Baker, Torralba given Ultimate Warrior Award

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The Fallbrook High School baseball post-season banquet included presentation of the Ultimate Warrior Award to seniors Mitchell Baker and Derick Torralba.

The banquet was held June 1 at 127 West Social House. “The boosters did a tremendous job,” said Fallbrook head coach Pat Walker.

Activities at the banquet also included the presentation of all-league certificates and varsity letters. Baker and sophomore Jaxon Dent were named to the Valley League first team while Torralba and junior Tanyon Smith were second-team selections.

Mark DiBenedetti was Fallbrook’s head coach from 2011 to 2013 and also had two stints as the Warriors’ pitching coach. DiBenedetti began the 2022 season as Fallbrook’s pitching coach but passed away March 27.

“We kind of dedicated that season to Coach D,” Walker said.

That included the banquet. “I talked a lot about him and his impact,” Walker said.

Fallbrook reached the CIF Division IV final this year. “The kids were really playing for him,” Walker said.

The Ultimate Warrior Award is not based on statistics. “That was for their leadership,” Walker said.

The criteria also includes passion for the game and being a good teammate. “Those kids 100% represented that,” Walker said.

“They were a big part of keeping us grounded,” Walker said. “We set goals at the beginning of the season and they were a big part of us getting to the CIF championship.”

Fallbrook had a 20-15 overall record including CIF playoff games. The Warriors were 5-7 in Valley League matches.

The Ultimate Warrior Award is the only award given at the post-season banquet; Fallbrook does not bestow Most Valuable Player or other awards given for on-field activity.