Headed into the homestretch of the season, it has so far been a very good year for Ojai Valley School baseball.
The Spuds are undefeated in Omega League play and most recently went on a three-game winning streak, blowing out Gorman Learning Center and Valley Christian Academy before squeezing out a tight win last Saturday against Cate School in an exciting home game at Dok Smith Field.
OVS’s constant ‘go-getter’ attitude is proving to be one of the key pieces to their recent success, as well as the hard work and determination that is put into every practice, every game and every play.
“We all bring the energy to each game as best we can and I think that’s our key to success,” said junior co-captain Ryan Farrell. “It’s a tight-knit team — it feels like a family. In the end, it is the sense of family that’s pushing us forward.”
Senior co-captain Derek Mendoza feels that the hard work he and his teammates have put in is really beginning to show.
“I think we’re just playing good baseball, and I’m just happy with the performance of our team right now,” he said. “We’ve just been working hard every day. I think that’s just paying off for us.”
In the history of OVS athletics, the baseball team has been one of the school’s most competitive and victorious programs.
Last year, the team’s season was cut short and ended in early March when OVS switched to online learning due to the COVID pandemic. This year, the team returned to modified practices in late fall when the school reopened for in-person learning, and many of the players have worked for months to be prepared for the season.
Several new players joined the team this year, and baseball coach Doug Colborn gives a lot of credit to the team captains for mentoring the new players and leading the team to success
“I would say Ryan and Derek have been absolutely incredible,” Mr. Colborn said. “Not only do I have a lot of confidence in them but so does the team and they really have guided us to success, they really are two of the best players at any given time.”
With only two more league games left in the season, and a CIF-berth at stake for the league champion, Mr. Colborn is confident in his team’s abilities as it heads into the homestretch.
Moreover, he is grateful for the endless support and outpouring of love coming from the OVS community and all of those who show up at each game to support baseball and the team.
“We have so much support and love, and it really shows through and gives us a boost in every game we play,” Mr. Colborn said. “We’ve earned the respect of teams, not only in the valley but even the county and beyond. It says a lot about the team and the dedication that each and every one of those boys puts in.”
As for the players themselves, they point to the dedication of their coaching staff for helping the team improve and get better with each game. But players who have been on the squad for several years have also taken it upon themselves to mentor younger players who are fairly new to the game or don’t have as much time on the field.
“Our coaches really do their best to push and better us,” Ryan explained “It’s also the mentorship from the older guys who, even if they haven’t played a long time or if they haven’t played at all, that pushes younger guys to be better.”
For many players, the success on the field so far this year is gratifying. But they know there is also something much deeper at work this season, a season that was not guaranteed to take place and that is too quickly drawing to a close.
“Obviously, some of us are closer than others, but when we step on the field, we’re a brotherhood and I’m just happy to be a part of it,” Derek said. “To have these fun moments and experiences with all the guys is something I’ll forever be grateful for.”