Orinda Baseball Association (OBA)

• Good understanding of basic baseball rules
• Very good to excellent ability to throw and catch a baseball (i.e., rarely drops or misses the ball)
• Able to throw a baseball with a normal throwing motion with still increasing pace and accuracy. Target distance 70 feet (base distance).
• Able to field ground balls proficiently and demonstrate proper form (including balls requiring backhanded fielding)
• Able to catch fly balls proficiently in the outfield, including those that require judging velocity and flight path and moving to the ball
• Able to properly hold and swing a bat at any speed pitches (minimum 45-50 mph batting cage speed) and consistently make contact
• Able to properly square up and execute a bunt
• Solid baserunning skills and increasing speed (i.e., able to slide and has a good understanding of baserunning rules)
• Begin to read pitching
• Able to remember and follow coaching signs with high proficiency

• To increase proficiency at reading pitches
• Good and developing footwork
• Beginning to develop "expertise" at one (and hopefully more) positions, including ability to cover/backup bases, etc., when ball does not go to the subject player

 Shortly before the 2002 season, Tom and his family discovered OBA baseball and have been actively involved ever since. After managing his middle son George's teams through Pinto, Mustang and Bronco, Tom dropped down to manage/coach his youngest son, Will, through the same progression. Although Tom never coached his oldest son Scott, Scott played six years of OBA baseball before playing four years for the Miramonte high school team. As George prepares for his junior season with the Matadors, Will is preparing his second year of Pony and final year of OBA before embarking on a high school playing career of his own.

In addition to the numerous spring and fall teams that Tom managed over the past decade, he further had the honor and privilege to manage tournament and all star teams in Pinto, Mustang and Bronco. On two different occasions, Tom guided all star teams to the second round of sanction tournament play. This is Tom's first year as a member of the OBA Board. During those rare moments when he is not watching one his three boys play baseball, Tom avidly follows the San Francisco Giants. Professionally, Tom has practiced law with the firm of Miller Starr Regalia for the past 24 years.