The final pitch was thrown in the 2017 Peninsula Sports Park baseball league last weekend. But baseball lives on. The Sandy Slammers coaches still had a lot in store for the young players. It all started on Friday evening, when Colby Sciarrilla, a recent US Naval Academy graduate and collegiate baseball player, gave a clinic for the team. He started out by telling the kids three important things to remember: 1) the game of baseball is 90% mental and 10% physical, 2) preparation brings success, and 3) compete at every pitch, every throw, every thing you do. He followed with leading the players through important warm up exercises. Then Colby counseled each player with proper techniques as they went through throwing and batting drills. Coach Don Kimbro thanked Colby for his time, and said learning from a player of his caliber will help each one improve not only as a player, but also as a person.
Colby Sciarrilla, recent US Naval Academy graduate and collegiate baseball player, gave a clinic for the team
Colby led the players through warm-up drills
Colby demonstrated proper techniques for throwing…
…and batting to each of the players
On Saturday, the Sandy Slammers coaches, players, and parents gathered at the Kimbro’s house for a season-ending award party and fun day. Coach Don Kimbro welcomed everyone and talked about the highlights of the season, and stressed to the kids that winning the championship is an accomplishment they will remember the rest of their lives. He called this team a bunch of “happy kids” who made an impression on all of the coaches. Each player was presented with a certificate acknowledging their contribution to the team including Outstanding Attitude, Most Dedicated, Team Spirit, among others.
Outstanding Attitude: Travis Waite
Team Spirit/Sportsmanship: Jaxson Guerin
Outstanding Arm: Sam Weber
Defensive Player of the Year: Kyleigh Loftin
Most Dedicated: Sebren Gregory
Outstanding Hustle: Devin Billiot
Golden Glove – Colt Ponder
Most Improved Player – Lizeth Villanueva
Most Improved Player – Guadalupe Cruz
Most Improved Player – Kaiden Utley
Golden Glove – Zachary Utley
Outstanding Attitude – Tristan Westbrook
Most Valuable Player – Gabe Villanueva
After the ceremony, the group was off to the Sandy Slammers team sponsor: Gulf Range Miniature Golf. Owner Jim Sutjak was presented with a sponsor’s trophy and then treated his team to free hot dogs and golf for everyone.
Jim Sutjak, owner of The Gulf Range, presented with sponsor trophy
The kids enjoyed free hot dogs and miniature golf
The baseball season may be complete for now. But baseball lives on inside the hearts of those who love the game. The players will always remember how to throw a ball and swing a bat. Their technique will keep improving with practice. Enjoy your summer…and keep dreaming of your next at-bat.
[6-12-2017]
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