Not All About Wins And Losses: 10U Lake Shore Graysox Complete Memorable Season

By Colin Murphy 

The 10U Lake Shore Graysox have had a memorable summer, and not merely for their conquests on the baseball diamond. They posted a 17-7 record in Division 1 of the Mid-Atlantic Baseball Association and performed well at tournaments throughout the summer, including a 2^nd place finish at the Cal Ripken High Heat Tournament in Aberdeen earlier this month. Above all, however, the Graysox maintained the right perspective throughout the summer: they competed hard and played their best, but most importantly, they always remembered to enjoy the game of baseball and the friendships that come with playing on a summer travel team.

“Whether they won or lost, the way they played was a victory in itself,” said Head Coach Frank Almendra. “They played Graysox baseball, leaving everything out there on the field...The highlight of the season wasn’t any particular game or our record in league play or any tournament, but just seeing them grow. Grow as baseball players, and just the friendships and relationships they built along the way.”

Like many travel teams in the area, the 10U Graysox are self-funded, and in addition to their successful season on the field, they also held several creative and entertaining fundraisers throughout the year. Most recently the Graysox raffled off two bushels of crabs and a $50 restaurant gift certificate, which was won by former Pastores owner and longtime Pasadena resident Brian Messbauer. In March the Graysox held a comedy event at the Columbian Center in Severna Park featuring comedians Mickey Cuchiella and Rain Pryor, which was a huge success both as a both fundraising effort and an enjoyable evening for all who attended.

Almendra is grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in putting together such a successful season. “The parents on my team work hard all year long to raise the funds to help these kids live out their dream of playing ball,” he said. “We couldn't do it without my partner, best friend, and wife, Lisa Almendra, who works diligently to organize all the fundraising for us and make it all happen. It is truly a team effort and everyone plays a part in our success, from my coaches Gary Spangler and Nick Foca and the dads who volunteer with the boys on the field to all the moms with the fundraising. Our team is also very fortunate to have Wendy Cybert as our team mom and treasurer; we couldn't do it without her.”

The 10U Lake Shore Graysox are comprise of Jake Almendra, Brad Kenjorski, Christian McGowan, Logan Hamer, Mike Cybert, Austin Hage, Colton Spangler, Nick Brown, Parker Mangum, Derek Stumpf, and Cole Foca and are coached by Frank Almendra, Gary Spangler, and Nick Foca.