Great Day at the Park

Yesterday we played Palm Beach County P.A.L. for a little friendly scrimmage. 

For those of you who do not know the background of the Pal program it is a team put on by the Sheriff's office. It is a great program that really does a lot for the community. The man in charge is Scott Scrivner who somehow also balances basketball teams, golf tournaments, boxers, and rec centers while traveling all summer for baseball. The PAL baseball team year after year puts up one of the best team in the nation. I was privileged enough to play for the team and it was an unbelievable summer.  This year the team is coached by Chad Upson, Coach Johnson and Coach Juice. No doubt this team will also be one of the stronger ones in the nation this summer.

The day started very early as Coach Gero, Coach Chad, Coach Dax and I all got to the field early to fix it up since half of the infield was underwater. By the time the game rolled around the field was in pristine condition. Only took about 2 and half hours of work, whole boat load of turface and one ruined pair of turf shoes. Before the game we got a talk from FAU baseball head coach, Coach McCormack. Talked to the parents and players about the recruiting process and how it all works. After this it was time for the game.

The DVE pitching continued to be dominate as we did not allow a hit for 8 innings. If Kevin Hanlon would have jinxed this one we would have had to think about revoking his talking privileges. The pitching was done by T.J. Farjad, Bo Bonilla, Jake Caltrider, Curt Copeland, Kevin Hanlon, Ronald Pena, and Adrian Talton. Offensively it was one of those days where everyone hit well. From the top of the lineup to the bottom everyone played well. The final score came out to be 11-0. Good scrimmage to let us fine tune things and get ready for our next tournament which is this upcoming weekend in jupiter. 

Diamond Vision 2009 Record 4-1

Next game is tuesday night against the Dirtbags at Park Vista at 6:30. 

Thats all sports fans

Jim Holton

Job Well Done

Happy Memorial Day. Let me first say how proud of you all. You fought well and gave 100%. Sometimes it just doesn't pan out as Coach Holton mentioned. The report that I received was accurate to the T with Jimmy's assessment. We have found what we need to work on and only can improve.
As far as left handed pitchers go. Well, they just seem "different", it defines them. however, I love what they do on the mound and would be caught short without them.
It is true we did not advance in last years UA Team One event and from there on we were unbeatable. I see the same in our future.
I have been told this group of young men showed no signs of quitting and pulled for each other. I call that chemistry. You can't teach it you just have it. As Yogi would say, "it ain't over 'till it's over"
Great Job and I am so very proud of Coaches, players and parents. You are my strength.

Jimmy I see a future in you as a commentator also !! great debut!!

Hit 'em Hard and True

Pete

PS. Kudo's to Cody, Adrian and JD for highlights

Day 3 of Tournament

Today's schedule called for a double possible triple header starting at 9 a.m. against the Jacksonville Heap. Things started off great for Diamond Vision but quickly turned around and went south. After a hard fought game we ended up behind in the score 6-3. We did not go down without a fight though. There were, as Joe Morgan would call them, several web gems. Cody Dent and Adrian Talton made two tremendous plays that limited the scoring of the Heap and kept the game close. We showed tremendous poise and passion and never quit. Sometimes things just don't pan out like you think they should. 

In the second game we came out with a chip on our shoulder. We put up 1 in the first and then exploded for 7 in the second. The second inning was highlighted by J.D. Delvalle's grand slam that sailed over the left centerfield fence. We were led on the mound by Adrian Talton and Michael Stemle. We had a no hitter going until a certain lefty pitcher from central ahem Kevin Hanlon ahem decided to break one of baseballs magic rules and ask if we had given up any hits. But hey we can forgive him he is a lefty pitcher.  Final score turned out to be 8-0. Now it was on to the hard part.... the waiting game.

By losing to the Heap it was going to take a stellar performance from the Homestead Storm for us to make it into the championship bracket. We needed the Storm to win and to score atleast 5 runs. Heck of a long shot to ask for when swinging wood and have the wind blowing in.  Needless to say things did not turn out in our favor with that game. 

So the first tournament was over for the 2009 Diamond Vision Elite team but we all headed home heads held high knowing we gave it all just like Pete would want from us. 

I'm starting to sense a curse that rivaling that of the Billygoat (my apologies to any cubby fans) because last year the 2008 Diamond Vision did not advance far at all in the first tournament. After that though things turned out rather well to say the least and I would not be the least bit surprised if the same things did not happen this year. Now just got to go back to the grind and get at it. 

Diamond Vision 2009 Record 3-1

Thats all sports fans

Jim Holton 

You Bet I Am Proud

First, Let me welcome Coaches Gero and Rankine to their first victory as a tandem for DVE. Thanks guys.
I am very proud of how the team has responded to the opening day jitters. You have the right attitude and willingness to win. That is a tradition on this club. Keep the focus on the prize, winning. Never give up and you will make something of yourself in life.
Nice job Plebe ( JD DeValle) take this experience to the Naval Academy, you have earned it.
Welcome to the team Park Vista players, you are a strong addition to the club too.
Well have fun tonight, get some rest and continue the journey tomorrow.

You Bet I Am Proud!!
Pete

Day 2 of the Tournament

Diamond Vision had an impressive 14-1 victory today against the "Swamp Baseball" team.  Was lead by very impressive pitching performances from T.J. Farjad and Jake Caltrider. T.J. threw three innings of perfect baseball striking out 3 and only allowing one ball to be hit out of the infield. After T.J., Jake came in and continued the dominance in his 2 innings of work.  Offensively we were lead by J.D. Delvalle, Scooter Price, and Chi Chi Gonzalez who each collected two hits and two RBI's. very dominating day for Diamond Vision Elite. 

With the early game there has been nothing but relaxation going on in the hotel now as we get ready for a long day tomorrow. We will play at 9, 1130 and then at 7 to start elimination games. Pete would be very proud of how we are playing right now and will be even more proud when we come home with the championship.

Diamond Vision 2009 Record 2-0

Next game tomorrow 9:00

Thats all sports fans

Jim Holton

First of Many

Well our first road trip has started out without any problems knock on wood. All of us got over to the west coast without any problems and we went straight to the field. Michael Kelly started for us but mother nature limited him to only one inning. We had about a hour rain delay while we waited for the field to dry out and become playable. After the long delay we decided to go with Kevin Hanlon on the mound. Kevin pitched outstanding giving up just one run in 5 innings. Bo Bonilla helped him out behind the plate by picking off two runners to help keep the Homestead Storm from rallying. The Storm went up by 1 in the bottom of the 6th. We were down to 3 outs and had to score. Inning started out with Michael Kelly walking followed by Brandon Murray sacrificing him over. A couple of errors later Diamond Vision was up 2-1. Just goes to show what putting the ball in play can do for you. Bottom of the 7th didn't come without excitement though. First hitter singled to left center and Chi Chi Gonzalez was brought in to relieve Hanlon. First  batter sacrificed and then got to third. So there was man on third with one out. We needed a strikeout from Chi Chi and he delivered. The last batter popped out to Scooter in foul territory to wrap up the game for Diamond Vision. 

Pete would have been proud the team never gave up the whole way through the game. Stayed in it the whole time. 

Diamond Vision 2009 Record 1-0. 

Next game tomorrow at 10:30.

Thats all sports fans

Jim Holton

Good luck

Good luck all tomorrow. Thanks for the honor of being on the DVE team hat. I am truly touched by all of you. You are in my heart during this battle against Leukemia. I will win this as I have never backed down. I know all of you will not let me if I tried. I am blessed with an awesome support group.
Thanks to Eddie Bloom and the Cherokee Staff for the geat job again on our uniforms, thanks to Carey Copeland, Joe Stark for all the help in my place and a very special thank you to Amanda Murrell for all the great work you have done for the DVE guys. Thank you, thank thank you.
Coach Holton today is your day. go get 'em.


GO PARK VISTA COBRAS diamond Vision Elite wishes you all the success

Peter Greenberg
Proud Survivor

It's a New Season

Good Day All. I just wanted to welcome all of you to our New Season. We are planning an exciting year and we intend to be a competitive team as always. New coaches, new players and a new look web site (thanks Angelo).
The one change this year is I will be off the field on medical leave. I will be fighting a different fight. been there before and I will beat it again. You all have been great in support for my recovery.I thank you from the bottom of my heart
Coach Jimmy Holton will be writing regular updates for all of you to read. I encourage you to write also and voice your thoughts and support of DVE.
If I can be of any help, pleas e-mail me at diamondvision9@aol.com, I will do my best to respond quickly.

Good luck guys, win it for me and win it for yourselves.
Peter Greenberg
GM
Diamond Vision Elite