The End of An Era

 The close of the 2005 baseball season brought with it the end of one of Arizona baseball’s most storied careers when Ron Davini stepped down as the Head Coach at Corona Del Sol High School. Davini started the Corona program in 1977 when the school opened, and the team played its first games in 1978. The program has compiled a record of 410 wins-352 losses and 6 ties over the last 28 years.

Living in the Corona area, I’ve had the chance to watch Davini coach at countless Corona games and practices. I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing him instruct young people at the Telluride Baseball Camp, where he is a Co-Director. I’ve watched him address dozens of young kids in a group and struggle to control his emotions as he speaks of his fellow coaches and what they mean to him.

Like all coaches in all sports, Davini had his detractor’s to go along with his supporters. Love him or hate him, there is a great deal of passion and sincerety about Davini, who was instrumental in the formation of the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association.  He served as its President until this year. He is still the organization’s liason to USA Baseball, which he has been involved with since 1993.

Davini has served as a coach on the Junior National (18U) team three times and the Youth National Team (16U). He traveled to Russia for three summers (1991-1993) to instruct baseball in that country. He is a member of the Arizona Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Ron Davini addresses campers at the Telluride Baseball Camp

As one would expect, Davini has seen a great deal of change in the baseball landscape since he first set foot on the Corona campus in 1977. “ There’s more good players today. They’re bigger and stronger and they’re getting much better instruction at an earlier age”

On the other hand, Davini sees some changes for the worse as well “ There’s too much overuse of these kids today, particularly with pitchers.”

When asked about the early days at Corona, Davini looks back fondly, but remembers the tough times as well. “We were rained out in our first scheduled game, and beaten by Coronado 21-0 in the first game played.”

 To make matters worse, there were some equiment issues to deal with. “Our uniforms were late getting in from the vendor, so we actually had to borrow our girls softball uniforms for that first game.”

Davini assumed the role of Executive Director of the National High School Baseball Coaches Association in January 2005, where he plans to provide the same sort of leadership he has shown Arizona baseball for the last 30 years.

“Ron Davini has been a great leader of not only the young men who have had the opportunity to play at Corona del Sol but also on the national and inter-national level.His contributions to the game of baseball as a player, coach, president of the Arizona Baseball Coaches Associaton and now of the National High School Baseball Coaches Association, have been greatly appreciated.He is not only a true professional and student of the game but he is a good man.  I consider Ron as one of the most positive influences in my career but more importantly he has been a great friend.”

-Gary Lafevers, current President of the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association and Chaparral high School Assistant Coach

"Ron has done more to promote Arizona High School Baseball across our country than any single person I know. His passion, knowledge and unending devotion to high school baseball in Arizona is unequalled."

-Jerry Dawson, Head Coach Chapparal High School

“When it comes to amateur baseball in the state of Arizona, there is arguably no bigger name than Ron Davini. His vision has helped create the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association, the Super 50 All-Star game, and set the new standard for quality of playing facilities in the state.Coach Davini has dedicated his entire adult life to helping make Arizona high school baseball competitive through out the country. Through this dedication he has touched the lives of thousands of young men. The Corona del Sol baseball program and all its successful alumni are a direct reflection of Coach Davini. “

-Cory Nenaber- Assistant Coach Corona Del Sol and CDS alumni

“When you prepared to play a Ron Davini team, you knew two things.  You would face a group of young men who would execute the fundamentals well.  More importantly, you would see a team which would compete each inning, regardless of score.  His Corona del Sol teams "played the game" the way we all should teach it.”

-Stan Luketich- Head Coach Desert Vista High School

“Ron Davini is the ultimate professional, both in teaching and coaching.He has dedicated the last 32 years of his life to make the game of baseball fun for kids and he has worked tirelessly to improve the level of coaching in Arizona.  Ron has been the mover and shaker in creation of the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association and his leadership has brought many positive changes to high school baseball in Arizona.  He will continue to lead the Baseball Coaches Association with the same level of enthusiasm and integrity that he demonstrated for 32 years at Corona del Sol High School.” 

-Art Griffith- Head Coach Winslow High School