TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR : Scyphers Reinstated After Probe

Mike Scyphers, the fiery baseball coach who led Simi Valley High to national prominence, was cleared of wrongdoing and restored to his position after a 10-week investigation for alleged financial and disciplinary improprieties.

The controversy began May 3, when Scyphers was suspended as coach pending police and district investigations.

One of the matters of contention was “the block,” a team disciplinary practice in which players bid small amounts of money for the right to paddle teammates who had broken rules. The practice violates the state education code.

The financial aspect of the investigation apparently involved mishandled money donations from an adult baseball organization to the Simi Valley High baseball program in exchange for use of the school’s field. School officials said Scyphers did not go through proper channels to collect and distribute funds.

Scyphers missed the final four regular-season games and three playoff games.

The district attorney cleared Scyphers on June 8 and the school lifted his suspension the following day. Scyphers received the school board’s approval to return for 1995 at a hearing on July 14.