Oviedo Babe Ruth All-Stars SHINE
by Kevin Fritz
With stellar defense and timely offense, Oviedo Babe Ruth baseball and softball All-Star teams shone brightly this spring, capturing five district championships.
These young boys and girls, ages five through 12, showed how hard work and dedication – both on and off the field – can pay off. The All-Star teams are derived from the best players from Oviedo Babe Ruth and COBRA (Coalition of Babe Ruth Athletes) squads.
A Complete Sweep
The softball teams representing Oviedo’s 6U (ages 5-6), 8U (ages 7-8), 10U (ages 9-10), and 12U (ages 11-12) divisions all clinched District 7 championships, earning them spots in the state tournament in Lake City, Florida.
“We swept through districts,” says a proud Mike Ortega, Oviedo Babe Ruth softball commissioner.
The professional charter boat captain by day has served as commissioner for the past three years and also managed this year’s 10U championship team, which included his daughter playing shortstop.
“There has not been a complete sweep since I have been involved,” says Mike. “We have always been very strong, but never a complete sweep.”
The 6U All-Stars shone brightest for District 7, advancing to the state championship game – ultimately coming up short to Green Cove Springs from District 2 in an extra-inning matchup.
“Each team brings their collective competitive skills to play all year-round,” says Mike. “There is always a complete team effort.”
The Comeback Kids
Oviedo’s 8U team proved to be the standouts on the baseball side of the Babe Ruth league. Led by coach Kelly DeSalvo, the team won the District 11 All-Star Tournament, posting an undefeated 4-0 record and advancing to the state tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
The 8U Raptors from Winter Springs also had a strong showing at the district level, finishing second with a 4-2 record and leading the tournament in runs scored.
In the state tournament, Kelly’s team posted a 3-2 record, losing in the semifinals to an undefeated Bartow team from District 12 that went on to win the state championship. Oviedo tied for third in state play. Most of their victories were come-from-behind wins.
“These kids played their hearts out all season,” says Kelly, who has been coaching Babe Ruth baseball for four years.
“They were definitely the comeback kids the entire All-Star season,” she says. “We went by the motto ‘Defense Wins Championships,’ because hitting can come and go, but defense keeps you in the game.”
Kelly, who played softball at Winter Springs High School and Rollins College, says many of her boys have played together since T-ball. Most are coming back to compete in 9U – including her son, who plays left field – giving them a good chance to make another run for a state championship.
“I told them how proud I was all season,” says Kelly. “They showed great sportsmanship, always listened, and always hustled. They are just really good kids from great families.”