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Teams On The Ball For Sponsors

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By JOHN CEBALLOS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 10, 2007

RUSKIN - They won't take the field for their first game until January, but coaches and players on the Lennard High School baseball team are hard at work for the upcoming season.

Though that work has involved the team's summer, fall and winter league games, some of their efforts so far have been away from the diamond.

"For us to be able to operate, it's very important to get support from the community and local businesses." said Kennedy Duran, the head coach.

After going 0-22 playing a varsity schedule in their inaugural season, Duran and his coaches will continue toward their goal of building a baseball program from the ground up.

"We've had lot of interest this year," Duran said. "I think the struggles we had last year have produced a sense of patience within the players this year and we'll be able to learn from that."

Lennard will field a varsity and junior varsity team for the first time this year.

"We don't get the same resources that other high school sports may get because we're not quite as popular," said Victor Martinez, assistant coach. "So we have to try and reach out a little bit more."

Those efforts include the Lennard High School Baseball & Boys Basketball Tournament scheduled for 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Golf Club at Cypress Creek, with proceeds going to each team.

In addition, the baseball team has also set up several sponsorship opportunities for individuals or businesses interested in lending a hand.

The team's goal is to raise $5,500 for the 2007-08 season, which will go toward field and maintenance equipment, as well as protective netting to cover the outfield fence, a pitching machine and new uniforms.

There are several levels of sponsorship available, including gold sponsors who contribute $500 and get a banner on the outfield fence for the entire season.

"We've already had a few pieces of equipment donated to the baseball team by the community," Duran said. "Every little bit helps."

For information, call (813) 641-5611, Ext. 427.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Lennard High School Baseball & Boys Basketball Golf Tournament

WHERE: The Golf Club at Cypress Creek, 1011 Cypress Village Blvd., Ruskin

WHEN: 1 p.m. Dec. 8

COST: $70 per person

INFORMATION: (813) 641-5611

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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