Here is my second column for the school paper. It is mostly a human interest story, and was also selected as the Sports Section's feature.

 

Read it if you're interested, please give me feedback if you do:

 

Sensational Seven Grow to the Top Together

 

By Josh Clinton

 

From the sandlot to the spotlight, they?ve been through it all. On and off the baseball diamond, that is. A group of best friends that have aged from boys playing little league, to men facing and becoming future professional baseball players.

 

Varsity sophomores Alan Ataman, Cody Clinton, Nick DiMauro, Billy Hasan, Christian and C.J. Maula, and junior Clark Hish have become as close as can be over the past several years.

 

Since the age of eight, they have virtually always been members of the same lineup. New players and different teams have come and gone, but they've consistently found ways to remain teammates. Through their growing passion for the game of baseball, they have managed to become the closest of friends.

 

?It was awesome playing with the guys,? says Varsity pitcher Clark Hish, ?It changed my life.? Outside of sleeping, one is almost never without another.

 

Speaking of growing up through baseball and life today, Nick DiMauro, who hit .325 in 40 at-bats starting shortstop for Varsity last season, said, ?It was always fun going on trips and getting our own hotel rooms. We did, and still do just about everything together. I think that it not only helps our friendship, but makes our chemistry on the field like no other.?

 

Chemistry is as common as talent and athleticism between the seven players. Almost 1/3 of the Bobcats starting lineup and overall roster could be made of sophomores, if you include injured Catcher Christian Maula, who tore his ACL toward the end of the football season as the starting tight end for Varsity.

 

?It?s amazing how much we have all helped each other become as talented as we are today.? stated left-fielder Cody Clinton, ?It was a great experience growing up together, and I?m glad I made such good friends.?

 

Alan Ataman is one of many that is anxiously anticipating the season to begin. ?I think we?re all ready to go out there and show what we can do. We?re going to prove that we can play with the best of them.?

 

The Bobcats went 8-18 last season, while led by the powerful bats of Yvenson Bernard (Oregon State), Phillipe Costa and Al Hasan. Costa and Hasan, both seniors, are expected to step up as Boca?s biggest offensive threats in 2004. Costa belted 3 home runs and 17 RBI for the Bobcats last season, while Hasan put together a batting average of .328.

 

In 2004, the Bobcats are expected to improve on last year?s dismal record.

 

Nick DiMauro received honorable mention as an All-County shortstop in his freshman year, and is expected to continue on the fast track. Cody Clinton is also expected to fill the void left behind by Bernard, hitting well over .500 as a starter for J/V, and managed to go 6-11 (.545) late in the season for Varsity. Senior southpaw Ryan DiMauro, who is also estimated to become the Bobcats starting first baseman, will lead the pitching staff.

 

What the Bobcats can do in 2004 remains to be seen, but two things seem to be quite clear: There will be no shortage of fun in the dugout, and the future for baseball at Boca High looks very, very bright.

Thanx for all the great feedback guys!

heartwarming.

Anyone else?

:thumbup

Anyone else?

umm...

 

 

Heartwarming.

Sorry I'm so late on responding. With the forum being somewhat down and my computer being screwed up the past few days, I have had limited internet access. Thanx for the feedback. If anyone else would like to respond, that would be great.

Nice :thumbup

solid

i dont know if its the way you pasted it, but you have to indent after making quotes, either its a pasting editor, or your editor in chief needs revising skills.

 

also, this quote:

 

Speaking of growing up through baseball and life today, Nick DiMauro, who hit .325 in 40 at-bats starting shortstop for Varsity last season, said, ?It was always fun going on trips and getting our own hotel rooms. We did, and still do just about everything together. I think that it not only helps our friendship, but makes our chemistry on the field like no other.?

 

you wrote it a bit wrong, you should start with the quote, and then said DiMauro, who hit yadda yadda yadda

 

that and you shouldnt put two quotes consecutively

i dont know if its the way you pasted it, but you have to indent after making quotes, either its a pasting editor, or your editor in chief needs revising skills.

 

also, this quote:

 

Speaking of growing up through baseball and life today, Nick DiMauro, who hit .325 in 40 at-bats starting shortstop for Varsity last season, said, ?It was always fun going on trips and getting our own hotel rooms. We did, and still do just about everything together. I think that it not only helps our friendship, but makes our chemistry on the field like no other.?

 

you wrote it a bit wrong, you should start with the quote, and then said DiMauro, who hit yadda yadda yadda

 

that and you shouldnt put two quotes consecutively

This was just the rough draft.

 

It has been revised and finished.

i dont know if its the way you pasted it, but you have to indent after making quotes, either its a pasting editor, or your editor in chief needs revising skills.

 

also, this quote:

 

Speaking of growing up through baseball and life today, Nick DiMauro, who hit .325 in 40 at-bats starting shortstop for Varsity last season, said, ?It was always fun going on trips and getting our own hotel rooms. We did, and still do just about everything together. I think that it not only helps our friendship, but makes our chemistry on the field like no other.?

 

you wrote it a bit wrong, you should start with the quote, and then said DiMauro, who hit yadda yadda yadda

 

that and you shouldnt put two quotes consecutively

This was just the rough draft.

 

It has been revised and finished. Well you just "can't" beat alex when it comes to journalism.

i dont know if its the way you pasted it, but you have to indent after making quotes, either its a pasting editor, or your editor in chief needs revising skills.

 

also, this quote:

 

Speaking of growing up through baseball and life today, Nick DiMauro, who hit .325 in 40 at-bats starting shortstop for Varsity last season, said, ?It was always fun going on trips and getting our own hotel rooms. We did, and still do just about everything together. I think that it not only helps our friendship, but makes our chemistry on the field like no other.?

 

you wrote it a bit wrong, you should start with the quote, and then said DiMauro, who hit yadda yadda yadda

 

that and you shouldnt put two quotes consecutively

This was just the rough draft.

 

It has been revised and finished. Well you just "can't" beat alex when it comes to journalism. lol thanks

 

i wouldnt say that though

but ive done alright for myself