If the local Babe Ruth program is any indication of what lies ahead, good things are on the horizon for the Oak Harbor High School baseball team.
For the second straight summer Oak Harbor is sending a team to the Northern Washington State Championship, which begins today, July 28, in Poulsbo.
“This is to my knowledge the first time we’ve sent back-to-back teams to state,” coach Bill Young said.
Of the 14 members on this year’s 14-year-old Island Paint and Glass Babe Ruth team, nine were on the 13-year-old squad that placed third at the Northern Washington State Championships in 2003.
Although this year’s group returned the majority of its roster, a more difficult schedule and another season of experience has made them even stronger, according to Young.
“The thing we did this year rather than last year was we sought out tougher competition,” he said. “You can’t get to that elite level unless you play tougher teams.”
One area that’s shown a vast improvement is team hitting. As a group, the 14-year-olds hit an impressive .348.
“The kids can hit,” Young said. “They’ve learned how to keep themselves within themselves.”
Marcus Naymik paved the way at the plate, batting .495 with six home runs and 10 doubles. Other top hitters include: Eric McCardle (.480), Andrew Bighouse (.427) and Aaron Bell (.380).
Along with a strong core of pitchers, team defense has been an overwhelming factor to this year’s 25-10 overall record.
“You don’t see many kids at this level make the plays we’ve made this year—at least making what you would call ‘web gems,’” Young said.
Oak Harbor begins American Division pool play at 6:30 p.m., today, July 28 against a very strong North Kitsap team, who placed second at state last year.
“My goal is to either surprise them or keep the game close so we’ll be ready to maybe face them again in the finals,” Young said.
They continue pool play at noon on Thursday against Central Basin, noon on Friday against Spokane and 9 a.m. on Sunday against Eastlake.
If Oak Harbor emerges as one of the top teams from its pool, it will enter a single elimination round on Monday, August 2 against the top teams from the National Division. Monday’s games are scheduled for 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. All contests are taking place on Snider Field in Poulsbo.
Those who would like to keep updated via the Internet can log on to the North Kitsap Babe Ruth Web site at www.nwbaberuth.org for daily tournament results.
