Pictured left to right: Bob Zamora, Lou Punto, Skip Schumaker, TomCalahan, Nick Punto, Jim Gattis, Chris Ashbach, Jeremey Wooten, Rick Brail, Donn Johnson, Tom Wilson, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick
Cal Knights Baseball hosted Orange County's 1st Annual Baseball Conference on Monday, November 14, 2011. The event was structured to provide young baseball players and their families with information on various baseball topics. The night began with an introduction by Mission Viejo Mayor, Dave Leckness, followed by Tom Calahan, Cal Knights Baseball's first coach, who returned to speak proudly of his early involvement with the local non-profit baseball academy.
With nearly 300 guests attending, most were prepared with notebook in hand to jot down key points from the Conference's guests speakers. Local varsity high school baseball coaches, Jeremey Wooten of SJHHS, Rick Brail of THS, Chris Ashbach of MVHS, and Bob Zamora of CVHS, along with freshman coach Donn Johnson of MVHS, all spoke to the theme of the conference, "How to Make Your High School Baseball Team." Additionally, the audience heard testimony on a wide range of topics, from how to prevent shoulder and elbow injuries, to the importance of performing well in school, and being a stand-up individual on and off the field. Attendees heard from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, former professional Coach Jim Gattis, Angels Baseball's Steve Hernandez, Coach Lou Punto, and strength and conditioning Coach Tom Wilson.
The highlight of the evening was the moment that Cal Knights coach, Lou Punto, introduced two World Champions to the group; his son Nick Punto, and close friend Skip Schumaker, both of the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Coach Punto discussed the importance of having the heart to play the great game of baseball, and that it is not always the "big guy" who makes the cut. Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker both discussed similar themes with the attending players and their families; it was hard work, perseverance, and team work that took the St. Louis Cardinals all the way to their World Series title. Nick Punto couldn't stress enough about how important it is for a team to have great synergy, and that means playing the game as a true sportsman, and getting along with your teammates.
This Conference will be an annual event for Cal Knights Baseball Academy, which is looking forward to a new panel of guest speakers each year.
Dear Cal Knights Baseball Academy Supporters,
We are pleased to announce a win-win for CAL KNIGHTS BASEBALL ACADEMY and all our supporters!
Screamin Daily Deals now donates 10% of their profit on deals we buy.
Screamin Daily Deals offers 50-90% off on the best services and attractions in the area.
Please sign up for free, at www.screamindailydeals.com and select CAL KNIGHTS BASEBALL ACADEMY as your community partner. We will receive 10% of their profit from any deal you choose!
Plus when you (or any friend you refer) signs up, we receive $1 in addition to the year-round contributions. It’s absolutely free, and the deals are amazing. It’s a win-win!
Go to: www.screamindailydeals.com
- Choose your area.
- Enter your email address.
- Any other areas you might buy deals in? Add them now.
- Choose select a Non-Profit to support.
- Type in CAL KNIGHTS BASEBALL ACADEMY and click Finish.
- Look for your email confirmation and verify your account.
Thank you for supporting CAL KNIGHTS BASEBALL ACADEMY!