Oakdale’s Kerr Park was the scene of the 2014 Oak Valley Youth Softball Association’s (OVYSA) championship games and closing ceremonies on Saturday, May 31.
The organization had 261 young softball players ranging in age from 4 to 14.
“We had 261 sign ups this season, which is 11 more than we had last year. We will build off that success and hopefully grow OVYSA more over the next few years,” OVYSA Commissioner Ben Hernandez shared.
The season began on a low note as Mother Nature washed out their opening ceremonies back in March, a fact that Hernandez eluded to in addressing the crowd prior to the introduction of teams and presentation of awards on Saturday.
“It was an unfortunate event that we didn’t regroup from. We called the ceremony off and we never got to have a makeup day for it,” explained Hernandez.
But the games went on as scheduled for the bulk of the season and weather was not an issue on Saturday, as not a single cloud was in the sky, and the barbecue pit was fired up as all players and coaches were treated to free hot dogs and sno-cones as part of the final day festivities.
With 12 teams in action, that included six T-ball teams as well as coach pitch, the 10 and under, and 12/14 under games to crown champions and cap off the final day’s events. The players were then honored with trophies for their hard efforts and success throughout the season.
OVYSA is a non-profit organization that provides an opportunity for the girls in Oakdale and the surrounding communities to learn and play softball. It is a strong community based organization that depends on volunteers, including parents and community supporters.
“Thank you to all that helped out this season. From the parents, coaches, new board members, Coach Larry Loger and the Oakdale High School softball players who all volunteered their time to help out the kids,” Hernandez said. “I would also like to send a big thank you to all of our sponsors. We could not have our organization without them or our volunteers and with all of their hard work we managed to let the girls play softball.”
The complete list of sponsors can be seen on the OVYSA website, ovysa.org.
OVYSA also offers a travel team program that features 10 and under, as well as 14 and under squads. Although the 10 and under team is filled, there is still room for 14 and under players to sign up. If you are interested in signing up your daughter, contact Ben Hernandez at benhernadez34@yahoo.com. It is also never too early to be a part of the 2015 season as OVYSA is seeking volunteers for coaching, sponsors, and board members as well. You can contact Hernandez via email if interested.
