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OYO Fans and Friends,
When I first tossed my name into the ring to coach a Tee Ball team at the Oaklandon Youth Organization (OYO) in Spring 2000, little could I envision the journey that would await. What started as a thrill to be on the ballfield and help young aspiring ballplayers enjoy the game of baseball and softball, quickly became a way of life guiding our youth by teaching life lessons, character, positivity, fairness, work ethic and the true impact of always believing in oneself.
As I prepare to transition into the role of President Counsel next week, I am filled with gratitude for all we have accomplished together at OYO through my experiences as a parent, volunteer, coach, umpire, board member and president. Every milestone reached, every ballplayer supported and every life transformed has been made possible through the unwavering commitment, dedication and loyalty of families — and friends – like you.
THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT | Your support has been the catalyst for meaningful change at OYO during the past 20 years. Together, we charted a path to grow, adapt and evolve to not only meet, but also exceed, the evolving needs of our ballplayers from every corner of the community we serve. Now, ballplayers at every level are realizing their dreams can come true, understanding the rewards of hard work and discovering the value of teamwork while growing into quality citizens through their resilience and coachability. Since 2006, we’ve seen 352 volunteer board members work tirelessly for countless ballplayers each and every season. As documented below, the transformational impact of so many amazing volunteers is simply phenomenal, if not unthinkable!
ALL FOR THE KIDS | It has been a genuinely special privilege to serve you, your ballplayers and your family as OYO President through the years. I am profoundly thankful for the extraordinary generosity of the OYO community, which helps make our mission a reality. As a result, OYO is and always will be about the kids, for the kids and by the kids.
THE TRANSITION IS IN FULL SWING | As we initiate this transition in leadership, I am grateful that it is not a goodbye. I look forward to remaining actively involved serving as President Counsel for a talented record-setting Board of Directors featuring 74 amazing volunteer leaders who are ready to guide OYO into its 53rd year and beyond. I appreciate the board members who first welcomed me to the OYO Board in 2003 and then to the executive board a few short years later. Even as my role changes, I continue to look forward to new opportunities to teach all our ballplayers valuable life lessons through teamwork and accountability for the foreseeable future.
THE UNSUNG HEROES | What’s more, when reflecting on these 25 memorable years of service, I would be remiss if I did not recognize six unsung heroes within the OYO community. My wife, Cathy, and our five children have made countless sacrifices through the years. Their understanding, support and encouragement have inspired me to continue serving thousands of OYO ballplayers and families.
THANK YOU! | So, thank you for believing in the mission of OYO and for walking alongside our ballplayers, coaches, volunteers, board members, umpires, concession staff and families. You have been a blessing to OYO while providing your own ballplayers unparalleled opportunities on and off the field. I truly hope you will embrace future OYO experiences as well.
AND YES, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TOO! | If you believe now is the right time to continue the league’s important work, then I invite you to volunteer your time, talent or resources to further support OYO’s ballplayers and families in 2027 and beyond. Come make a ballplayer’s dream come true!
Forever OYO,
Michael DeSanto
President, OYO Board of Directors | 2010-2014 + 2022-2026
25+ Year Advocate of Youth Baseball and Softball