After a five-year hiatus the Douglas Border Brat softball team is back only this time with a new look.
 The 2012 Douglas Border Brats prior to an exhibition doubleheader Sunday at the 15th Street Park. Pictured above, back row left to right, coach Norma Estrella, Dani Estrella, Kassandra Romero, coach Louie Tartaglia, Emeri Melendez, Vanessa Moreno and coach Veronica Tartaglia. Pictured front row left to right, Victoria Arvizu, Crystal Munoz, Kimberly Salazar, Celeste Dominguez and Paulette Salazar. Not pictured are Jackie Hurtado, Shasha Matty and Kianna Valenzuela. Bruce Whetten/Douglas Dispatch |
Tartaglia said he will keep just 12 players on his 14 and under roster and there are three tournaments lined up for the squad this month alone.
The Border Brats will be in Kingman this weekend before heading to Prescott July 20-22 and then Payson July 27-29.
Tartaglia’s Border Brats have a history of qualifying for national tournaments. He’s also helped several young ladies take their game to the next level, the most notable being Miriam Romero who started out with the Border Brats and went on to play two years at Baylor University. Romero helped Baylor make it to the College Softball World Series. Four of his former players have also gone on to be part of national championship teams.
When asked why he started up again Tartaglia said he felt like starting over again and wanted the opportunity to coach with his daughter.
“These girls are getting something the other players didn’t have,” he said meaning Veronica’s collegiate experience.
Veronica is excited about the challenge of being a coach and has attended numerous softball games in the local DGSL looking for potential players.
She says the skill level has dropped off somewhat from when she was a player.
“I can still remember the days we used to play the Cormier’s and it got crazy,” she said. “I’m hoping I can share and teach these girls what my coaches are teaching me.”
Norma said her daughter played for the Border Brats before the team disbanded and she had no problem putting Dani back on this team when she heard the team was coming back.
Tartaglia admits they are getting a late start on their season and with school starting in early August they are going to play a lot of games in a short amount of time.
“I want them to have school and school functions first and softball second,” he said. “These girls have a lot of potential and I want to see them succeed.”
Tartaglia is also looking for sponsors. He is also accepting donations and the team will be having fundraisers to help with tournament experiences.
Comments
Softball Fan wrote on Jul 11, 2012 8:33 AM:
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