Santa Maria High School varsity baseball team member Michael Ybarra is drawing attention for his excellence and competitive drive out on the field.
He’s been playing baseball since he was a youngster. He began at just 6 years old after he was influenced and encouraged by his mother )who played softball) and his father (who, like Ybarra, played baseball while growing up). He credits much of his success as a player to his parents for their love and support in his athletic ambitions.
“Both my parents played ball when they were younger, so naturally I picked up the want to play and have been playing baseball almost all my life,” he said. “I love the sport because it’s fun to play, and I like playing on a team with my friends”.
So what’s the biggest challenge on the diamond?
“I guess the hardest part was just putting in all the time and effort,” he said. “Working out and training is difficult, but in the end it’s all worth it.”
Ybarra, who’s now a junior, has played baseball over the years for both recreation and sport.
“I love playing baseball,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun and I enjoy the excitement that comes with playing other teams”.
Santa Maria High School’s varsity baseball coach had plenty to say about Ybarra’s success.
“He is a great team player and has really made a difference in how the results of the game have played out,” the coach said. “In the past few games, he has made a few crucial hits that really get the crowd going. He’s a lead hitter”
Ybarra is enjoying his time as a baseball player, but his future is still a bit up in the air.
“I’m not 100 percent decided as to if I’m going to continue with sports in college or not, but I definitely want to go to college and get a better education,” he said.
At 16 years old, Ybarra agreed that he has time to think about what he wants for future goals. With the support of his coach, teammates, and parents, he’s well on the way to achieving great things as a student and athlete.
This article appears in Mar 26 – Apr 2, 2009.