The OC Batbusters – Campbell/Stith first-year 14U team was loaded with talent including several standout 2023’s like P/OF Ella Parker, OF/SS Maya Bland and 3B Zaniah Puni, to name a few.
Another standout who impressed was Samatha Rey, a middle infielder who made one defensive play after another including a diving catch on a ball behind first base as she ran towards the foul line:
Right now, Sam’s not the biggest in size on the field, but coaches and players rave about her passion, work ethic and skills with the bat as a leadoff slapper and with the glove in the infield.
When asked during PGF Nationals who was having a strong week, Batbusters head coach Mike Stith said without hesitation, “Sam Rey.”
And just at that moment, when Arizona Wildcat star outfielder Alyssa Palomino-Cardoza walked by (she’s was helping coach the team) and saw the interview about to be done with Rey, interjected, “I love Sam Rey, she’s my favorite!”
Here’s an interview we did with her during PGF Nationals week as she talks about why she loves softball and a favorite memory she had of Mark Campbell, her late, great former coach….