The San Diego Mesa College baseball team opens its 2023 campaign today as they travel north to take on Santa Ana College. Starting off against a quality opponent is something the Olympians are looking forward to. The past year, the coaching staff has focused on development and learning, and today's game will serve as a good measuring stick. Santa Ana College had one of their best seasons in program history, having finished 32-12-1 and making an appearance at the CCCAA Super Regionals.
In 2022, the Olympians finished with a 10-29 overall record, placing the program 5th in the conference. “Last season we focused on rebuilding our program and also learning the fundamentals of the game,” states Jake Portugal, who will enter his second season as head coach of the program. “The highlight last season was the effort our players put in each game and the growth both on and off the field. There were also struggles we faced, including at times I felt as if I didn’t prepare our team enough to win the games. However, the attitude and effort of all our players is a coach's dream.”
The coaching staff which consists of Trevin Esquerra, Jake Rico, and Steve Pryor are pleased with the teams preparations for the season. They believe they have done everything they can on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom to make an improvement. “I come to campus each day happy to work alongside these young men,” adds Portugal. “Our coaches and players are a special group of people who care for each other. In my opinion, this has been our most productive off-season in my career.”
Coach Portugal is aware that his squad is young but also knows that he has enough experience to have a successful year. Contrary to last season, which was to rebuild and re-teach, the 2023 campaign is exciting because not only is improvement inevitable, but the program is on the verge of a breakthrough to compete at the elite level. Portugal adds, “the success of this team will come from the daily focus on each individual and team growth in pursuit of a state championship.”
2022 Season Recap:
(2) First Team All-Conference:
Andrew Gauna (UTL) & Danny Yanez (OF)
(6) All-Conference Honorable Mention:
C Jose Perez, OF Sean Alvarez, IF Isaiah Gomez, 1B Shane Hofstadler (Rancho Buena Vista), LHP Abraham Sánchez (Monte Vista), RHP Steve Domanski (Modesto)
All 8 All-Conference selections were freshman in 2022 with 3 of them accepting athletic scholarships (Hofstadler - Westmont, Sánchez - CSUSM, Domanski - St Katherine) and the other 5 returning for their sophomore seasons.
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS
Andrew Gauna (Patrick Henry) is one of the best 2-way players in the conference and arguably the state. Gauna has really taken his studies seriously, turning himself into a top-notch recruit. Great teammate that truly cares about each man on the roster.
Danny Yanez (Grossmont) is a 5-tool player that has received MLB draft attention and has continued to refine his game and make a positive contribution to our clubhouse.
Isaiah Gomez (Grossmont) is one of the most impactful offensive players in the state and has worked extremely hard to become just as valuable on defense. Leads by example and knows the right time to utilize his voice.
Jose “Nano” Perez (Southwest EC) is a talented defender behind the plate and shuts down most opponents' running games. A good offensive player that has added a ton of strength this off season to make his bat more impactful. A selfless, team-first contributor.
Sean Alvarez (San Dieguito) is the prototypical left handed power hitter that has improved his game to now include speed and above-average defense in the outfield. His intangibles are second to none and constant 4.0 GPA's make him very appealing to 4-year schools.
Jake Klimkiewicz (La Jolla) jumped on the scene late last season and made his presence felt. Had multiple clutch at bats down the stretch, batting in the middle of lineup. Vocal leader that has feel for the situation.
Tyler King (Mira Mesa) is as steady as they come. Very reliable player that will be key to our team's success this season.
Reagan Rivera (San Diego) has converted to pitching full-time with a fastball reaching 92 mph, flashing signs of becoming an electric pitcher.
Zach Mayhew (El Capitán) is the crafty lefty that continues to keep opposing hitters off balance to find success.
Devin Guerrero (Paloma Valley) has done a lot to develop himself on the mound and has hints of dominance when in the strike zone.
Anthony Mezzacappa (St Augustine) throws from a funky low 3/4 slot and has proven success in high leverage situations.
NEW PLAYERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
RHP Cameron Goffar (Patrick Henry) is a work horse type starter that you can expect to get 7 solid innings every start. He throws multiple pitches for strikes and has a good combination of both velocity and movement.
IF/RHP Andrew Ramirez (Ramona) is another 2-way player that is a spark plug for our team on both offense and defense.
IF Nick Husovsky (Ramona) has made huge strides this off season and is on the brink of a breakout season.
LHP/OF Marco Lopez (Hoover) is the ultimate competitor and lays it all out on the field every time.
IF/OF Luke Rhee (St Augustine) comes to our program with a distinguished prep career and no one has worked harder or been a better teammate this fall.
OF Ethan Wright (Santana) is expected to make an immediate impact after earning All-State honors his senior year of high school.
LHP Dominick Ricci (University City) fills up the strike zone with multiple pitches and strives in high pressure situations.
RHP Carson Dudley (Patrick Henry) is a big and tall presence on the mound that found a ton of success this fall.
RHP Jacobe Noland (Mountain Empire) is a small school graduate that pitches with a chip on his shoulder and is primed to take a step forward this season.
C Cayden Hunting (Poway) has put in a tremendous amount of work behind closed doors for the past two years and is ready to contribute when called upon this season.