'Happy Father's Day' from El Cerrito Youth Baseball

Editor's note: We are happy to reprint this "Happy Father's Day" interview from the El Cerrito Youth Baseball Web site. We'd like to thank the league and its webmaster Fran Cappelletti, who conducted the interview.

Happy Father's Day

We like to recognize our current players for great plays and good sportsmanship. But did you know some players from the past are now coaches and managers? In honor of Father's Day, I'm writing about two former players, Mike DeBellis and Charles Settles II. They were managers this season, Mike with the Pinto Expos and Charles with the Mustang Marlins. If you meet them on the field, you are very likely to meet their fathers and their sons. They played together on the Oaks, way back in the 1980s when this was a Mustang team. In the team picture from 1982 (attached to this article), Mike's father Dominic DeBellis is in the middle of the 3rd row and Charles is standing in the 2nd row, 4th player from the left side of the photo. Mike joined the team the following year. (His trading card from 1984 also is attached.)

I recently asked Mike about his experience and advice.

When did you play on the Mustang Oaks? "We were Mustang then, 9 and 10, so that was in the early 1980's."

Can you share a memorable play or game? "When I was 9, we were playing in the semifinal against the Rockets I think, and we were one out from advancing to the Championship, but we gave up the lead in the 7th inning. Ground ball to 3rd, runner at 3rd, two outs. Instead of a throw to first, the throw went to home and trap hopped me as I was catching. I blocked it but didn't catch it and tag him. That tied up the game and we ended up losing. I really wish I would have handled that one."  

How was the rest of your baseball career? "I began playing Babe Ruth in East Oakland after ECYB and was the second baseman on a team that won the National Championship in 1986 for 11 and 12 year olds (The Little League World Series essentially for Babe Ruth). Then played all through high school and even a year afterward in Senior Babe Ruth."

"I learned lessons about playing well as a team, striving to reach goals, having high expectations of yourself and trying to do your best all resonated throughout."

What advice can you give the young player of today? "Similarly, give 100% while you're playing and you'll be rewarded. Expect the best out of yourself and your teammates, and you'll win and lose together and it will all be rewarding in the end. And keep your glove and head down on grounders and trap hops."

Tell us about your father, who was also a part of ECYB. "My dad coached at every level (through Colt even) in ECYB and my brother, sister and I all played ECYB. He's helping me now and the lessons are still the same and the phrases are being reintroduced 30 some odd years later, but the game is still the same. Step to the pitcher, keep your shoulder in, make the easy play defensively, 'throw it to the solar plexus', take your first step back on a fly ball, and good things will happen." 

I later talked to Charles Settles II about his ECYB experience. He clearly remembered the same game and play recalled by Mike. Charles continued to play baseball, playing for El Cerrito High School. He has a lot of experience to share with his players and peers. His father, the Senior Charles, is often found off the right field line, clearly proud of his family.

Please let us know if you recognize any of the other Oaks coaches or players. We'd love to hear their stories, too. We wish all of you a happy Father's Day, on or off the field.