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2014 OBA Season A Success
Braves
The Braves were crowned 2014 Minor National League Champions on May 21. The group of 8- to 11-year-olds learned the fundamentals of baseball as well as the importance of teamwork during their season. Back row: Alex Gonzalez, Jay Hoekstra, Trenton Garcia. Middle Row: AJ Crisp, Lex Bairos, Wyatt Wucherer, Brock Osmundson, Lukas Cox. Front row: Roye Rodriguez, Cash Bairos, Devon Pastor-Guzman, Michael Brush and Dustin Hoekstra. - photo by DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

Another successful season for Oakdale Baseball Association (OBA) came to a close on Wednesday, May 21 at Oakdale’s T.L. Davis Sports Park.

The OBA consists of six leagues, from T-Ball to Babe Ruth, with kids ranging from the age of five to 15.

“It was a great season overall. We had more kids sign up this year than we’ve had in the last five years. We had almost 600 kids sign up, so the program is going in the right direction,” said OBA League President David Jablonski, who has been with OBA since 2007.

Three of the leagues played for trophies on Wednesday night, as the Braves were crowned champions of the Minor National League, the Rangers of the Minor American League and Aggies of the Rookie National were also named champions of their respective leagues. Second place teams, The Tigers of the Minor National, Yankees of Minor American and Wolverines of the Rookie National were also awarded trophies for their hard efforts during the season.

“I love playing baseball for the OBA, it’s really fun playing baseball with my friends,” said 9-year-old Brock Osmundson of the Braves, wrapping up his fifth season this year. “I can’t wait for next year, it is so much fun.”

Osmundson wasn’t alone in sharing his passion for the game as several others commented on how much they love baseball and how much they’ve learned from their experiences with the program.

 “I had a lot of fun being the bat boy. It’s fun being around the team,” said Cash Bairos, 6, the Braves’ official bat boy.

Braves teammate, Dustin Hoekstra added “I learned a lot this season and I can’t wait to return next year.”

Also commenting was Rangers 10-year old-slugger, Brandon Jeffrey.

“This was my third year playing and I love it. It is fun, and we have learned a lot from our coaches. I hit my first home run during the semifinals and I will never forget it.”

A successful season doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work and dedication from many people and Jablonski took time to credit them for their help.

“OBA is run strictly by volunteers, board members, coaches, parents and sponsors. Without them and their dedication, we wouldn’t have a season and the kids wouldn’t be able to have the experience of playing baseball in Oakdale,” he said. “So a huge thank you to everyone who lent a hand this season.”

Although the playoffs came to a close, OBA will still be participating in a few more tournaments, including their annual “Come As You Are” tournament and OBA All-Stars. This is an open tournament for kids from not just Oakdale, but from surrounding areas to come out and have fun. All-Stars will run Father’s Day weekend at both T.L. Davis and Fair Oaks Elementary at the baseball field.

For more information on upcoming events contact Paul at pwalmonds@aol.com. If you would like more information on how to be a part of next season, you can leave a message on the official OBA voice mailbox at (209)848-8046.