to keep playing. Only one team will advance to the next round, although each team will have gained a valuable experience.
Every player, coach, umpire, grounds crew and snack shop attendant are here because they support healthy competition. There really are no enemies since they are all involved in the same game.
The San Carlos National all-star team also plays Friday, hosting Pacifica American at Arguello Park at 6 p.m.
The remainder of the tournament, from Saturday until the championship game on July 12, will take place at Highlands Park's North Field.
San Carlos American all-stars play Palo Alto American on Saturday at 9 a.m., followed by four more games.
The weekend schedule:
Friday, June 29
Alpine-West Menlo vs. Ravenswood at Highlands Park North, 4 p.m.
San Carlos National vs. Pacifica American at Arguello, 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 30
Palo Alto American vs. San Carlos American at HP North, 9 a.m.
Hillsborough vs. San Mateo National at HP North, 11:30 a.m.
Redwood City National vs. Pacifica National at HP North, 2 p.m.
Menlo-Atherton vs. Foster City at HP North, 4:30 p.m.
Belmont-Redwood Shores vs. Highlanders at HP North, 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 1
Redwood City American vs. San Mateo American at HP North, 9 a.m.
Half Moon Bay vs. Alpine/Ravenswood winner at HP North, 11:30 a.m.
SC National/Pacifica American winner vs. Palo Alto National, 2 p.m.
SC National/Pacifica American loser vs. Hillsborough/SM National loser at HP North, 4:30 p.m.
Alpine/Ravenswood loser vs. Bel-Redwood Shores loser at HP North, 7 p.m.
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