The 2008 baseball season is one Robert Abalos won’t soon forget. He coached the Safford Bulldogs to the 3A state championship and received Arizona’s 3A Coach of the Year award April 7.

The award was presented to him at the 3A All-Star game in Surprise. Abalos had many people he wanted to thank after being honored.

“I believe a coach is as good as his assistants,” he said. Assistant coaches on the Safford baseball team were Bob Park and Dustin Seale. Abalos also thanked his family, his players and the players’ parents for their support.

Representing Safford in the 3A All-Star game were Colton Iske and Palmer Bingham. They helped lead the South team to a 15-11 victory.

This summer, Abalos is busy coaching games in the Connie Mack and Mickey Mantle leagues. He travels to Tucson twice a week for games.

Five years into the head coaching position at Safford, Abalos has also won two 3A South Coach of the Year awards.

He also thanked the Safford school administration for giving him the opportunity to coach, which is something that means a lot to him.