DiBetta a spark plug for Coyotes

     By Todd Dewey
     View staff writer
      At this time last year, John DiBetta was focused on leading Durango High School to a state baseball title -- which he did.
      Now DiBetta is intent on helping the inaugural baseball team at the Community College of Southern Nevada get to the junior college world series -- and on getting himself drafted by Major League Baseball.
      It didn't take long for DiBetta, the starting second baseman for CCSN, to make his presence felt with the Coyotes, who were 7-2 at press time.
      Despite playing on what amounted to a broken foot, DiBetta drilled the first game-winning homer in school history to lift the Coyotes to an 8-7 victory in 11 innings that capped a season-opening sweep of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.
      "I was just looking to do my job and get on base," the soft-spoken freshman said. "Fortunately, I got a pitch to drive out of the park. It was very special for me. I'm just happy to be able to contribute to the team."
      The gritty DiBetta, who hit .512 with 10 homers, four triples and 57 RBIs his senior year at Durango, suffered a stress fracture in his right foot in the final practice of the preseason, but has played through the pain.
      "We didn't think he'd be able to play," said CCSN coach Tim Chambers, who took over the first-year program after 10 years at Bishop Gorman. "John is one of the guys we're lucky to have. He's a heck of a player. When the lights come on, he's ready to play. He's definitely a game player."
      DiBetta, who went 4-for-5 with a double, homer and three RBIs in his heroic performance, was sixth on the team in hitting with a .313 average after nine games and had seven RBIs -- all while playing at less than 100 percent.
      But don't look for DiBetta, whose speed is an asset, to use the injury as an excuse.
      "I've been able to battle through it," he said.
      DiBetta, who's 6-foot-1-inch and 180 pounds, said he received several offers from out-of-state junior colleges after high school, but wanted to stay home to help start the program at CCSN.
      "I thought it would be very exciting to start something new for the city of Las Vegas and it would be a nice chance to stay home and play baseball," he said. "It's a good opportunity. It's something special for the city and it gives me a chance to play with the kids I played with in high school."
      Or played against. DiBetta's double-play partner is none other than Bishop Gorman alumnus -- and former rival -- Ben Quinto.
      "It's kind of ironic that they're our double-play combo," Chambers said. "(Bishop Gorman and Durango) are about the fiercest rivals in the state. Some of the best baseball games I've ever seen have been between those two schools."
      DiBetta didn't seem as impressed with Gorman as its longtime mentor.
      "They weren't that good," he deadpanned, grinning at his new coach.
      On a serious note, DiBetta said he's glad to be playing on a virtual Las Vegas all-star team. More than 20 of the 28 players on the roster hail from Southern Nevada high schools.
      "I had a lot of respect for them in high school and it's nice to play on the same team with them now," he said of his former foes.
      While DiBetta seems to be enjoying himself on the Coyotes, he'd like nothing better than to leave the team after this season -- to pursue his diamond dream.
      "Hopefully, I'll have a good enough season to sign (with the pros) after this year," he said. "If not, I'll be happy to come back."
      While Chambers would love to have DiBetta for two years, he said the former Durango standout has what it takes to play in "The Show."
      "I believe he'll be drafted out of here," he said. "He has all the tools -- size, speed, he hits for power and he hits for average. I just hope we can keep him for two years and he doesn't sign in the draft this summer."
      If he does, it will mean he had an outstanding season for the Coyotes and, possibly, helped them bring home a banner.