YUMA, Ariz. – If there’s one word that defines the Yuma Smashers All-Star baseball team it’s unity. This collective of 12-year old athletes have come together to become a force to be reckoned with out of the Yuma Boys Baseball League, dominating almost every opponent they play.
Even though the Smashers bring loads of talent on their lineup in virtually every position, their pitching staff is credited as the strength of their team. Head coach Allen Quinn says the staff is so strong that he has four aces that suit up for him:
“Our number one and number two pitchers both got to throw in the championship game, which was their first outing. So, having four aces is a good problem to have.”
Other factors that make this team dangerous are the leaders that play on it. Blake Avila leads the defense, playing in multiple positions in the infield and the outfield. This, while he’s credited for his skills with the bat. Co-captain Issac Araiza is also a solid utility player that adds more dimension to this team.
The Smashers have the advantage of familiarity, as the team has been intact for more than three years. As a whole, Coach Quinn says the team is focused on the biggest prize:
“Our goal now going into the regions is to win and to represent the city of Yuma, Arizona and the state of Arizona in the World Series.”
