Sports Year In Review:

GLENDALE — Editor’s Note: The following is a recap of the 2008 local sports scene from the summer and fall seasons.

The last half of 2008 brought many surprising results and stories. The area saw the prestigious California Amateur Championship move to Southern California for the first time in the event’s illustrious history. The Crescenta Valley High boys’ water polo team captured the program’s first CIF championship. The Glendale Community College women’s cross-country team fell just short in their quest to win a second straight state championship. And, Glendale ousted cross-town rival Hoover in “The Battle For the Victory Bell.”

SUMMER GOLF

The 97th annual California Amateur Championship made its inaugural appearance in Southern California after previously only being held in Monterey. Oakmont Country Club in Glendale and Lakeside Golf Club in Toluca Lake hosted the event between June 16-21. Local residents and Oakmont members Brett Kanda and Keith Kinsel took part in the tournament, but failed to advance to match play. Nick Delio bested Austin Roberts, 7 and 5, to win the championship in temperatures that reached close to 100 degrees.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

For the first time since 2005, a former area Major League Baseball player didn’t take part in the All-Star Game. None competed in a playoff game, either.

Mark Loretta, Gregg Zaun, Freddy Sanchez, Jason Hirsh, Jason Botts, Doug Slaten and Marco Estrada all made contributions for their respective squads throughout the season.

Loretta, a two-time All-Star who spent the past two seasons with the Houston Astros, signed as a free agent in December with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Botts began the season with the Texas Rangers before being sold to a franchise in Japan.

Estrada was called up in August by the Washington Nationals and gained some valuable experience on the mound.

MINOR FEATS FOR FORMER STARS

Many former area stars continued to compete in the minor leagues. Many of them experienced mixed results.

For reasons ranging from injuries to struggles to promotions earned, area minor leaguers rarely stayed put in one city for long.

Trevor Bell, Marco Estrada, Jason Hirsh, Eddie Camacho, Doug Slaten, Jason Botts, Fernando Rios, Fernando Valenzuela Jr., Errol Simonitsch, Al Quintana, Bill Spottiswood and Michael Valadez all played in the minors during the 2008 campaign.

LITTLE LEAGUERS FARE WELL AGAIN