Coach Fernando Escala handed out his last set of team trophies at Knapp Ranch Park after a friendly game between parents and youth baseball players.

That was followed by a friendly water balloon toss at the Knapp Ranch Majors field.

The closing team party for the Angels marked another great season for Escala, who has coached at Knapp for seven years.

"I leave Knapp Ranch with nothing but fond memories. This year was no exception. As we move out of the area, I will miss the friends I have made at Knapp -players, parents, board members, and even umps," Escala said with a laugh. "What I have always enjoyed most is seeing the kids who had raw baseball talent progress into fine baseball players. As a coach, seeing the look on kids faces after accomplishing what they thought they couldn't was very rewarding. Also for those who knew it all, learning a few more things made them even better players."

Zack Burke, who was a great first baseman, had a fun season.

"This was a very exciting year and I learned a great deal from the coaches. Their suggestions helped me a lot and I am a much better player than I was before. They taught me the fundamentals of baseball and now I can play confidently," Burke said. "Thanks to everyone for a great season."

Tyler Sperling, the Angels catcher, said he would definitely be returning to Knapp to play baseball next year.

"The best part about being on the Angels was catching for Alex. He throwsgreat and he understands that catcher controls the game. He listens toeverything I say behind the plate. I don't think I had a standout moment this year. Maybe when I started my first game as pitcher but that would beit. I love baseball and I won't letanything stop me from playing," Sperling said. "Baseball is fun and I really understand thegame."

Alex Vetter, who played pitcher, loves throwing his fastball.

"I like baseball when I strike people out. I also like hitting the ball as hard as I can. Coach Fernando taught me a proper stance to hit and I did much better. We had a lot of good practices. Coach David made me a better player overall," Vetter said. "I can't wait to play in the Juniors division next year. Hopefully, I'll grow an inch or two before the next season starts."

Angels player Adam Brainin only had two words to describe the year, "Baseball's fun!"

Thank you to all of the volunteer coaches and board members who made the year at Knapp Ranch possible!

For more information about Knapp Ranch Baseball, visit www.knappranchbaseball.com.