Scyphers’ Proteges Stunned by Allegations : Probe: Simi Valley baseball coach under investigation for financial, disciplinary improprieties.

Former Simi Valley High baseball players expressed disbelief Tuesday that longtime Coach Mike Scyphers could be guilty of the alleged financial improprieties that have prompted a probe by the Simi Valley Police Department.

Scyphers, 41, was removed as coach but will keep his position as a physical education and driver’s education teacher.

“There was never any talk of him taking money,” said Jeff Sommer, a former outfielder who graduated from Simi Valley in 1990.

In addition to teaching, Scyphers, 41, is part owner of a batting cage in Camarillo and is an NCAA basketball official. He has been Simi Valley baseball coach for 16 seasons.

Camarillo Coach Jack Willard, who with Scyphers has conducted a summer baseball clinic for three years, said Scyphers is comfortable financially.

“It’s just so out of character for him,” Willard said. “He’s pretty well off anyway. I can’t see him needing any money.”

Scyphers, who lives in Camarillo with his wife and three children, held a postseason party for the team every year at his family’s beach house near Ventura. The party was paid for in part by money collected from players during a disciplinary practice called “the block.”

When a player violates team rules, teammates bid for the opportunity to administer a single swat with a wooden paddle. Police said they also are investigating whether the coach acted improperly in disciplining players. Scyphers said Tuesday that police asked players about “the block.”

“The block has always been part of the team,” Sommer said. “It was how the kids enforced doing things the right way. It was kind of fun and no big deal. Everyone agreed to it.”

Andy Hodgins, a former shortstop and academic All-American at Cal State Northridge who graduated from Simi Valley in 1989, wondered why “the block” is being questioned now. Scyphers said he began the practice in 1980.

“It seems funny to me when it’s been going on for so long that people are making a fuss about it now,” he said.

Dan Maye, the Royal baseball coach, believes an investigation must have been ongoing.

“When you hear it at first, you are shocked,” he said, “but you know this didn’t just pop up in one day. Someone has been putting something together for a few weeks.”

Staff writers Jeff Fletcher and Mike Hiserman contributed to this story.