Brought to you by the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff's Association
Noel Roberts is the player/manager for the Sin City Combo. Noel stepped into the leadership role this season and had his work cut out for him. At the end of the 2009 season Sin City played great at the World Series and had a ton of positive momentum rolling into the off-season but they needed someone to assume the managers role. Noel did not want to lose that positive momentum so he did an outstanding job communicating with his players and kept them in the loop regarding their 2010 season plans. Before the year started Noel had established a rock solid roster, got the team new uniforms and set the teams schedule. Things did not start well as they played far below their expectations at the DEA Kickoff. Rather than give up, Noel dug in deeper and got the team to refocus on their goal of become one of the nation’s elite teams. Noel’s hard work paid off in the very next tournament when his team cut through their opponents like a buzzsaw in Vegas Bacon Ball. They eventually settled in at 2nd place, but the performance would prove to be a foundation to build upon. They continued improving and played well in venues such as San Diego and Riverside. The break through moment came when they won their first ever gold medal in the Nevada Police and Fire Games in August. Noel’s goal of building his team to elite status on the national stage had been fulfilled!
What made it even more difficult for Noel was the fact that he not only manages the team but he is also a key player. Simply put, Noel is one of the toughest left handed hitters on the circuit. It is rare to find a manager who excels at managing AND playing but Noel has done just that.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments Noel is also a major contributor off the field. Noel was asked to consult for the Nevada Police and Fire Games softball division, an event that has been the source of a lot of controversy the past few years. Noel made it a goal to clean up the games and restore the credibility of the event. Once again he accomplished his goal. In his first year coordinating the event he got the fields upgraded to the new Big League Dreams facility, secured a provided bat format AND caught and subsequently DQ'd a team that had used illegal players.
Noel is also a member of the policesoftball.com competition committee and his input is always well thought out, objective and respected by other committee members. Noel, for all you have done and continue to do for your Sin City team and the policesoftball.com community we are proud to name you the West Coast Manager of the Year!
