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The 2010 article archive may be viewed here.
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Dobson, Tigers looking to future
Baseball returns strong core group in 2011
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 9:02 AM CDT
This wasn’t the year for the Tigers, after all.
Broken Arrow High School’s lofty expectations in
the Class 6A state baseball tournament were
shot down.
But, Broken Arrow High School’s hunt for the
Class 6A baseball champion could be just
beginning.
Wading through last Saturday’s season-ending,
6-4 loss to Union in the state tournament
semifinals, coach Shannon Dobson isn’t resting.
A 32-8 record, the best in Dobson’s eight
seasons, isn’t enough.
“We’ll start on next year Monday,” Dobson said,
referring to Diamond League. “It’s not about
winning 20 or 30 games a year. It’s about
winning that last one. I came here to win a
championship.”
The Tigers should be better prepared in 2011
to make the final charge.
When BAHS played Union last weekend, five positions – not including pitcher – will return in first
baseman Jacob Evans, second baseman Zack Mills, third baseman Tyler McKinzie, leftfielder
Tyler Rolland and catcher-designated hitter Dylan Delso. The Tigers will have a new catcher,
centerfielder and rightfielder.
Pitching, this team’s strength, should be even better. Juniors Mason Hope, Archie Bradley and
Tyler Kruse and sophomore Jacob Evans – proven starters – will be back.
However, there won’t be any guarantees.
Broken Arrow’s freshmen and junior varsity teams combined for a 43-7 record this spring.
“We have a lot of quality players in our program,” Dobson said. “There’s going to be a lot of
competition with young guys pushing for playing time. It’s going to be really competitive.”
BAHS’s Achille’s Heal this season was getting key hits with runners in scoring position.
Getting on base (.425 percentage) going into the state tournament, wasn’t the problem.
In the two-run loss to Union, BAHS stranded 13 runners – eight of them in scoring position.
“That will come with experience and maturity,” Dobson said. “When you get to the last three or
four teams, you have to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Dobson said the bar for 2011 will be even higher. That step could have its risks.
“It’s been a process,” Dobson said. “It’s a matter of what our parents, the people and our players
want. Do we want to play at a level to compete for the championship? Or, do we want everybody
to play and everybody be happy?”
Baseball returns strong core group in 2011
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, May 19, 2010 9:02 AM CDT
This wasn’t the year for the Tigers, after all.
Broken Arrow High School’s lofty expectations in
the Class 6A state baseball tournament were
shot down.
But, Broken Arrow High School’s hunt for the
Class 6A baseball champion could be just
beginning.
Wading through last Saturday’s season-ending,
6-4 loss to Union in the state tournament
semifinals, coach Shannon Dobson isn’t resting.
A 32-8 record, the best in Dobson’s eight
seasons, isn’t enough.
“We’ll start on next year Monday,” Dobson said,
referring to Diamond League. “It’s not about
winning 20 or 30 games a year. It’s about
winning that last one. I came here to win a
championship.”
The Tigers should be better prepared in 2011
to make the final charge.
When BAHS played Union last weekend, five positions – not including pitcher – will return in first
baseman Jacob Evans, second baseman Zack Mills, third baseman Tyler McKinzie, leftfielder
Tyler Rolland and catcher-designated hitter Dylan Delso. The Tigers will have a new catcher,
centerfielder and rightfielder.
Pitching, this team’s strength, should be even better. Juniors Mason Hope, Archie Bradley and
Tyler Kruse and sophomore Jacob Evans – proven starters – will be back.
However, there won’t be any guarantees.
Broken Arrow’s freshmen and junior varsity teams combined for a 43-7 record this spring.
“We have a lot of quality players in our program,” Dobson said. “There’s going to be a lot of
competition with young guys pushing for playing time. It’s going to be really competitive.”
BAHS’s Achille’s Heal this season was getting key hits with runners in scoring position.
Getting on base (.425 percentage) going into the state tournament, wasn’t the problem.
In the two-run loss to Union, BAHS stranded 13 runners – eight of them in scoring position.
“That will come with experience and maturity,” Dobson said. “When you get to the last three or
four teams, you have to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Dobson said the bar for 2011 will be even higher. That step could have its risks.
“It’s been a process,” Dobson said. “It’s a matter of what our parents, the people and our players
want. Do we want to play at a level to compete for the championship? Or, do we want everybody
to play and everybody be happy?”
FUTURE BRIGHT — Broken Arrow
High School baseball coach
Shannon Dobson has a solid core
group returning in 2011 from this
year's club that was 32-8.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
High School baseball coach
Shannon Dobson has a solid core
group returning in 2011 from this
year's club that was 32-8.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
************************************************************
One more game together
Tigers' Osburn, Dobson named OCA All-State
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, May 21, 2010 7:57 PM CDT
Mitch Osburn played four seasons for Shannon Dobson at
Broken Arrow High School.
Just about the time Osburn figured his days were finished
being under Dobson’s thumb, he was wrong.
They have one more game together.
On Friday, Osburn was picked Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State as a Large East catcher.
Dobson, who’s been at BAHS the last eight seasons, was
named the Large East coach by his peers.
“I think I can handle him for one more game,” Osburn said,
chuckling. “It’s exciting to get to play for him one more time.”
The game, a part of the OCA’s annual All-State week, is
July 26 at 7 p.m. at Oral Roberts University’s J.L. Johnson
Stadium.
Osburn’s election was touching. His father, Jeff Osburn as
All-State for the Tigers in 1987 – as a catcher.
When young Osburn got word, his first phone call was to
his father.
“I think Dad was more excited than I was,” Mitch Osburn
said. “All of this is really something special.”
Jeff Osburn admitted he got emotional.
“I choked up,” he said. “I am so proud. Mitch is blessed with
all the talent but he’s worked hard for this. Not because
he’s my son, but to watch any young man achieve his goal
is special.”
Mitch Osburn led the 32-8 Tigers – the most wins in a
single-season by a Dobson-coached team – with a .373
batting average. He was tops among BAHS players in
singles (41), hit by pitch (11) and sacrifices (7). He tied for
second in doubles (9) and was second in RBIs (28).
Appearing in all 40 games, Osburn was the Tigers’ regular
catcher down the stretch with 21 putouts, six assists and
no errors.
As the catcher, Osburn handled a Tiger pitching staff that
ad a combined 1.46 earned run average.
The OCA Large East team:
Pitchers - Jonathan Gray (Chandler),
Dillon Endecott (McLoud), Billy Waltrip (Fort Gibson); First Base - Dusty Harper (Berryhill);
Infielders - Jose Olazagasti (Collinsville), Colby Mitchell (Valliant), Griffith Roark (Stillwater),
Joe McGee (Tulsa Washington).
Outfielders - Ryan Wilson (Owasso), Cayle Shambaugh (Jay), Wade Ambrose (Union),
Saulyer Saxon (Shawnee).
Catchers - Tyler Crabtree (McAlester), Mitch Osburn (Broken Arrow).
Coach: Shannon Dobson (Broken Arrow)
Tigers' Osburn, Dobson named OCA All-State
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Friday, May 21, 2010 7:57 PM CDT
Mitch Osburn played four seasons for Shannon Dobson at
Broken Arrow High School.
Just about the time Osburn figured his days were finished
being under Dobson’s thumb, he was wrong.
They have one more game together.
On Friday, Osburn was picked Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State as a Large East catcher.
Dobson, who’s been at BAHS the last eight seasons, was
named the Large East coach by his peers.
“I think I can handle him for one more game,” Osburn said,
chuckling. “It’s exciting to get to play for him one more time.”
The game, a part of the OCA’s annual All-State week, is
July 26 at 7 p.m. at Oral Roberts University’s J.L. Johnson
Stadium.
Osburn’s election was touching. His father, Jeff Osburn as
All-State for the Tigers in 1987 – as a catcher.
When young Osburn got word, his first phone call was to
his father.
“I think Dad was more excited than I was,” Mitch Osburn
said. “All of this is really something special.”
Jeff Osburn admitted he got emotional.
“I choked up,” he said. “I am so proud. Mitch is blessed with
all the talent but he’s worked hard for this. Not because
he’s my son, but to watch any young man achieve his goal
is special.”
Mitch Osburn led the 32-8 Tigers – the most wins in a
single-season by a Dobson-coached team – with a .373
batting average. He was tops among BAHS players in
singles (41), hit by pitch (11) and sacrifices (7). He tied for
second in doubles (9) and was second in RBIs (28).
Appearing in all 40 games, Osburn was the Tigers’ regular
catcher down the stretch with 21 putouts, six assists and
no errors.
As the catcher, Osburn handled a Tiger pitching staff that
ad a combined 1.46 earned run average.
The OCA Large East team:
Pitchers - Jonathan Gray (Chandler),
Dillon Endecott (McLoud), Billy Waltrip (Fort Gibson); First Base - Dusty Harper (Berryhill);
Infielders - Jose Olazagasti (Collinsville), Colby Mitchell (Valliant), Griffith Roark (Stillwater),
Joe McGee (Tulsa Washington).
Outfielders - Ryan Wilson (Owasso), Cayle Shambaugh (Jay), Wade Ambrose (Union),
Saulyer Saxon (Shawnee).
Catchers - Tyler Crabtree (McAlester), Mitch Osburn (Broken Arrow).
Coach: Shannon Dobson (Broken Arrow)
ALL-STATE COACH — Shannon
Dobson of Broken Arrow High
School will coach the Large East
baseball team July 26 in the OCA
All-State game at ORU's Johnson
Stadium.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
Dobson of Broken Arrow High
School will coach the Large East
baseball team July 26 in the OCA
All-State game at ORU's Johnson
Stadium.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
OCA ALL-STATE — Broken Arrow
High School catcher Mitch Osburn
was named Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State on Friday.
High School catcher Mitch Osburn
was named Oklahoma Coaches
Association All-State on Friday.
************************************************************
Diamond League begins Monday
Published:
Friday, May 21, 2010 7:57 PM CDT
Ledger Staff Reports
Diamond League Baseball, the summer program for Broken Arrow High School futures, kicks off
Monday.
Tiger Field hosts games Monday and Tuesday with BAHS teams in action both nights.
It will be short first week with only four days slated for games. After an extended Memorial Day
Weekend, it will be a full schedule beginning June 1.
DIAMOND LEAGUE BASEBALL
Monday, May 24
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. - Bishop Kelley JV vs. BAJV Black; 8 p.m. - Kelley vs. Broken Arrow.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Cascia Hall JV vs. Jenks Maroon JV; 8 p.m. - Cascia Hall vs. Jenks Maroon.
Tuesday, May 25
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. Bartlesville 14s vs. BAJV Gold; 8 p.m. - Memorial vs. Broken Arrow Gold.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Owasso Black 14s vs. Jenks White JV; 8 p.m. - Berryhill vs. Jenks White.
Wednesday, May 26
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - BAJV Gold vs. Owasso Red JV; 8 p.m. - BA Gold vs. Owasso.
Thursday, May 27
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - Owasso Red 14s vs. Bartlesville 14s; 8 p.m. - Kelley JV vs. Owasso White JV.
At Collinsville: 6 p.m. - Cascia Hall JV vs. Collinsville JV; 8 p.m. - Cascia Hall vs. Collinsville.
Published:
Friday, May 21, 2010 7:57 PM CDT
Ledger Staff Reports
Diamond League Baseball, the summer program for Broken Arrow High School futures, kicks off
Monday.
Tiger Field hosts games Monday and Tuesday with BAHS teams in action both nights.
It will be short first week with only four days slated for games. After an extended Memorial Day
Weekend, it will be a full schedule beginning June 1.
DIAMOND LEAGUE BASEBALL
Monday, May 24
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. - Bishop Kelley JV vs. BAJV Black; 8 p.m. - Kelley vs. Broken Arrow.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Cascia Hall JV vs. Jenks Maroon JV; 8 p.m. - Cascia Hall vs. Jenks Maroon.
Tuesday, May 25
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. Bartlesville 14s vs. BAJV Gold; 8 p.m. - Memorial vs. Broken Arrow Gold.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Owasso Black 14s vs. Jenks White JV; 8 p.m. - Berryhill vs. Jenks White.
Wednesday, May 26
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - BAJV Gold vs. Owasso Red JV; 8 p.m. - BA Gold vs. Owasso.
Thursday, May 27
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - Owasso Red 14s vs. Bartlesville 14s; 8 p.m. - Kelley JV vs. Owasso White JV.
At Collinsville: 6 p.m. - Cascia Hall JV vs. Collinsville JV; 8 p.m. - Cascia Hall vs. Collinsville.
************************************************************
Diamond League Baseball
Action resumes Tuesday
Published:
Sunday, May 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT
Diamond League Baseball returns to action Tuesday with a full slate of games at five sites, with two
games at Broken Arrow High School's Tiger Field. The summer league continues through July 1.
DIAMOND LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tuesday, June 1
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. - Jenks Maroon JV at BA Black JV; 8 p.m. - Jenks Maroon vs. BA Black.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Bixby JV vs. Jenks White JV; 8 p.m. - Sperry vs. Jenks White.
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - Kelley vs. Collinsville; 8 p.m. - Kelley JV vs. Owasso freshmen.
At Union: 6 p.m. - BA Gold JV vs. Union JV; 8 p.m. - BA Gold vs. Union.
At O’Brien Park: 6:30 p.m. - Bartlesville freshmen vs. Owasso Black; 8:30 p.m. - Owasso Red vs.
Union freshmen.
View remaining schedules here.
Action resumes Tuesday
Published:
Sunday, May 30, 2010 7:44 PM CDT
Diamond League Baseball returns to action Tuesday with a full slate of games at five sites, with two
games at Broken Arrow High School's Tiger Field. The summer league continues through July 1.
DIAMOND LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tuesday, June 1
At Broken Arrow: 6 p.m. - Jenks Maroon JV at BA Black JV; 8 p.m. - Jenks Maroon vs. BA Black.
At Jenks: 6 p.m. - Bixby JV vs. Jenks White JV; 8 p.m. - Sperry vs. Jenks White.
At Owasso: 6 p.m. - Kelley vs. Collinsville; 8 p.m. - Kelley JV vs. Owasso freshmen.
At Union: 6 p.m. - BA Gold JV vs. Union JV; 8 p.m. - BA Gold vs. Union.
At O’Brien Park: 6:30 p.m. - Bartlesville freshmen vs. Owasso Black; 8:30 p.m. - Owasso Red vs.
Union freshmen.
View remaining schedules here.
************************************************************
Bradley commits to OU
Staff Reports
Published:
Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:52 AM CDT
Archie Bradley, Broken Arrow High School star quarterback and pitcher for the Tigers, committed
to the University of Oklahoma Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-3, 220-pound Bradley was Oklahoma All-State Honorable Mention this past season in
baseball and Rivals.com listed him as a three-star quarterback. Bradley broke the news on his
Facebook page.
Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Tulsa and UCLA were among the teams interested in
Bradley.
Staff Reports
Published:
Thursday, June 10, 2010 8:52 AM CDT
Archie Bradley, Broken Arrow High School star quarterback and pitcher for the Tigers, committed
to the University of Oklahoma Tuesday afternoon.
The 6-3, 220-pound Bradley was Oklahoma All-State Honorable Mention this past season in
baseball and Rivals.com listed him as a three-star quarterback. Bradley broke the news on his
Facebook page.
Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Tulsa and UCLA were among the teams interested in
Bradley.
************************************************************
Learning experience
North Carolina eye-opener for BAHS's Hope
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 7:47 PM CDT
Mason Hope isn’t “gonna sweat it” because he
doesn’t get a tryout for USA Baseball’s under-18
national team.
The Broken Arrow High School senior did plenty
of perspiring last weekend in Cary, N.C.
A right-handed pitcher, Hope competed in the
USA Baseball Tournament of Stars with 143
other players from across the country.
Thirty-six were picked to tryout for the elite
18-year-old club. Hope wasn’t one of the three
dozen, who’d be vying for 20 spots.
Hope wasn’t fazed.
“Just the experience and what I learned was
incredible,” Hope said. “All of this will make me
a better pitcher.”
Perhaps the biggest lesson Hope learned didn’t
have anything to do with his pitching mechanics.
The North Carolina humidity was an eye-opener
for this Oklahoman.
“It’s been a 100 degrees here (Broken Arrow) and I thought I was ready,” Hope said. “I knew it
was going to be about 100 degrees in North Carolina. I figured I could handle that. I wasn’t ready
for the humidity.”
The 6-foot-2 Hope, who weighed nearly 182 pounds when he reported to camp, “probably lost
six pounds” in the short stay.
“I learned the heat and humidity can wear you down,” he said.
Hope, who was 9-2 with a 1.31 earned run average this spring for BAHS, pitched four innings in
two games at the USA Baseball camp.
In three of those innings, Hope was spectacular. He tossed two shutout innings with one hit, no
walks and three strikeouts in his first outing.
On Sunday, the last day, Hope had a nine-pitch, 1-2-3 inning before things collapsed.
Hope was rocked for five runs on four hits, two walks and a wild pitch.
“For some reason,” Hope said, “I just didn’t have it. My legs were sore and my arm was a little
tired.”
It was, Hope said, a learning experience.
“I know one thing, I’ve got to be in better shape,” he said. “When I get home, I will start working
on that.”
North Carolina eye-opener for BAHS's Hope
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 7:47 PM CDT
Mason Hope isn’t “gonna sweat it” because he
doesn’t get a tryout for USA Baseball’s under-18
national team.
The Broken Arrow High School senior did plenty
of perspiring last weekend in Cary, N.C.
A right-handed pitcher, Hope competed in the
USA Baseball Tournament of Stars with 143
other players from across the country.
Thirty-six were picked to tryout for the elite
18-year-old club. Hope wasn’t one of the three
dozen, who’d be vying for 20 spots.
Hope wasn’t fazed.
“Just the experience and what I learned was
incredible,” Hope said. “All of this will make me
a better pitcher.”
Perhaps the biggest lesson Hope learned didn’t
have anything to do with his pitching mechanics.
The North Carolina humidity was an eye-opener
for this Oklahoman.
“It’s been a 100 degrees here (Broken Arrow) and I thought I was ready,” Hope said. “I knew it
was going to be about 100 degrees in North Carolina. I figured I could handle that. I wasn’t ready
for the humidity.”
The 6-foot-2 Hope, who weighed nearly 182 pounds when he reported to camp, “probably lost
six pounds” in the short stay.
“I learned the heat and humidity can wear you down,” he said.
Hope, who was 9-2 with a 1.31 earned run average this spring for BAHS, pitched four innings in
two games at the USA Baseball camp.
In three of those innings, Hope was spectacular. He tossed two shutout innings with one hit, no
walks and three strikeouts in his first outing.
On Sunday, the last day, Hope had a nine-pitch, 1-2-3 inning before things collapsed.
Hope was rocked for five runs on four hits, two walks and a wild pitch.
“For some reason,” Hope said, “I just didn’t have it. My legs were sore and my arm was a little
tired.”
It was, Hope said, a learning experience.
“I know one thing, I’ve got to be in better shape,” he said. “When I get home, I will start working
on that.”
TIGER HURLER — Mason Hope, who
will be a senior at Broken Arrow High
School next season, participated in a
USA Baseball tournament last week.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
will be a senior at Broken Arrow High
School next season, participated in a
USA Baseball tournament last week.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
************************************************************
DLB continues its purpose
Tiger baseball gains from summer league
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, July 8, 2010 9:42 AM CDT
They call it Diamond League.
Perhaps the summer high school league should be renamed Developmental League.
For Broken Arrow High School baseball coach Shannon Dobson – and others in his shoes – it’s a
glimpse into the future.
Wins and losses, since DLB was introduced seven years ago, aren’t primary.
Progress, Dobson said, is the key.
“It’s a chance to watch young players develop and get better,” Dobson said. “That’s what this
league is all about.”
Diamond League closed its books last week and Dobson was pleased with what he saw.
“There were a lot of good things happening for our program,” he said.
Broken Arrow entered four teams in the two-month season, two at the varsity level and two in the
junior varsity circuit.
One of those junior varsity teams was comprised of incoming ninth graders.
Unlike American Legion baseball, where teams certify rosters and can use only those players,
DLB is more relaxed.
It wasn’t uncommon for BA coaches to occasionally play freshman or sophomore on a varsity
team.
“This really gives coaches a chance to see what a young one can do and how he reacts,”
Dobson said. “We will play guys in positions they don’t normally play. It’s preparing depth for our
(BAHS) season next year.”
For players, it’s a proving ground.
“There have been a number of guys who have come into their own in Diamond League,” Dobson
said.
Taylor Reed was a skinny right-hander five years ago when he caught this BAHS coaches eyes
in this summer league.
Reed emerged into a starter for the Tigers the next spring and then played junior college
baseball.
Just a year ago, Jacob Evans was a relative unknown left-handed pitcher in the BAHS program.
In DLB in 2009, Evans displayed his talents. This spring, as a sophomore, Evans was a starter
for the Tigers and posted a 7-1 record with a 1.00 earned run average.
Josh Hemm, who will be a junior at BAHS this fall, tossed a perfect game in a DLB junior varsity
game in the last week of the season.
“You never know,” Dobson said. “These guys can surprise you.”
Tiger baseball gains from summer league
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Thursday, July 8, 2010 9:42 AM CDT
They call it Diamond League.
Perhaps the summer high school league should be renamed Developmental League.
For Broken Arrow High School baseball coach Shannon Dobson – and others in his shoes – it’s a
glimpse into the future.
Wins and losses, since DLB was introduced seven years ago, aren’t primary.
Progress, Dobson said, is the key.
“It’s a chance to watch young players develop and get better,” Dobson said. “That’s what this
league is all about.”
Diamond League closed its books last week and Dobson was pleased with what he saw.
“There were a lot of good things happening for our program,” he said.
Broken Arrow entered four teams in the two-month season, two at the varsity level and two in the
junior varsity circuit.
One of those junior varsity teams was comprised of incoming ninth graders.
Unlike American Legion baseball, where teams certify rosters and can use only those players,
DLB is more relaxed.
It wasn’t uncommon for BA coaches to occasionally play freshman or sophomore on a varsity
team.
“This really gives coaches a chance to see what a young one can do and how he reacts,”
Dobson said. “We will play guys in positions they don’t normally play. It’s preparing depth for our
(BAHS) season next year.”
For players, it’s a proving ground.
“There have been a number of guys who have come into their own in Diamond League,” Dobson
said.
Taylor Reed was a skinny right-hander five years ago when he caught this BAHS coaches eyes
in this summer league.
Reed emerged into a starter for the Tigers the next spring and then played junior college
baseball.
Just a year ago, Jacob Evans was a relative unknown left-handed pitcher in the BAHS program.
In DLB in 2009, Evans displayed his talents. This spring, as a sophomore, Evans was a starter
for the Tigers and posted a 7-1 record with a 1.00 earned run average.
Josh Hemm, who will be a junior at BAHS this fall, tossed a perfect game in a DLB junior varsity
game in the last week of the season.
“You never know,” Dobson said. “These guys can surprise you.”
************************************************************
COMMON BOND — Broken Arrow's Mitch
Osburn, left, is a 2010 OCA All-State
catcher. His father, Jeff Osburn, was a
1987 OCA All-State catcher from BA
Osburn, left, is a 2010 OCA All-State
catcher. His father, Jeff Osburn, was a
1987 OCA All-State catcher from BA
All-state memories
For Broken Arrow father-son
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:46 PM CDT
Jeff Osburn was perched several rows above the
visitor’s dugout at J.L. Johnson Stadium.
He wasn’t going to miss a pitch at the Oklahoma
Coaches Association Large School baseball game
Monday night, which capped the first day of All-State
games.
Broken Arrow High School had three athletes
compete in two other events – Macy Douglas and
Brooke Allison in golf and Ryan Stephens in
swimming.
This wasn’t going to be just another baseball game
for this Broken Arrow family. It was something special.
His son, Mitch Osburn, was the East’s starting
catcher.
Twenty three years earlier, Jeff Osburn
was the East’s starting catcher in the
1987 OCA All-State game played at
89er Park in Oklahoma City.
“I am so proud,” Jeff Osburn said.
“Mitch doesn’t have all the talent but
he’s got a heart.”
They are believed to be the first
father-son All-State catching
combination.
Jeff Osburn was flooded with sweet
memories.
“Oh, the game and all-state was a lot
bigger than I expected,” he said. “It
was a great experience and
something I came to appreciate much
more later. It’s still a big deal.”
Mitch Osburn, who was Broken Arrow
High School’s leading hitter this spring, scored the Large East’s first run in a 5-3 victory.
“This was a lot of fun and a great experience,” Mitch Osburn said. “I know as I get older it will
become something very special.”
Jeff Osburn played two seasons at Connors State College but didn’t finish a degree.
“I entered the working world,” he said, smiling.
Young Osburn has signed with Seminole State College and Dad has ambitions for his son – away
from baseball.
“I want Mitch to play as long as he can,” Jeff Osburn said. “What’s most important is Mitch getting
that degree.”
BAHS coach Shannon Dobson was the Large East coach and had Doug Nold and Jimmy Ashley,
from his Broken Arrow staff, as his assistants.
For Broken Arrow father-son
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:46 PM CDT
Jeff Osburn was perched several rows above the
visitor’s dugout at J.L. Johnson Stadium.
He wasn’t going to miss a pitch at the Oklahoma
Coaches Association Large School baseball game
Monday night, which capped the first day of All-State
games.
Broken Arrow High School had three athletes
compete in two other events – Macy Douglas and
Brooke Allison in golf and Ryan Stephens in
swimming.
This wasn’t going to be just another baseball game
for this Broken Arrow family. It was something special.
His son, Mitch Osburn, was the East’s starting
catcher.
Twenty three years earlier, Jeff Osburn
was the East’s starting catcher in the
1987 OCA All-State game played at
89er Park in Oklahoma City.
“I am so proud,” Jeff Osburn said.
“Mitch doesn’t have all the talent but
he’s got a heart.”
They are believed to be the first
father-son All-State catching
combination.
Jeff Osburn was flooded with sweet
memories.
“Oh, the game and all-state was a lot
bigger than I expected,” he said. “It
was a great experience and
something I came to appreciate much
more later. It’s still a big deal.”
Mitch Osburn, who was Broken Arrow
High School’s leading hitter this spring, scored the Large East’s first run in a 5-3 victory.
“This was a lot of fun and a great experience,” Mitch Osburn said. “I know as I get older it will
become something very special.”
Jeff Osburn played two seasons at Connors State College but didn’t finish a degree.
“I entered the working world,” he said, smiling.
Young Osburn has signed with Seminole State College and Dad has ambitions for his son – away
from baseball.
“I want Mitch to play as long as he can,” Jeff Osburn said. “What’s most important is Mitch getting
that degree.”
BAHS coach Shannon Dobson was the Large East coach and had Doug Nold and Jimmy Ashley,
from his Broken Arrow staff, as his assistants.
ALL-STATE BRASS — Broken Arrow High School
baseball coach Shannon Dobson, center, was the Large
East coach Monday night. His assistants were from his
BAHS staff. From left,Doug Nold and Jimmy Ashley.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
baseball coach Shannon Dobson, center, was the Large
East coach Monday night. His assistants were from his
BAHS staff. From left,Doug Nold and Jimmy Ashley.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
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LeMoine earns spot at Rogers State
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 10:32 AM CDT
Good things happen to those who wait. So, Kevin LeMoine
waited.
For nearly a half-hour, LeMoine watched other pitchers
during a Rogers State University tryout.
“I stayed calmed and focused on what I needed to do,”
LeMoine said.
It was LeMoine’s first attempt to pitch from a mound in
nearly two years since he left junior college.
“I figured I didn’t have anything to lose,” the 2007 Broken
Arrow High School graduate said. “I just gave it my best
shot.”
RSU coach Ron Bradley was interested, too.
“Our pitching coach (Robert Brown) had given me a
‘heads up on a kid from BA,” Bradley said.
While the other candidates – all vying for some scholarship
assistance to the Claremore school – were pitching 84 to
85 mph on their fastballs, LeMoine quickly got Bradley’s
attention.
“After Kevin had thrown a few, I told coach Brown to get
the radar gun,” Bradley said. “This guy (LeMoine) had
good mechanics. I wanted to see what he was throwing.”
LeMoine was registered “at 89 four times. That was
impressive,” Bradley said.
The soft-spoken LeMoine was shocked.
“When I was pitching (two years ago), I hit only 84 or 85,” he said.
“I knew I was locating my pitches pretty well. I didn’t have any idea
it was 89!”
LeMoine, son of Dana and Lynne LeMoine, played the 2008
season at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College but left the game
“because I wasn’t having fun anymore.”
The lanky LeMoine played “long toss” with little brother, Ryan,
who will be a freshmen in the BAHS program this fall.
“I stayed in shape by running and working out,” Kevin LeMoine
said. “I played catch with Ryan but my arm wasn’t in pitching shape.
That’s why I was surprised at the velocity I had.”
LeMoine was nudged toward the tryouts by BAHS teammate Taylor Estes, who is transferring to
RSU from Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa, and his mother.
“She was just being Mom,” LeMoine said, grinning. “She was disappointed when I quit two years
ago.”
When Bradley selected LeMoine, he gave his mother the good news first.
“Now,” he said, “she’s happy.”
By Doug Quinn
Sports Editor
dougq@baledger.com
Published:
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 10:32 AM CDT
Good things happen to those who wait. So, Kevin LeMoine
waited.
For nearly a half-hour, LeMoine watched other pitchers
during a Rogers State University tryout.
“I stayed calmed and focused on what I needed to do,”
LeMoine said.
It was LeMoine’s first attempt to pitch from a mound in
nearly two years since he left junior college.
“I figured I didn’t have anything to lose,” the 2007 Broken
Arrow High School graduate said. “I just gave it my best
shot.”
RSU coach Ron Bradley was interested, too.
“Our pitching coach (Robert Brown) had given me a
‘heads up on a kid from BA,” Bradley said.
While the other candidates – all vying for some scholarship
assistance to the Claremore school – were pitching 84 to
85 mph on their fastballs, LeMoine quickly got Bradley’s
attention.
“After Kevin had thrown a few, I told coach Brown to get
the radar gun,” Bradley said. “This guy (LeMoine) had
good mechanics. I wanted to see what he was throwing.”
LeMoine was registered “at 89 four times. That was
impressive,” Bradley said.
The soft-spoken LeMoine was shocked.
“When I was pitching (two years ago), I hit only 84 or 85,” he said.
“I knew I was locating my pitches pretty well. I didn’t have any idea
it was 89!”
LeMoine, son of Dana and Lynne LeMoine, played the 2008
season at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College but left the game
“because I wasn’t having fun anymore.”
The lanky LeMoine played “long toss” with little brother, Ryan,
who will be a freshmen in the BAHS program this fall.
“I stayed in shape by running and working out,” Kevin LeMoine
said. “I played catch with Ryan but my arm wasn’t in pitching shape.
That’s why I was surprised at the velocity I had.”
LeMoine was nudged toward the tryouts by BAHS teammate Taylor Estes, who is transferring to
RSU from Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa, and his mother.
“She was just being Mom,” LeMoine said, grinning. “She was disappointed when I quit two years
ago.”
When Bradley selected LeMoine, he gave his mother the good news first.
“Now,” he said, “she’s happy.”
BACK ON THE BUMP — Kevin
Lemoine of Broken Arrow hasn't
pitched in two years but returns
to the mound this fall at Rogers
State University.
Lemoine of Broken Arrow hasn't
pitched in two years but returns
to the mound this fall at Rogers
State University.
HAPPY MOM — Kevin LeMoine,
left, gets a hug from his
mother, Lynne LeMoine, after
he earned a pitching spot on
the Rogers State University
baseball team.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
left, gets a hug from his
mother, Lynne LeMoine, after
he earned a pitching spot on
the Rogers State University
baseball team.
DOUG QUINN/BA LEDGER
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