February marks an interesting time for collegiate athletics but Steve Rodriguez head coach of the baseball team announced his 2012 recruiting class Friday Jan. 7. Of the nine recruits four are nationally ranked by the Perfect Game USA scouting service and a fifth ranked No. 50 in Baseball Americas Top 100.
Rodriguez and assistant coaches Rick Hirtensteiner and Jon Strauss have planned for a revamping of the baseball program in the effort to regain national prominence in the following seasons. Another reason for the strong recruiting class lies in the graduation of five seniors and the potential MLB recruitment of some all-star juniors.
“The class we’ve signed for the fall is very complete Rodriguez said in an interview with Pepperdine Sports. From position layers to pitchers this is a very exciting group of young men who we predict will be able to come in and compete right away. They’re all great athletes and phenomenal people and we’re looking forward to seeing them progress to the next level.”
Among the nine recruits seven hailing from Southern California are four pitchers two middle fielders a first baseman an outfielder and a catcher.
Jack Anderson from Chino Calif. is the No. 1 first baseman in the nation.
Aaron Brown from West Hills Calif. pitches a 94 mph fastball.
Austin Davidson from Oxnard Calif. holds a gold medal for the 2007 USA Youth National Team pitching for Puerto Rico.
Drew Hacker of Moorpark Calif. bats a .495 and is the shortstop son of a Pepperdine baseball alum.
David Hubinger from Pasadena Calif. plays catcher and has thrown out 69 percent of base stealers in his last season.
Michael Jordan of Murrieta Calif. is ranked No. 45 in the nation for high school pitchers based on his strike-out record.
Sean Leary of Arvada Colo. bats a .473 average.
Quincy Quintero from Santa Clarita Calif. pitches an 88 mph fastball.
Matthew Snider pitcher and .442 hitter comes from Los Altos Calif. with a strong showing both academically and athletically.
And next year’s recruit already holds a verbal commitment from Sargus Calif. junior Trey Williams the current No. 7 MLB draft pick impressive considering he’s only a junior in high school.
The team opens their season this weekend with three home games against Eastern Kentucky University Feb. 18 to 20 at home at 2 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
