September 2024 – Ben Melendez, Escondido, CA

Congratulations to Ben Melendez from Escondido, CA – and to his amazing coach, Coach Cap! Ben pitches for Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego. When not playing baseball, he loves hanging out with friends and cheering for the Yankees.

September Contest Question

Coach of the Year! Nominate your coach by explaining why yours is the BEST and deserving of this title. Give us the details: specific stories and quotes, how they impact and inspire, and anything else that shows how amazing they are. Winning entry receives prizes for both you and your coach. Good luck! 

Winning Answer

I would like to nominate for Coach of the Year, Coach Cap. Coach Cap has had an extraordinary impact he has had on my life and everyone this man has encountered. Coach Cap is more than just a coach, but he is a veteran, a mentor, and one of the most genuine and caring people that I have the pleasure to know. Coach Cap took me under his wing at a crucial time in my life. During this time, he showed me what true leadership and dedication looks like.

When our varsity roster was too full, Coach Cap fought to keep me on the team. Him fighting for me ultimately saved my baseball career but showed me something more. It showed me who he was as an individual, but it also taught me that to take any chance you get and run with it. Even though I didn’t always get same amount of reps or playing time as others, he made sure I got my work in. Even if it meant staying after practice with me. Him doing this I got better, and I achieved my dream by committing to a college recently. Without Coach Cap, this would have never happened. Coach Cap is always the first one at the field, showing up hours before anyone else, and making sure the field is in its tip top shape. He stays late too, making sure everything is clean and ready for the next day.

Coach Cap goes way beyond the game. He helped me navigate tough life decisions. He has been there when I needed guidance, always offering his wisdom and care. He sees his players as family and consistently puts us before himself. No matter the situation, I know I can call him, and he will be there without hesitation.

Coach Cap is not just a Coach, but he is a mentor and a true example of selflessness. His dedication to the team, the sport, and his players is unmatched. Coach Cap is the kind of coach who makes lasting difference on people’s lives. I can’t wait as I go into my final year of high school what more wisdom and guidance he has, for not only me but players and future players. I believe Coach Cap is Coach of the Year.

https://media.nokona.com/formidable/4/74719069733__F3D8323A-76A2-433B-B1B9-2309A868B5E1.mov