A different view on Newbury Park High School baseball

This letter is in response to the article written by Steve Ames on Sept. 4 titled "Panthers name new baseball coach."

Throughout the past two seasons, the hard-working student-athletes of Newbury Park have endured unnecessary criticism. This latest article, where Mr. Drootin clearly demonstrates his lack of knowledge on the "new" Panther program, prompted several comments from parents and players and warranted a response.

During my two-year tenure at Newbury Park, the players I inherited decided that they wanted more out of themselves and a program that hadn’t finished above fourth place in the last seven years. They turned an embarrassing program into one of this area’s most respected—in one season. Though this past season wasn’t what we’d hoped for, our 7-7 league record was respectable.

During the past two years, the Panthers broke 27 long-standing team and individual records. The Panthers’ 327 hits in 2002 ranks fourth all-time in Ventura County history. We had 19 players named to the All-League teams, seven to the All-County team, and two All-CIF selections; prior to these selections, Newbury Park hadn’t had a first team ALL-CIF selection since 1970.

Unfortunately, Mr. Drootin has placed far too much attention on a team’s overall record. While his overall records are phenomenal, it was much more important for me to have every player on the team see significant action in at least one game per week.

Off the field, the Panthers were making a name for themselves as well. For two straight years, the entire program earned a grade point average over 3.0. They were involved in community service projects and were planning on going to the local elementary schools this upcoming year to begin a mentorship program.

While Mr. Drootin admittedly finds "interest" in turning the Panther program around, his work has already been accomplished by the hard-working and dedicated players. Mr. Drootin wants Newbury Park to be synonymous with Westlake, which is an admirable goal. However, Newbury Park is already on its way. Not only were the Panthers 3-1 against four-time champion Westlake, they also boast a 4-0 record against highly regarded Thousand Oaks, last year’s Division II CIF champions. More gratifying than a 7-1 combined record against our biggest rivals, the players of Newbury Park regained their confidence and earned the respect of many. Newbury Park was already developing into a "powerhouse" prior to Mr. Drootin’s arrival. People were already saying, "That’s the league Newbury Park’s in."

Though I feel Mr. Drootin’s ignorant comments are a brutal slap in the face to the former and current players who were part of something very special, I truly wish him and the 2004 Panthers much success. The players of Newbury Park know what it takes to win, and they will rise to the occasion again. While Mr. Drootin has impressive credentials, there’s nothing for him to turn around.

I hope Mr. Drootin realizes what a talented group of young men he has, players who will continue to defend the tradition they spent so much effort creating. back on the map.

Mike Lee,

Former coach

Newbury Park baseball