Unbeaten Beal Kicked Off Team at Newbury Park

Tim Beal, a standout pitcher for Newbury Park High, has been dismissed from the baseball team and suspended from school for violating the school’s athletic code of conduct, according to Athletic Director Bill Manzer.

Beal, whose five-day suspension from school could be extended pending further investigation by school officials, will not be allowed to return to the team, which is ranked third in the Times Valley Poll.

The senior right-hander posted a 5-0 record and had completed eight of his nine starts, with three resulting in ties.

Beal, who did not attend Newbury Park’s game against Royal last Friday, was scheduled to pitch Friday against Simi Valley, which is tied for first place with Newbury Park in the Marmonte League. Both teams are 7-1 in league play and Newbury Park is 16-2-3 overall.

“This is such a nasty thing for the baseball team,” Manzer said, “and we’re hoping they have the character to overcome it.”

Beal declined the opportunity to comment.

Newbury Park Coach Gary Fabricius said Beal would be replaced in the rotation by senior right-hander Jeff O’Brien, who has a 5-0 record in relief. Juniors Jason Kernan, Matt LaBelle and Andy Moffat also may figure in the rotation.

Although Fabricius is concerned with the Panthers’ pitching depth, he said the team has responded well to Beal’s departure.

“They have faith in their ability as far as the guys we have left,” he said. “They know he is not coming back and they’re ready to move on.”