2008 Woodie Awards
Forty-Niners struggle through difficult season
LaShont Claybon
Issue date: 4/26/04 Section: Sports
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When the schedule for the 2004 season was released, Yuba Baseball coach Tim Gloyd and assistant coach Erick Burns felt that the Yuba College 49ers could compete with any and every team they would face.
But bad weather during the beginning of the season, early losses and injuries have decimated the team. The 49'ers are currently 6-21 overall in the Bay Valley Conference, 5-14 against division opponents. In a game on April 15, the 49ers fell to the Los Medanos 14-12, despite a late rally. Two days later, on April 17, they faced the College of Marin and defeated them 4-3 in 11 innings.
"We are still a capable team," Coach Gloyd said. "This isn't one of our better seasons, but we still have games to play. Our season isn't defined by wins and losses at this point. We can't think about the what ifs and what could have. . . We still have to play."
The 49ers played the Diablo Valley Vikings on April 20 at home. They got off to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. Unfortunately, the Vikings got two runs in the fourth and three more runs in the sixth. The 49ers did not get another run in, leading to a 5-4 loss.
Throughout this season, the 49ers have led the BVC East in overall team hitting. Outfielder Nick Hansen and catcher Darren DeWeese are hitting .340 and catcher Bobby Davis is hitting .300. First baseman Nick Williams, who hit the game winning home run against Marin, leads the teams in runs batted in (RBI's).
A string of injuries recently hit the 49'ers squad, forcing coaches Gloyd and Burns to revamp and modify their line-ups. Bobby Davis has a broken hand and an injury to his hamstring. Nick Hansen also has a broken hand. Infielder Eric Dickson was struck in the head during a game and will have surgery. Catcher Randy Marino has a broken foot; pitcher Jason Boberg has a neck injury; pitcher Anthony Naranjo has a knee injury; pitcher Charlie Madden has an arm injury; outfielder C.J. Mills has an injury to his hamstring; and first baseman Brandon Currie has a broken thumb and will miss two to three games
Despite the woes and disappointments of the season, coach Gloyd says that there is no reason for the team to have their heads down.
"When you are going through a losing season, it's the love of the game that you have to focus on," coach Gloyd stated. "There are seniors who are trying to compete at the next level, sophomores who are looking to compete for a job next season and freshman who have to compete for a place on the squad altogether. When players have a true appreciation for the game, its history, its appeal, that's what gets guys through it, not season rankings and accolades."
The 49ers hosted Sierra College on Saturday, April 24. Then they have a BYE, before playing the San Joaquin Delta on the road Thursday April 29. The 49ers play against the Sacramento City College Panthers at home on Saturday May 1.
But bad weather during the beginning of the season, early losses and injuries have decimated the team. The 49'ers are currently 6-21 overall in the Bay Valley Conference, 5-14 against division opponents. In a game on April 15, the 49ers fell to the Los Medanos 14-12, despite a late rally. Two days later, on April 17, they faced the College of Marin and defeated them 4-3 in 11 innings.
"We are still a capable team," Coach Gloyd said. "This isn't one of our better seasons, but we still have games to play. Our season isn't defined by wins and losses at this point. We can't think about the what ifs and what could have. . . We still have to play."
The 49ers played the Diablo Valley Vikings on April 20 at home. They got off to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. Unfortunately, the Vikings got two runs in the fourth and three more runs in the sixth. The 49ers did not get another run in, leading to a 5-4 loss.
Throughout this season, the 49ers have led the BVC East in overall team hitting. Outfielder Nick Hansen and catcher Darren DeWeese are hitting .340 and catcher Bobby Davis is hitting .300. First baseman Nick Williams, who hit the game winning home run against Marin, leads the teams in runs batted in (RBI's).
A string of injuries recently hit the 49'ers squad, forcing coaches Gloyd and Burns to revamp and modify their line-ups. Bobby Davis has a broken hand and an injury to his hamstring. Nick Hansen also has a broken hand. Infielder Eric Dickson was struck in the head during a game and will have surgery. Catcher Randy Marino has a broken foot; pitcher Jason Boberg has a neck injury; pitcher Anthony Naranjo has a knee injury; pitcher Charlie Madden has an arm injury; outfielder C.J. Mills has an injury to his hamstring; and first baseman Brandon Currie has a broken thumb and will miss two to three games
Despite the woes and disappointments of the season, coach Gloyd says that there is no reason for the team to have their heads down.
"When you are going through a losing season, it's the love of the game that you have to focus on," coach Gloyd stated. "There are seniors who are trying to compete at the next level, sophomores who are looking to compete for a job next season and freshman who have to compete for a place on the squad altogether. When players have a true appreciation for the game, its history, its appeal, that's what gets guys through it, not season rankings and accolades."
The 49ers hosted Sierra College on Saturday, April 24. Then they have a BYE, before playing the San Joaquin Delta on the road Thursday April 29. The 49ers play against the Sacramento City College Panthers at home on Saturday May 1.
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