Pinto Season Wrap-up OYA Boys 2007

 

This year was a very progressive year for the Pinto players and families. Over 380 players across 30 teams participated in the program this year … a year that brought several important and rewarding enhancements to the program. For most players this was their first year in Pinto, and they successfully developed as hitters, fielder, and pitchers. In fact, a few rules changes were designed to encourage more participation and opportunity for all the players across all of the positions.

 

For the first time the Pinto teams had a draft. This resulted in a more even distribution of player experience and ability better allowing more equality in the games and improved player development and learning. Most games were well balanced especially as teams gained experience as the season progressed.

 

This year the coaches and the OYA Board implemented a “no walk” rule which created several opportunities: More new and younger pitchers were used since a team would not be penalized for inexperience and lack of control. Hitters were given more pitches (from the coach) resulting in more hitting chances, swing improvement, and offensive plays. The defenses on the field improved since many more balls were now playable. And, the pitchers dramatically improved … as the season progressed less and less coaches had to pitch after walks.

 

The spirit of OYA was evident in the games as the coaches and parents created a positive atmosphere of encouragement mixed with the challenges that always come in a team sport coupled with individual performance. What great experiences presented to the players … to be in the spotlight with the full support of your team and fans and trying to meet fielding and hitting challenges in the game of baseball!

 

Special thank you to all the managers and coaches who have the most challenging, yet very rewarding, task of instilling confidence, trust, skill, knowledge, camaraderie, and performance at this young age. Thank you to the parents and families for their support, and the most thanks go to the players who have met the challenge to have fun and learn. We all look forward to next year and the next sport!

 

Every team had a win this year with several very close games. The top five teams by record were:

 

National League

Brannigans’s Pirates, 14-1

Rost’s Diamond Backs, 11-4

Stearn’s Mets, 11-4-1

Gromala’s Dodgers, 11-4-1

Hayes’ Cardinal, 10-5

 

American League

Drabeck’s Orioles, 14-1-1

Cavanaugh’s Twins, 10-5-1

Kalberg’s Royals, 11-4-1

Windt’s Athletics, 9-4-1

Caridi’s Rockies, 7-4-5

 

 

Thanks for a Great Season,

 

Dave Wojtowicz

Pinto Commssioner