The Inside Pitch Encouraging signs from both house league and rep bantams

In last week's article, we promised a closer look at the house league program for the coming year.

In 2006,the King Township Baseball Association (KTBA) was able to field 13 teams of players. This year sees that total increase to 15. In addition to our two rep squads, there is the possibility of three select teams as well. The number of players new to baseball is very satisfying, and tells us that we are doing something right.

Teams have already been finding every little nook and cranny in which to practice. Gymnasiums, paved parking lots and sodded areas in parks have all served as early-season training grounds, since the diamonds are just coming on line now.

One team which has had a major overhaul in personnel is the lone bantam house league team. On Sunday, they had an opportunity to get together for the first time this season and they picked the bantam rep team as their opponents in a three-hour controlled scrimmage. It was for the most part a fairly even match up; the rep team definitely had the advantage on the mound; however, the house league team possessed older players and the latter's experience made for an interesting contest. The play of several newcomers, in particular Dylan Maggiacomo, Brett Cummings and Armand Sanguini, gave coaches Marz Perone and Ron Strong the feeling that they will be able to run out some very solid players as the season progresses. Returning veterans Mateo Perone, Matthew Febbraio, Sean Strong and Teodore Willert will provide solid experience while rounding out the squad are Brandon Pedro, Dean Orr, Kelli Beer, Jeff Conzelman, Max Whicher, Rachel Jacobs and Luke Robertson.

For the rep team, which actually is strengthened by several peewee-aged players, Sunday's game was an opportunity for a couple of members to open the coaches' eyes, and these people did not disappoint. Probably the best all-round performance of the morning was turned in by young Christian Shorthill. Starting at second base, he smacked a two-run double and made enough good plays at the bag to indicate that the Cobras might have a very good double play combination when you throw in shortstop Brady Boccia. The other pleasant surprise during the game was newcomer Daniel Lisi. Having only played a half season of baseball last year, the coaching staff was hoping that he could play a decent center field and, if he could get on base, utilize his obvious speed. It looks as if getting on base will not be a concern as Lisi was there four times, stole four bases and contributed two clutch hits in the contest. Also playing well for the rep team were Stephen Leonard, Danton Brinovec, Brandon Oukes, Steven LaVerde, Ryan Forletta and Josh Lipscombe. Off Sunday's effort, both the bantam teams are expecting some success this coming season.

If you are the parent of a house league player, you should by now have received a phone call from your child's coach, requesting that you attend an information meeting. The coach will not only want to meet you and his/her new player, but will also have some important information to pass on to you. You will receive notice of upcoming practice dates, the team schedule, plus details on KTBA's participation in the Nobleton Victoria Day celebrations, the Schomberg Fair, OBA Day at the Rogers Centre and much, much more.

Speaking of our trip to the Rogers Centre July 7, we need to know numbers fairly soon, so it would be appreciated if you could let your coach know if you and your family would like to attend.

Watch this part of our article every week for mention of the Sponsor of the Week and the Player of the Weeks. We will attempt to shine the spotlight both on those who support our program and those who make the most of our program through their efforts on a weekly basis.