WESTWOOD — When UCLA hosts Oregon during a three-game set at Jackie Robinson Stadium beginning today, a pair of brothers with ties to Santa Monica Little League will face off in a sibling rivalry.
UCLA senior catcher Tyler Heineman and Oregon freshman third baseman Scott Heineman, from the Pacific Palisades, got their start in baseball on the fields of Santa Monica Little League before going on to Windward (Tyler) and Crespi (Scott).
“It’s awesome,” Tyler said. “To play [Division 1 baseball], at the highest level, and against each other is like a dream come true.”
The series will be the first time the brothers square off on the diamond, giving the games a little more edge. Tyler said that he’s not sure who will come away victorious, but he admitted that bragging rights will be on the line.
They’re meeting will be a celebration for the family with local ties.
“It’s what we used to talk about. For it to actually happen, you get goose bumps.” said Pat Armstrong, their cousin and former coach.
The Heineman’s ties to Santa Monica run deep. Their dad, Steve, is an officer with the Santa Monica Police Department and Armstrong is the former coach at Crossroads.
This week’s series will run through Saturday.
daniela@www.smdp.com
