CONEJO'S DREAM SEASON REVISITED.

Byline: VINCENT BONSIGNORE

Tom and Tim Ginther rambled across the Pennsylvania countryside in their rented car this week celebrating the sweetest of anniversaries. A father, a son and the memories of a lifetime etched on every rolling hill they passed as they drove to Williamsport, Pa., and the Little League World Series.

``It's like you can close your eyes and it all comes back to you,'' said 13-year old Tim Ginther. ``But at the same time, it's almost like a dream. You ask yourself if it really happened sometimes, especially now that we're back here again.''

It was a dream, of course. Only this one actually came true last year for a special group of 11- and 12-year-old all-stars from Conejo Valley Little League who defied long odds to advance all the way to the World Championship game of the Little League World Series last year.

Conejo Valley's 5-2 loss to Caribbean champion Curacao in the final was its only defeat in a special winning streak that covered 22 victories against the best Little League teams in the United States.

One year later, as a new group of stars make their pilgrimage to Williamsport, the Conejo Valley players are beginning to understand how unique their opportunity was to make history.

``We got to Williamsport,'' said Jordan Brower, one of the team's pitchers. ``I mean, we really got there. How cool is that?''

So cool that in 58 years, Conejo Valley is just the sixth team from the San Fernando Valley area to qualify for the Little League World Series. Granada Hills, which won the title in 1963, and Northridge, which finished second in 1994, are the only others to reach the championship game. Northridge also qualified in 1967 and 1975, and Moorpark qualified in 1996.

So cool that Tom and Tim Ginther decided to go back to Williamsport as fans this year to soak it all in again.

``It's just something we wanted to do as a family because last year was such an unbelievable experience and we made so many new friends,'' said Tom Ginther, manager of the Conejo Valley All-Stars. ``And I mean, why not? Right?''

Why not, indeed.

``It's funny because just driving to the field I'm getting a little nervous,'' the younger Ginther said. ``And I'm not even playing.''

Brower didn't make the trip back this year, but he and his father Rick - a coach on the team - say they will someday. This year, they just wanted to watch it on TV.

``I watch the games and the thing that really stands out is that the stadium is so big and there are so many people watching in the stands.'' Jordan said. ``And then I start thinking, man, I actually played in that stadium in front of all those people. Not to mention all the people watching on TV. It's pretty crazy when you really think about it.''

Tim Ginther fondly remembers taking that magical ride with teammates with whom he shares a special bond. Teammates such as Cody Thomson, whose fastball was clocked at 76 mph and was 11-0 with three saves and 91 strikeouts in 51 innings. He also hit six home runs.

Or Danny Leon, the team's MVP. Leon batted better than .500 and hit a 300-foot home run in the Western Regional final in San Bernardino that many believe was among the longest hit by a Little Leaguer. He also was one of the team's top pitchers and a terrific shortstop before an arm injury midway through the summer forced him to switch to first base.

Catcher John Lister led Conejo Valley with 10 homers during tournament victories in Thousand Oaks, Goleta, Long Beach and San Bernardino. Brower and left-hander Sean McIntyre also came through with critical victories during the run.

Other players included: Tyler Karp, James Brady, Hayden Cronenbold, Adam Justiniano, Derrick Francis, Evan Ocello, Tyler Karp, James Brady, Hayden Cronenbold, Adam Justiniano, Derrick Francis and Evan Ocello.

``These kids weren't just good ballplayers; they were great kids,'' said the older Ginther, now an assistant baseball coach at Oaks Christian High of Westlake Village. ``And that's something I'm really proud of. These kids represented the United States with a lot of class.''

The players and their families insist they'll remain friends and celebrate anniversaries together over the years. But as kids tend to do, many have gone their separate ways.

Some played together on a Conejo Valley Pony All-Star team that advanced through the first two rounds this summer.

Others fanned out to other leagues or travel teams.

In a year or two, most will have moved on to high school, some will remain teammates, while others become opponents at rival schools.

No matter what happens, they'll share a memory most of us can only imagine.

``It'll be fun to get together in the years ahead and see how everyone is doing,'' Brower said. ``It's something we can all share. Just a great memory of a great summer.''

A memory to last a lifetime.

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Photo:

The Conejo Valley All-Stars made lots of fans, such as this one, during last year's Little League World Series.

Getty Images