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Outfielder has productive campaign
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Damian Adams got kicked off Central Valley High School's varsity baseball team midway through his junior year for missing practices and games during spring break.

He made a triumphant return to the Hawks in 2009. Adams batted .385 (15-for-39) from the plate with four doubles, seven runs and five RBIs while starting in the outfield.

Damian earned Valley Oak League first-team honors as voted on by the conference's eight head coaches on Tuesday, May 12. He earned the second-most votes for his position.

"He's by far one of the best comeback stories," head coach Greg Magni said. "I've never seen anything like that. He matured tremendously. He couldn't have had a better year. I would have never expected that."

Four other Hawk players garnered recognition as well, including senior pitcher/utility infielder Martin Gomez, senior infielder Izzy Trevino, junior pitcher/third baseman Greg Guerra and senior first baseman Brian Creek.

"We're extremely pleased with the outcome considering we were .500 in league," Magni said. "All five players contributed mightily to our success."

Gomez was a unanimous first-team selection for the second straight year. He received seven votes and was nominated for league MVP.

"Martin is in a class of his own when it comes to high school players," Magni said. "He's one of the best pitchers in league. He also led the team in virtually every offensive and defensive category."

Gomez led the VOL in strikeouts (72), shutouts (2) and complete games (6), ranked second in wins (4) and fourth in ERA (2.23).

He also had the fourth-highest batting average in the VOL (.444), to go along with two home runs, three doubles, 16 runs and 13 RBIs.

Trevino was also a first-team pick.

Israel batted .396 (19-for-48) with four doubles, 14 runs and five RBIs.

"He was a solid performer his entire career," Magni said.

Guerra, a second-team selection, pitched and played third base.

He posted a 3-3 record with a 3.56 ERA, four complete games and 40 strikeouts.

Greg hit .356 (16-for-45) with two triples, six doubles, eight runs and nine RBIs.

"He proved his worth in a very strong league," Magni said.

Creek was an honorable-mention selection.

He batted .306 (11-for-36) with two doubles, two runs and 10 RBIs.

"Brian produced all season," Magni said.

Central Valley finished in fourth place in the VOL standings (7-7). The Hawks split with every team in conference play except first-place Oakdale.