Four Orange County baseball coaching legends honored at annual all-star game

Retired coaches (from left) Bob Ickes, Bob Zamora, Dave Demarest and Bob Flint were honored Wednesday night. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Orange County high school coaching legends who coached against each other and have remained friends after retiring were honored Wednesday night by Guy Lemmon and the Ryan Lemmon Foundation at the 58th annual Orange County All-Star Game at the Great Park.

The Ryan Lemmon Foundation handed out the Mr. Baseball Awards to coaching legends Bob Ickes (Mater Dei), Bob Flint (Irvine, Woodbridge and other coaching stops) Bob Zamora (Capistrano Valley) and Dave Demarest (Westminster and La Quinta High Schools).

For additional photos, click on the first picture:

Guy Lemmon of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation talks about the four coaches.

Coaches (from left) Bob Zamora, Bob Flint and Bob Ickes talk during the third inning.

Bob Ickes, with his daughter Kalli Langsdorf and Rex Lyon of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation behind him, addresses the fans.

“It is a tremendous honor to recognize four men who are not only baseball legends, but true icons of Orange County sports,” Lemmon said during a ceremony before the third inning. “Their names are woven into the history of our communities, our schools and generations of student athletes whose lives they helped shape through leadership, discipline and a love for the game.”

Lemmon then talked about the accomplishments of the coaches.

“Coach Bob Ickes built Mater Dei into a Southern California powerhouse, leading the Monarchs to a CIF championship, 14 league titles, and mentoring generations of players who carried the game forward at the college and professional levels. His integrity, competitiveness, and passion for teaching have made him a lasting icon of Orange County baseball.

“Coach Bob Flint devoted nearly seven decades to baseball, building programs at Irvine and Woodbridge, earning over 500 career wins and 10 league championships, while continuing to mentor young athletes long after many would have stepped away from the game.

“Coach Bob Zamora spent more than four decades leading Capistrano Valley baseball, collecting 746 wins, 17 league titles, and seven CIF championships, earning his place as one of the most respected and accomplished coaches our county has ever seen.

“And Coach Dave Demarest, with an incredible 753 victories, 23 league championships, and three CIF titles, helped shape generations of players at La Quinta High School and became one of the most decorated coaches in California high school baseball history.”

Lemmon addressed the impact the coaches have had.

“Gentlemen, your influence reaches far beyond the diamond. You have shaped young men, strengthened our baseball community, and inspired generations. It is with tremendous pride that the Ryan Lemmon Foundation recognizes you as this year’s Mr. Baseball honorees. Congratulations.”

The South defeated the North 3-1 for its fourth consecutive win in the series.

The game was sponsored by the Ryan Lemmon Foundation. Dick Owens was the game director.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com