Valley Star

Issue date: 5/25/05 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Greg Burmann Greg Burmann / Valley Star COG TO THEIR SUCCESS - Valley´s second baseman Robert Ninfo helped the Monarchs to advance to post season for the first time in 11 years.

Don't ever call second baseman Robert Ninfo a quitter. The 5 foot 10 inch sophomore is blunt, loud and a self proclaimed gamer. The Northridge native has gone through a lot and considers baseball a somewhat higher calling.

"I think it was God's decision for me to play baseball," said Ninfo, who began hitting off a Sparkletts water bottle with a wiffle bat before he learned how to walk. "He's given me an amazing ability and I can't thank him enough."

A Chatsworth High School alumnus, Ninfo has overcome many obstacles to get where he is now. After tearing ligaments in his leg in his third game as a senior, Ninfo realized that his journey was not going to be easy.

Enrolling at Glendale College in 2003, Ninfo left after his freshman season. "I played about half the season at there, and unfortunately I didn't see eye to eye with the head coach," said Ninfo.

Looking for a fresh start Ninfo enrolled at Moorpark College in 2004, but once again had to leave after having a run in with the team.

"After leaving Moorpark, I was ready to quit playing baseball," Ninfo said solemnly. "I was looking for a job...and than I heard from a friend that [head coach Dave Mallas] was heading the program at Valley. It was definitely a sign from God."

"It was a hard situation for him," said sophomore first baseman Matt Jordan who came over with Ninfo from Glendale College. "It's good for him to finally play a year where he's not injured or [having problems with a coach or teammate]."

"He does the dirty work that a lot of guys don't like to do," said Mallas. "He works hard as well, and that's a testament to his [earlier] playing days."

Being a vocal leader on this season's team, Mallas states that Ninfo's leadership, hard-work, and dedication has carried over to his teammates.

"He definitely brings in an intensity and edge that no one else on the team has," explained Jordan. "A lot of what he does reflects our team. He's a spark plug for us."

"I think I play the same role as anyone else on the team," said Ninfo, who has been hit by pitches 21 times this season. "Just because I'm more vocal than others doesn't make me better than them."

"My relationship with [Mallas] is probably the best relationship that I've had with a coach since my days at Chatsworth with [Chatsworth head coach Tom Meusborn]," Ninfo said.

"Our relationship and respect have grown," said Mallas. "[Ninfo] and I are working together to make him the most productive player he can be."

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