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A young team With Crafty veterans looks to return to the top of the West Coast Conference and Post Season Play.

After a one year absence in 2007, San Francisco returned to the 30-win mark, finishing 31-26 overall, and 12-9 in the West Coast Confer-ence in 2008. The Dons are very young this season with a roster featuring 23 underclassmen and just three seniors. The team is highlighted by the return of two Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-Americans in LHP Matt Lujan and OF Connor Bernatz. USF will look to them to continue their dominance in the highly competitive WCC.

With just four players remaining from the 2006 squad that won 39 games and went to the first ever Regional for USF baseball, the Dons will rely heavily on core veterans and strong newcomers to take the team back to the post season.

2008 in revieWFinishing the season with 31 wins was a great accomplishment for

the Dons, but falling short of second place in the West Coast Confer-ence by just two games was a disappointing end to a quality season. USF swept Loyola Marymount and took two of three from Saint Mary’s, Portland, Gonzaga, and eventual conference Champion San Diego, only falling to Pepperdine and Santa Clara.

“We were disappointed in conference play,” said head coach Nino Gi-arratano. “We were 5-1 to start the WCC season, and then we hit a rough patch. We had a chance to beat Pepperdine and Santa Clara, but we lost both of those series. We won five conference series, but still finished fourth. All in all I really was appreciative of all the effort that the kids gave last season.”

Highlights of the season include taking two of three from Fresno State, beating Stanford at home, and winning the third consecutive Dante Benedetti Classic at AT&T Park. USF continued it’s dominance at Bene-detti Diamond, winning 17 of 24 games in friendly confines.

Off the field, the Dons were successful in the classroom, earning a program high 3.18 team GPA.

“We’ve never had a GPA at 3.18,” said pitching coach Greg Moore. “It shows their time management skills, discipline, and how much they sac-rificed to achieve this. They represented the University and this program well and I’m very proud of them.”

Four Dons were taken in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in 2008, highlighted by San Francisco’s second consecutive player chosen in the first round. Junior LHP Evan Fredrickson was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers as a first round compensation pick (35th overall). He follows LHP Aaron Poreda who was taken in the first round in 2007. Senior second baseman Joey Railey, the defending WCC Defensive Player of the Year, was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 21st round, LHP Matt Baugh went to the Colorado Rockies in the 29th round, and OF Kyle Morgan headed to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 36th round.

“I’m so proud of all our guys that got drafted,” Giarratano said. “It’s great to see that Evan can be financially stable and play in the big leagues. We’ll really miss Railey, the energy he brought to the team and his defense at second. Matt and Kyle both had very good seasons at USF and it’s exciting to see them get a chance to play professionally.”

USF graduated all seniors on the field including reigning West Coast Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, shortstop Tavo Hall, and 2008 WCC Honorable Mention Mitchell Bialosky.

“We did well in the classroom last season, graduating all our seniors, and on the field we played with our hearts and represented USF well. We represented the Bay Area well in the draft, and all in all, 2008 was a good year and hopefully we can build on that.”

CoACh GiArrAtAno, ryAn liPkin, AnD teAM USAHead coach Nino Giarratano and catcher Ryan Lipkin had the op-

portunity to travel this summer with Baseball USA’s National Collegiate Team and they both came home with the Gold Medal the team won in the Czech Republic.

Giarratano coached the offense over the summer and the team finished with a .265 batting average, 209 hits (36 doubles, five triples, 25 homeruns), 138 RBI and 150 runs scored. For some perspective, Team USA’s opponents batted .154 with 16 doubles, one triple, and one homerun. Lipkin batted .256 in 15 games with 10 hits (two doubles, two homeruns), seven RBI and four runs scored.

GoAlS AnD exPeCtAtionS For 2009After suffering some injuries to key players last season, USF is hop-

ing for a healthy season first and foremost. Senior 3B Dane Braunecker and junior SS Derek Poppert went down with injuries last season, but will be needed to anchor the left side of the infield this season.

Braunecker, in his first season as a Don, batted .299 in 29 games be-fore being sidelined with a knee injury. Poppert played in 39 games before succumbing to injury. Their defense was spectacular as they finished their shortened seasons with .971 and .939 fielding percentages respectively.

USF will have to start playing better on the road as they play more than half of their games on the road this season. In 2008, the Dons fin-ished the season 13-19 away from Benedetti Diamond.

“Our first 18 games are on the road and we start off the season play-ing some tough teams,” said Giarratano. “It’s hard to go on the road that much, but realistically I’d like to go at least .500 and stay healthy physi-cally and emotionally.”

“I look for this team to be competitive,” Giarratano continued. “I think we can compete for a conference championship and a regional bid. But I expect them to do well off the field and in the classroom as well. I want each kid to compete to the best of his ability in all aspects. I’m looking forward to seeing what the new team and new group of players on the field bring to us.”

neW leADerShiP eMerGeSGraduation in 2008 took the last few remaining remnants from

the most successful four years in program history. Joey Railey, Mitchell Bialosky and Tavo Hall ended their college careers last season and their loss leaves a hole to be filled.

“It’s a huge impact on this team to lose those players,” Giarratano said. “They were a part of something special here at USF. We were play-ing some of the best teams in the Country and winning 30-plus games every season, so it’s going to be tough to replace them. It’s going to be hard to replace their experience; the experience they gave us was very rich and rewarding.”

With just four players remaining from the 2006 Regional team and just two with significant playing time (Senior OF Zach Kim and junior OF Bobby Ethel), the Dons will look to new leaders to help this team achieve its goals.

Kim, who has been with the program for five years, Braunecker and OF Drew Johnson are the lone seniors on the squad and will be looked upon to be the leaders on and off the field this season. The junior class

2009 USF BASEBALL SEASON PrEvIEW

Jr. C Ryan Lipkin

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has some strong leadership candidates as well in Lipkin, Poppert, and UTL George Lujan, who is one of the emotional leaders on the team. Sophomores who had significant playing time last season will be relied upon as well. Matt Lujan, who led the dons with a 7-2 record and 3.19 ERA, will lead on the mound and LHP Garrett Luippold will anchor the bullpen after leading the Dons with 25 appearances.

“We have some great kids on this team,” said Giarratano. “They will do a wonderful job of leading on the field and off, emotionally, physically, academically. We’ve got some great players who are also just great hu-man beings.”

teAM StrenGthSAgain this season, team speed and defense are at the top of the list.

As a team last year, the Dons stole 57 bases, 31 of which came from play-ers returning this season. That speed bodes well defensively also.

“I think the biggest strength from the team is obviously our team speed and ability to play defense. I really like what we could do from the defensive standpoint. We’re very strong in the infield, we run very well in the outfield. Offensively, I think we’ll be able to score enough runs and we should matchup pretty well with other teams at the plate,” said Giarratano.

PitChinGUSF has a good and equal mix of arms both in the starting rotation

and bullpen. Losing Fredrickson and Baugh to the draft and spot starter Brian Anderson to graduation, the Dons need to fill holes in the rotation. Freshman All-American LHP Matt Lujan will move into the number one slot and start on Friday’s and junior RHP Alex Kalogrides (3-4, 4.20 ERA, 23 app, 49.1 innings, 44 K’s) will move into the Saturday slot. Sunday’s and mid-week games are open to a host of quality arms.

Sophomore LHP Garrett Luippold (4-1, 5.80 ERA, 40.1 innings, 30 K’s) is valuable in the bullpen for middle relief and closing, but will most likely move into the starting rotation. Sophomore RHP Sean Burns (1-1, 15 K’s in 18.1 innings) also has a shot at a starting spot after showing prom-ise during his freshman campaign. Mid-week, look for newcomers Doug Murray (junior RHP, El Cerrito, CA/Diablo Valley College) and Cameron Love (freshman RHP, Beaverton, OR/ Jesuit HS).

USF’s bullpen is full of strong arms with middle relievers Jordan Remer (freshman LHP, Piedmont, CA/Piedmont HS) and Bob Mott (fresh-man LHP, San Luis Obispo, CA/Mission College Prep). Junior LHP Joe Anderson will slide into the left-handed specialist position after redshirting last season. Redshirt freshman RHP Kyle Lawton has a good chance to start the season as the team’s closer. Rounding out the bullpen are junior RHP Joe Oropeza (11 K’s in 13.1 innings) and sophomore RHP Jonathan Abramson (3.93 ERA in 13 appearances).

CAtChinGJunior Ryan Lipkin returns from leading the Dons with a .384 batting

average last season and a successful stint with Team USA (collegiate). Lipkin tied for third on the team with 66 hits (nine doubles, two homeruns), had 21 RBI and a respectable .972 fielding percentage behind the plate.

He will get the nod at the dish on most days.“Lipkin has really improved, especially over the summer with Team

USA,” Giarratano said. “I think Ryan is a strength for us because he’s sig-nificantly increased his ability to catch and throw. He’s always been a plus offensive player, but I look for him to have a great season and do some remarkable things behind the plate.”

Redshirt sophomore Travis Higgs will get No. 2 back up duty after seeing time in 12 games last season. Redshirt freshman Matt Quintero and incoming freshman Mason Morioka (Torrance, CA/West Torrance HS) will back up as needed.

“Travis has a great work ethic and has really matured as a catcher and an offensive player. He puts us in a great situation to rest Lipkin one day a week. Mason and Matt are backing up Higgs and Lipkin and will be able to learn from those two and help us in the future,” Giarratano added.

inFielDWith the loss of big players Railey, Bialosky, and Hall, the Dons have

big shoes to fill around the infield. Sophomore Stephen Yarrow saw play-ing time at first base last season when Bialosky pitched and will move into the starting role this year. Yarrow had a successful freshman campaign, batting .265 with two doubles, two triples, and two homeruns and only committed two errors in 27 games. Second base is undecided with junior

transfer Robert Abel (Woodland, CA/University of Arizona) most likely getting the starting nod. Fighting for his spot is junior George Lujan, who missed last season due to injury, and sophomore Chris Escobar who bat-ted .333 in 22 games last year.

“Yarrow will have the opportunity to play everyday and really improve. He has the chance to hit for power and is a plus defensive player. Abel is the leading candidate for second, but George Lujan and Escobar will really push them. Escobar has a chance to play in the outfield also,” said Giarratano.

The left side of the field will be manned by Poppert at short and Braunecker at third. Redshirt freshman Adam Clear will back up Poppert at short, but can also play second and third.

“Poppert had a wonderful summer in the Cape Cod League and is back and ready to play short,” Giarratano said. “He has some big shoes to fill replacing Tavo Hall, but I think he’ll do great. Braunecker is a wonderful defensive player, a great team player; he’s going to have a great year.”

oUtFielDSenior Zach Kim (.303, tied for first with 11 stolen bases) will be

the veteran voice in left field and senior Drew Johnson will get the nod in right. Freshman All-American Connor Bernatz and junior Bobby Ethel (tied

Sr. OF Zach Kim

USF Head Coach Nino Giarratano

2009 USF BASEBALL

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for second on team with nine stolen bases) will share center field duties. Bernatz will roam the outfield, also seeing time in left and right. Freshman Jared Denham (Antioch, CA/Deer Valley HS) will back them up as will Escobar.

“Kim and Johnson are two of our senior leaders and will anchor the outfield this season,” Giarratano said. “We are stacked in center with Ethel and Bernatz, and we have quality backups in Denham and Escobar.”

non-ConFerenCe SCheDUleUSF opens up the season with 18 consecutive games on the road

and 22 of the first 23 away from Benedetti Diamond. The Dons didn’t fare too well on the road last season, going 13-19. USF meets five teams who earned Regional berths last season, starting with UC Davis at Davis on February 24 and March 24 at home, at California on March 3 and March 31 at AT&T Park, and both No. 25 Oregon State (March 5) and Oklahoma State (March 7) at the Palm Springs Tournament. The Dons play at No. 15 Stanford, a Super Regional team a year ago, on April 27.

San Francisco will open the season with a four game set at Texas-San Antonio on February 20-22. The Dons travels to UC Riverside on February 26-March 1, a team USF has had trouble with in the past. Also competing at the Palm Springs Tournament is Texas Tech (March 6) and Gonzaga (March 8). The Dons will travel to Washington March 13-15 before hosting Sacramento state in the home opener on March 17. They then go right back out on the road for a four game set with New Mexico State (March 20-22).

Other notable non-conference opponents include San Jose State (March 10, April 21 at home), at Cal State Bakersfield on April 1, Pacific (April 7 and May 5 at home) and San Diego State on May 11.

DAnte BeneDetti ClASSiCThree games, three wins. AT&T Park has been good to the Dons as

they won their third consecutive Dante Benedetti Classic, on April 1, 2008, 5-1 over No. 7 California. In the inaugural game in 2006, USF defeated the Bears 7-6 in a thrilling come from behind victory. Two seasons ago, the Dons earned the 6-2 victory over Santa Clara.

The Classic celebrates the legacy of Dante Benedetti, former Dia-mond Dons head coach and a giant in San Francisco youth and collegiate baseball. Benedetti, who coached USF for 16 years for an annual salary of one dollar, passed away in November 2005 at the age of 86 after a long illness.

WeSt CoASt ConFerenCeUSF begins West Coast Conference play at home, hosting Gonzaga

March 27-31, the first of four home conference series. Saint Mary’s will visit the Hilltop on April 3-5. The Dons travel to Loyola Marymount on April 9-11 before returning to host back-to-back series against Santa Clara (April 17-19) and No. 17 Pepperdine (April 24-26). USF heads south to meet No. 11 San Diego on May 8-10 and ends the season at Portland on May 15-17. The WCC Championships are set to take place on May 22-24.

“I think USF is definitely one of the top four teams in this conference,” said Giarratano. “You obviously can’t ever count San Diego out, they’ve been so good over the past two years or so, but they lost some great starting pitchers after last year. Pepperdine has been strong for as long as I can remember and Loyola Marymount is very much improved. This year Santa Clara could be very good with the pitching they got back and their big offensive players. Portland is much improved and Saint Mary’s is building. So hopefully we can stay in the top three, but it could go any way depending on how you play in the 21 game spread that we have.”

CloSinG reMArkSAfter a fun and rewarding summer with Team USA, Coach Giarratano

leaves us with his thoughts on the experience and being here at USF.“Team USA taught me a lot about players and how close our program

is to being really, really good,” said Giarratano. “Having been able to as-sess the ability levels of the players, our guys are close.”

“I think the one thing I learned is a little bit of patience,” Giarratano continued. “It’s always nice to get rewarded with something like that and come back and just be one of the normal guys. I’m so happy to be back at USF with my players and in this program and hopefully I can help them realize how close they really are because I think the one thing that gave me the opportunity to be with team USA is the players that have been here for the last four seasons and its been a great reward.”

P

C

SS 2B

1B3B

CF

LF RF

DH

2009 USF Baseball Depth Chart

The 2009 WCC Preseason Coaches Poll

1. San Diego - 45 (4) Pepperdine - 45 (3)3. Santa Clara - 354. Gonzaga - 30 (1)5. San Francisco - 266. Loyola Marymount - 207. Saint Mary’s - 148. Portland - 9

Z. KimC. Escobar

D. JohnsonJ. Denham

C. BernatzC. Escobar

R. LipkinT. HiggsM Morioka

B. EthelC. Bernatz

D. PoppertA. ClearT. Matern

D. Braunecker

R. AbelG. LujanC. Escobar

S. YarrowC. DittmanN. BalogM. Chavez

Pitching Staff (As of 2/9/09)StartersM. LujanD. MurrayG. LuippoldrelieversCloser - M. HisermanB. MottJ. AndersonS. BurnsJ. AbramsonJ. Oropeza

A. KalogridesC. Love

K. LawtonM. ChavezK. CostantiniS. HilliardJ. Remer

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MEET ThE DONS

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GIArrATANO BY ThE NUMBErS590 - Career Collegiate Wins280 - Career Victories at USF63 - Former players selected in the Major League draft26 - USF Players signed professional contracts15 - USF Players signed Major League contracts32 - All-West Coast Conference Honors24 - All-West Coast Conference Academic7 - Former players in Major League Baseball18 - All-West Coast Conference First Team 8 - Players drafted in the first 10 rounds 5 - Freshman All-America selections 3.18 - USF’s team 2008 GPA 2 - All-District VIII Selections 1 - Three-time All-American .900 - Graduation rate for USF Diamond Dons in last six years

USF head baseball coach Nino Giarratano prepares for his 11th year on the Hilltop after guiding the Dons to the most successful five-year stretch in program history. Since 2004, USF owns a 135-95 (.587) record, highlighted by the first back-to-back 30-plus win seasons in school history in 2005-06. Giarratano guided the Dons to a share of fourth place in the demand-ing West Coast Conference in 2008, with just four games separating first and fourth place. USF returned to the 30-win mark at 31-26, and owned a winning conference record at 12-9. Giarratano has 300 career wins at USF in his sight, with just 20 wins needed to reach the milestone. Over the summer, Giarratano helped lead the U.S. Collegiate Na-tional Team to a 24-0 record and a gold medal in the FISU World Champi-onships in the Czech Republic. As an assistant coach, Giarratano traveled with the team through several eastern States, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

DiAMonD DonS BreAk throUGh Giarratano directed the Dons to the best season in program history in 2006. San Francisco captured the program’s first WCC Championship and NCAA Regional berth and set a program wins record with 39. After guiding the Dons to only the second runner-up WCC showing in 2005, the Dons responded in 2006 by winning seven games against top-25 opponents, including the first ever road series victory over Pepperdine, eight wins against 2006 NCAA Regional participants and a school record 19 road vic-tories. The Dons led the league in pitching for the second straight season, posting a 2.69 ERA during WCC games. After propelling the Dons to the first league title, Giarratano was se-lected by his peers as WCC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season, joining current men’s soccer coach Erik Visser as the only Dons mentor to win coaching accolades in back-to-back years since the 1960’s. Giarratano is only the second baseball coach in school history to win the honor and first since USF Hall-of-Famer Dante Benedetti won it in 1971 following one of just two second place league finishes.

BUilDinG A trADition oF exCellenCe on the hilltoP A proven recruiter, Giarratano continues to shape the Dons into a force to be reckoned with on the West Coast and in the WCC. During his tenure on the Hilltop, 29 players have signed professional contracts, including a program record of four drafted in the 2004 and 2008 Major League Draft. In addition, 19 players have earned First Team All-WCC honors, while an additional 11 players have earned second team all-

league selection, and one earned WCC Defensive Player of the Year. Gi-arratano is committed to excellence in the classroom and 24 have earned All-WCC Academic selection, including a program record four in 2004 and 2006-07. In addition, 56 USF baseball student-athletes were named to the WCC Honor Roll in the last five seasons.

DiAMonD DonS MAkinG An iMPACt Since Giarratano’s arrival on the Hilltop, USF has made steady progress in the challenging WCC schedule, posting a first place finish in 2006 and second place divisional finishes in 2003 and 2005. Multiple team records have fallen since Giarratano arrived eight years ago. The Dons led the WCC in ERA for the first time ever, posting the best mark in program history (2.86). Four program records fell in 2004, including hits (688) and pitching strikeouts (389). His 2000 club set no fewer than four offensive team records, including hits (656), doubles (127) and RBI (378). USF’s pitching has never been stronger after a record setting campaign in 2005, the 2006 (3.77) and the 2001 (4.57) squads posted the three lowest team ERA’s in the metal bat era. In 2008, the Diamond Dons pitching staff com-piled a record 400 strikeouts. USF issued 133 walks in 2007, 141 in 2006 and 165 in 2005, easily the lowest back-to-back-to-back tallies since 1975. In the last nine years, USF’s recruits have earned three Freshman All-American honors, most recently Matt Lujan and Connor Bernatz in

NINO GIArrATANOheAd CoACheleventh year (William Jewell, 1986)

• 2008 U.S. National Collegiate Team As-sistant Coach - GOLD MEDAL• 2005 & 2006 West Coast Conference COACh OF ThE YEAr• Three-Time National Junior College COACh OF ThE YEAr

USF BASEBALL COAChING rECOrDS1. Dante Benedetti (1962-80) 3732. nino Giarratano (1999-) 2803. Ken Bowman (1981-93) 2094. Rich Hill (1994-98) 139

GIArrATANO’S MILESTONE USF vICTOrIESno. opponent Date1. at Cal State Northridge 1/24/99100. San Diego 3/15/03200. No. 12 Oregon State 3/29/06250. at Hawai’i 2/23/08 NCAA Regional Milestone1. No. 6 Nebraska 6/3/06

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2008. Two players earned All-District VIII selection (Steve Booth & Taggert Bozied) and Bozied was a three-time All-American. In 2008, the first year the award was given, Joey Railey was named WCC Best Defensive Player of the Year.

DiAMonD DonS enterinG ProFeSSionAl rAnkS USF made more history in 2007 when LHP Aaron Poreda became the first Diamond Don selected in the first round (25th overall) of the Major League Baseball Draft. History was repeated as the Dons had back-to-back first round selections when LHP Evan Fredrickson went 35th overall in 2008. All told, four USF student-athletes signed in 2008. In 2008, a school record five Diamond Dons were drafted. Following Poreda, RHP Daniel Morales went to the Cleveland Indians in the 14th round. Outfielder Luke Sommer was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round. Two more Dons went in consecutive rounds with 3B Brian Chavez going to the New York Yankees in the 32nd round and RHP John Quine heading across the bay to the Oakland A’s in the 33rd round. Three Dons were selected in the 2006 Major League Baseball Ama-teur Draft, headlined by WCC Player of the Year Scott Cousins, a third round pick by Florida. WCC Co-Pitcher of the Year Patrick McGuigan was taken by Toronto in the 27th round and WCC First Teamer Stefan Gartrell was chosen by the Chicago White Sox in the 31st. In 2005, Nick Pereira was a 10th round selection by the San Fran-cisco Giants, and T.J. Franco was tabbed in the 30th round by Oakland. Four Diamond Dons were drafted in the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, led by Kevin Rose (Philadelphia, 23rd), and followed by Joe Jacob-itz (Seattle, 25th), Armand Gaerlan (New York Mets, 28th) and Derek Tate (Toronto, 34th). USF sent two more players into the professional ranks following the 2002 campaign and boasted a player selected in the first 10 rounds of the Major League draft for the third straight season (Steve Booth, ninth round). The success in 2002 was an encore to the 2001 draft, which included three players drafted, led by pitcher Jesse Foppert, who was selected in the second round by the San Francisco Giants, becoming the highest Dons pitcher ever drafted. Bozied was selected in the third round by the San Diego Padres following three First Team All-American seasons at USF. All-WCC outfielder Jeramy Janz also signed with Arizona. Five Diamond Dons signed pro contracts in 2000, highlighted by left-hander Ian Perio, selected by Boston in the 14th round and All-WCC outfielder Danny Trumble chosen by San Francisco in the 25th round.

GiArrAtAno AMonG the nAtionAl elite Prior to coming to USF, Giarratano spent two seasons serving as an assistant coach at Arizona State under head coach Pat Murphy. Giarrata-no served as hitting instructor, offensive coordinator and third base coach for the Sun Devils. During his final season in Tucson, Giarratano helped ASU reach the 1998 College World Series Championship game, and constructed a staggering offense, boasting a .318 team batting average, driving in 557 runs off 723 base hits, including 57 home runs to go along with 120 stolen bases. In 1997 the Sun Devils hit .327 with 217 extra-base hits, 54 homers, 430 RBI and posted a team slugging percentage of .497. Giarratano also served as recruiting coordinator for Arizona State and the 1996 class was ranked third in the country by Baseball America, while the 1997 class was rated second.

A three-tiMe nAtionAl CoACh oF the yeAr Giarratano has also had a wealth of success as a head coach in the junior college ranks, earning Collegiate Baseball’s National Junior Col-lege Coach of the Year on three occasions while at Trinidad State Junior College from 1989-94. He led the Trojans to five College World Series appearances in six seasons as Trinidad State posted a 233-86 (.730) mark during his tenure. In between his posts at Trinidad State JC and Arizona State, Giarratano spent two seasons (1995-96) as the head coach at Yavapai Community College in Prescott, Arizona. He posted a 77-36 (.681) record at Yavapai in just two seasons and sent 25 players into the professional ranks. Giarratano’s overall record as a junior college head coach was a sparkling 310-122 (.718). In addition to his wealth of experience at the Division I level and at the Junior College levels, Giarratano owns additional coaching experi-ence. Giarratano coached semi-professional summer teams in both the Cape Cod and Alaskan leagues, and was a head coach at La Veta High School. He has also directed camps at both Trinidad State Junior College and Yavapai Community College, in addition to participating in numerous

The Giarratano Family - (From L to R) Nico, Brenda, Bianca, Nino

camps including the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals.

A StronG ACADeMiC FoCUS Giarratano compiled an impressive resume as a coach and recruiter, and has demonstrated a fierce commitment to academic as well as ath-letic achievement at every stop of his coaching career. In 2008, the Dons recorded their highest ever team G.P.A. at 3.18. The 2004, 2006 and 2007 teams boasted a school record four All-WCC Academic Team selections and a school record 14 student-athletes earned selection to the 2003 and 2007 WCC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or higher). Giarratano’s assistant coaches are no strangers to the correlation between academic and athletic success. Both Greg Moore and Troy Nakamura were named to the All-WCC Academic Team during their careers in the Green and Gold. During his time in the junior college ranks, Giarratano graduated 97% of his recruited freshman athletes and sent 100% of his student-athletes into four-year universities.

exPerienCe MAtterS After ten years at San Francisco, Giarratano ranks second in tenure among head coaches in the West Coast Conference. San Francisco has been a picture of coaching stability and Giarratano is just the sixth head coach for the Dons since 1946. USF also boasts the most stable staff in the conference with the three assistant coaches amassing 28 years coaching the Dons and two competed for the University of San Francisco. Pitching coach and recruit-ing coordinator Greg Moore finished his seventh year after spending one as a volunteer assistant, Troy Nakamura, completed his tenth season as a coach. Moore pitched three seasons under Giarratano and Nakamura was a four year letter-winner for the Diamond Dons.

reAChinG A MileStone Giarratano enters the 2009 campaign with 280 victories at USF and is just the third coach in Dons athletics history to surpass 250 victories on the Hilltop. His 250th victory was a 6-5 win over Hawai’i on February 23, 2008. Giarratano joined NSCAA Hall-of-Famer Steve Negoesco (544), baseball legend Dante Benedetti (373), and women’s basketball legend Mary Hile-Nepfel (270) in the 250 victory club. All previ-ous Dons mentors to reach 250 career wins played and graduated from the University of San Francisco.

the GiArrAtAno FileGiarratano received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Wil-liam Jewell College in 1985. One year later, he earned a Master’s Degree in Secondary Administration from Adams State. He lives in the City with his wife Brenda and their two children, Bianca and Nico.

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Troy Nakamura enters his eleventh year on the coaching staff at USF. No stranger to the Diamond Dons program, Naka-mura served two seasons as a volunteer coach following a

successful playing career on the Hilltop. His on-field duties include coaching third base, working with the outfielders, bunters, base runners and assisting with the hitters. He oversees the team’s S.A.F.E (Speed, Agility, Flexibility and Explosion) program, as well as the visualization and imagery training program.

In addition to his coaching duties, Nakamura is charged with field maintenance and upkeep.

During his career at USF, Nakamura has coached nine All-West Coast Conference outfielders, including 2006 WCC Player of the Year Scott Cousins. Cousins was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 4th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft and in 2007 earned the MiLB.com Class-A Single-Game Perfor-mance of the Year Award for his three homerun, nine RBI per-formance in the August 22 13-7 win over the Hickory Crawdads. Cousins was also named the Marlins’ organization 2007 Defen-sive Player of the Year. Nakamura also coached Stefan Gartrell (31st round - Chicago White Sox) and Luke Sommer (30th round- Chicago Cubs), along with seven others who have signed profes-sional contracts. Last season, Nakamura guided freshman OF Connor Bernatz to a successful season. Bernatz was second on

the team with a .347 batting average and was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American.

During his playing career, Nakamura was considered one of the hardest working and grittiest baseball players to ever grace the field at USF. He finished a stellar four-year career in 1998 by hitting .307 and stealing a career-high 19 bases. He also had a big junior campaign with career highs for batting average (.312) and hits (54). An excellent performer in the classroom, Nakamura was named to the WCC All-Academic Team following his junior and senior years and is one of just three players in program his-tory to earn two selections.

Nakamura graduated from the Hilltop in 1998 with a Bache-lor’s Degree in Sports Administration.

Greg MOOrEPitching Coach/recruiting CoordinatorEighth Year (USF, 2000)

Troy NAkAMUrAAssistant CoachEleventh Year (USF, 1998)

Greg Moore enters his eighth season as an assistant coach at the University of San Francisco. After joining the Diamond Dons staff for the 2002 season as a volunteer assistant,

Moore was elevated to pitching coach and recruiting coordinator during the summer of 2002. He also oversees his team’s academic success, and saw the best team G.P.A. in the Fall of 2008 with an all-time high of 3.18.

A tireless recruiter and excellent talent evaluator, Moore has spearheaded efforts to improve the starting rotation and bullpen. In his first recruiting class, USF landed two recruits rated in the top-100 nationally and three players signed by the Dons were drafted in the 2003 Major League Draft.

In 2006, Moore coached WCC Pitcher of the Year, RHP Patrick McGuigan, who was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 27th round. He finished his career on the Hilltop as the all-time USF lead-er in saves (18) and tied for first in career wins (22). In 2007, Moore coached WCC First-Team selection Aaron Poreda who was taken by the Chicago White Sox (25th overall) in the MLB draft. Poreda is the highest draft choice in program history. In 2008, Moore coached another eventual first round draft pick in LHP Evan Fredrickson, who went 35th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers. RHP Matt Baugh, who earned the Jesse Foppert Award (best team pitcher award) in 2008, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 29th round.

In 2005, under Moore’s direction, the pitching staff enjoyed the

finest season in school history and led the West Coast Conference with a 2.86 ERA - the lowest mark in program annals. The staff held opponents to a .234 batting average which also led the WCC. In 2004, the Dons set a school record for strikeout-to-walk ratio with a 2.4:1, and tied a record with the most strikeouts in a single season with 389. In 2006, the staff compiled a 2.3:1 ratio and allowed just 112 extra base hits. The 2005 (2.86) and 2006 (3.77) Dons tallied the best team ERA’s in the metal bat era. Last season, Moore guided freshman LHP Matt Lujan to an exceptional season. Lujan led the team with a 7-2 record and 3.19 ERA on his way to a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American selection.

No stranger to the USF baseball program, Moore left a stamp on his teammates and coaching staff during his time on the Hilltop. After a standout career at Long Beach Community College, Moore arrived at USF as a highly touted right-handed pitcher. Although slowed by arm injuries upon his arrival at USF, Moore made an instant impact in the clubhouse and asserted himself as a leader on and off the field. The award bestowed upon the most inspirational player now bears his name and Moore was a back-to-back-to-back winner or the honor.

An effective reliever, Moore’s career highlights include a perfect inning of relief against No. 2 Stanford during his junior campaign and an RBI double at No. 11 Pepperdine in 2001 after making the conversion to catcher. Moore was also named to the 2001 West Coast Conference All-Academic team. Moore earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and also co-Moore earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and also completed his Master’s Degree in Sports and Fitness Management in 2001. Moore is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Education.

2009 USF BASEBALL

19

Jon NorfolkAssistant CoachFirst Year (USF, 2007)

Jon Norfolk begins his first season as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of San Francisco in 2009.

Norfolk is no stranger to the Hilltop, as he was a Dons catcher from 2002-07. Most will remember Norfolk as the Don who smashed the winning two-run homerun with two outs in the ninth inning of his final game in 2007, giving USF the 11-10 victory over Saint Mary’s. As a Don, Norfolk batted .388 with 111 hits (17 doubles, one triple, and four homeruns), 27 RBI, and started 108 of 164 games played.

Born and raised in Riverside, CA, Norfolk earned his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from USF in 2007 and his Master’s in Organization and Leadership in 2008. For the 2007-08 school year he served as the Assistant Academic Advisor for the Athletic Department.

Anthony D’Albora begins his first season as the Director of Baseball Operations at the University of San Francisco in 2009.

D’Albora graduated from Chico State in 2008 with a Bache-lor’s in Organizational Communications and a minor in Broadcast-ing. He spent his entire four years there as an assistant Coach helping lead the team to two Division II College World Series, including the finishing the 2006 season as Division II National run-ner ups.

D’Albora began the USF Sport Management Master’s Program in January, 2009.

AnthonyD’ALBOrADirector of Operations First Year (Chico State, 2008)

GregrEvELLIDirector of CampsFirst Year (SF State, 1993)

Greg Revelli begins his first season as the Director of Base-ball Camps and the Junior Dons Baseball Academy at the University of San Francisco in 2009.

Revelli is a local San Franciscan. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1987 after playing four years of Varsity baseball as a shortstop and three years of Varsity football as a quarterback. He received his Associates Degree from City College of San Fran-cisco in 1990 and played two years of baseball as a center fielder. He also attended San Francisco State in 1992-93.

Revelli has coached baseball for 15 years in the area. He spent two years as an assistant JV coach at Lowell High School and eight years as an assistant Varsity coach at University High School. He was the Head Varsity coach at Marin Academy in San Rafael for one year before moving on to the Head Varsity coach-ing position at University High School for four years.

2009 USF BASEBALL

20

2008 SeASon: Threw 18.1 innings in 13 relief appearances as a fresh-man… finished the season with a 3.93 ERA and seven strikeouts… in longest outing struck out two in 4.2 innings.2007 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Earned First Team All-PAL-Bay honors following senior season at Menlo Atherton High School after posting a 4-4 record with 49 strikeouts in 50 innings... captured second team honors as a junior, going 3-2 with 38 strikeouts in 40 innings. PerSonAl: Born April 15, 1988 in Brentwood, CA... son of Richard and Lisa Abramson… nickname is ‘Abe’… goal for the season is to work to im-prove as a player and a teammate everyday... chose USF for the coaching staff and the team culture... likes the unique landscape and laid back cul-ture of San Francisco… grandfather Robert played two years of baseball at Georgia... lists his grandfather as the most impressive person he has met… favorite movie is Fight Club... favorite musical artist is Sublime... favorite food is steak… majoring in Communications.GiArrAtAno on ABrAMSon: “Jonathan has made some good improvements from a baseball standpoint. He’ll be able to contribute from the bullpen this year.”

robertABEL5-9 170 Jr. INF r/r

Woodland, CAUniversity of Arizona

6

At UniverSity oF AriZonA (2007-08): Started 11 of 20 games played as a sophomore… batted .267 with one double, one triple, and one homerun… was 9-for-10 in stolen bases… as a freshman batted .264 in 55 games (51 starts) with nine doubles and three triples… was 21-for-23 in stolen bases.PreP CAreer: Played four years of Varsity baseball at Woodland (CA) High School.PerSonAl: Born on December 14, 1987 in Sacramento, CA… nickname is ‘Rob-O’… son of Robert and Fiona Abel… goal for the season is to help the team get to the College World Series… chose USF because it is family orientated… likes the diversity of San Francisco… would like to be Jamie Foxx for a day… lists his parents as the most impressive people he has met… after graduation he would like to be able to take care of his par-ents… favorite movie is Wanted… favorite musical artist is Andre 3000… his favorite food is free food… hobbies include playing video games… majoring in sociology.GiArrAtAno on ABel: “Robert is a very talented player. He has a great personality and great leadership skills and could help mold USF in the future.”

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 3.93 0-0 13-0 0 0 0 18.1 26 8 8 11 7Totals 3.93 0-0 13-0 0 0 0 18.1 26 8 8 11 7

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedAt SACrAMento City JUnior ColleGe (2006-07): Went 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA, 20.1 innings and 22 strikeouts in 15 appearances as a sopho-more... helped ‘07 team win Big 8 Conference Championship. PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Jesuit High School... was an Honorable Mention at the National High School Invitational Tourna-ment his senior year after helping his high school team win the League Championship... also played two years of football. PerSonAl: Born on August 11, 1987 in Sacramento, CA… son of Greg and Liz Anderson… nickname is ‘Iron Jaw’… goal for the season is to compete for a WCC Championship… chose USF for The City, the school, and the great coaches… thinks the best part of being a student athlete is that it teaches great life skills… likes the great food in San Francisco… would like to be Frank Sinatra for a day… the best advice he has ever been given is ‘anything you can do, I can do better’… would like to attend the Olypmics… favorite musical artist is Led Zeppelin… majoring in sociol-ogy. GiArrAtAno on AnDerSon: “Joe is a quality left-handed pitcher with a plus change up and plus breaking ball. He’ll be our left-handed specialist this year.”

PreP CAreer: Batted .368 as a senior at Archbishop Mitty High School… had 10 doubles, four homeruns, and batted in 26… earned First Team All-WCAL and Second Team All-CCS.PerSonAl: Born on October 14, 1989 in Los Gatos, CA… son of Steven and Barbara Balog… cousin Jason Haniger is a catcher for Georgia Tech… goal for the season is to make it to a regional… chose USF because of the coaches and the city… thinks the best thing about being a student athlete is the relationships you make… likes the diversity in San Francisco… lists his grandmother as the most impressive person he has met… favorite movie is Step Brothers… favorite book is The Alchemist… favorite musical artist is Toby Keith… favorite food is Sushi… hobbies include weight lifting… majoring in Business Marketing.GiArrAtAno on BAloG: “Nick is a talented left-handed hitter. He will hit for some power as the year progresses and has a very good offensive approach. He will be a great help to us in the near future.”

So. OF Connor Bernatz Sr. INF Dane Braunecker

JonathanABrAMSON6-2 170 So. rhP r/r

Menlo Park, CAMenlo Atherton hS

18

JoeANDErSON6-0 188 Jr. LhP r/L

ranch Murieta, CASacramento City JC

38

NikBALOG6-4 210 Fr. INF L/L

Saratoga, CAArchbishop Mitty hS

45

2009 USF BASEBALL

21

2008 loUiSville SlUGGer FreShMAn All-AMeriCAn2008 WCC All-FreShMAn teAM2008 SeASon: Started 48 of 55 games played as a freshman… batted .347 (second on the team) with 10 doubles, one triple, two homeruns, and 26 RBI… had 17 multi-hit games… stole three bases… started his collegiate career with a six game hit streak… had a seven game hit streak in which he batted .419 (13-for-31)… homered and drove in two RBI on a 2-for-4 day at UC Davis (3/5)… doubled and had three hits in his next game at UNLV (3/7)… doubled and drove in two vs. Fresno State (3/18)… went 4-for-4 with a double, a homerun and two RBI (3/20), then doubled on a 3-for-5 day in game one and homered in game two versus Fairleigh Dickinson (3/22)... homered in the second game of a doubleheader against Fairleigh Dickinson (3/22)… had a three hit day at San Jose State (4/8)… went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI at Stanford (4/16)… had fourth three hit day including a double at Santa Clara (4/20)… had first of 5-for-5 days at Fresno State (4/23)… doubled twice at Pacific (4/29)… second 5-for-5 day came at home versus Stanford (5/6).PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball at Mater De High School... batted .402 senior season, earning First Team All-League and Team MVP honors... was Team Captain senior year... also selected to Orange County All-Star Game... member of the Honor Roll and National Honor Society all four years. PerSonAl: Born on August 17, 1989 in Hartford, CT... son of Robert and Kimberly Bernatz… goal for the season is to help the team in any way that he can... chose USF for the atmosphere, coaches, people, location, and the high level of baseball... likes the food and restaurants of San Francis-co... would like to be the President for a day... best advice he’s ever been given is don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something... favorite quote is attributed to Abraham Lincoln, “You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time”... most impressive person he’s met is his grandfather... wants to start his own business after graduation... favorite movie is Remember the Titans... favorite book is Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy... favorite musical artist is T.I... favorite foods are steak, mashed potatoes and broccoli... hobbies include bodysurfing, sports, and reading… majoring in business.GiArrAtAno on BernAtZ: “Conner had a wonderful year last year and he continues to improve. He’ll have another wonderful season and a great career here at USF”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .347 48-55 190 28 66 10 1 2 26 14 5 38 3-9Totals .347 48-55 190 28 66 10 1 2 26 14 5 38 3-9

ConnorBErNATz6-3 180 So. OF r/r

Newport Beach, CAMater Dei hS

5

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .299 22-29 77 15 23 3 1 1 13 4 5 12 0-3Totals .299 22-29 77 15 23 3 1 1 13 4 5 12 0-3

DaneBrAUNECkEr6-3 180 Sr. INF r/r

El Segundo, CAEl Camino JC

26

2008 SeASon: Started 22 of 29 games played as a junior before suffer-ing a season ending injury on April 8 at San Jose State… batted .299 with three doubles, one triple, and one homerun… went 2-for-2 with a double and three RBI at Hawai’I (2/24)… finished the day 2-for-4 with two RBI and a homerun at Sacramento State (2/26)… in the second game of a double-header against Fairleigh Dickinson, had a triple and an RBI (3/22)… went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and a double at Saint Mary’s (3/29)… had a double and a run scored vs. Loyola Marymount on April 6… had a seven game hitting streak (3/20-3/30) in which he batted .357.At el CAMino JC (2006-07): Played two years at El Camino JC

PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at El Segundo High School... as a senior batted .381 with six homeruns and 12 doubles... earned First Team All-League and MVP honors. PerSonAl: Born on February 12, 1986 in Chino, CA... son of Don and Bonnie Braunecker… nickname is Bub... father played basketball at Pep-perdine and professional Volleyball… goal for the season is to perform to the best of his abilities... chose USF because the first time he visited it felt like a close family... thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is challenging yourself... lists volleyball as a hobby... likes the fog in San Francisco... would like to be Barry Bonds for a day... best advice he could give to youngsters is to do what you love, it will always make you happy... favorite sports hero is his father... favorite movie is Braveheart... favorite food is steak… majoring in Sociology.GiArrAtAno on BrAUneCker: “Dane in my opinion is one of the best third basemen in all of the country. He has great range, can catch and throw. Offensively, he does so many unselfish things that don’t show up in the box score. He will be the difference maker in our wins and losses this year.”

2008 SeASon: Started one game and appeared in 26 games as a freshman… finished the season 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA and 15 strikeouts… earned first win in 1.2 innings of relief versus Fairleigh Dickinson.PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball at Clayton Valley High School... sophomore year had a 0.653 ERA, earning League Honor-able Mention... junior year earned First Team All-League after posting 0.750 ERA... senior year earned MVP League honors as well as Contra Costa Times Baseball Player of the Year with 1.865 ERA. PerSonAl: Born on April 10, 1989 in Pittsburg, CA... son of Ken and Cindy Burns… nickname is Burnzy... goal for the season is to gain strength and help the team... chose USF because it’s close to home and seemed to be a good fit... thinks the best thing about being a student-ath-lete is learning time management... likes the diversity in San Francisco... would like to be Greg Moore for a day... the best advice he could give to youngsters is never settle for anything but the best... favorite quote is “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”... favorite movie is Snatch... favorite book is A Million Little Pieces... favorite musical artist is Queens of the Stone Age... favorite food is Deli Sand-wiches... hobbies include snowboarding, wakeboarding, and attending concerts… majoring in Communication Studies.GiArrAtAno on BUrnS: “Sean continues to improve. He’s getting stronger and has a great opportunity to throw in middle relief and start on Tuesday’s. He could push into the starting rotation by the end of the season.”

SeanBUrNS6-0 180 So. rhP r/r

Concord, CAClayton valley hS

15

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 7.36 1-1 16-1 0 0 0 18.1 28 16 15 14 15Totals 7.36 1-1 16-1 0 0 0 18.1 28 16 15 14 15

2009 USF BASEBALL

22

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played three years of varsity baseball at Marin Catho-lic... Named player of the year his senior year with a .410 batting aver-age... batted .450 his junior year and .350 his freshman year. PerSonAl: Born on August 16, 1989 in Miami, FL... son of John and Pam Clear… nickname is AC… goal for the season is to understand his role better... chose USF for the good atmosphere on the team and to be close to home... thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is a good taste of both worlds… would like to be Jay-Z for a day… favorite quote is “Don’t be mean to the nerds in high school, you’ll be working for them in the future”… best advice he could give to youngsters is to be re-spectful of your elders... favorite movie is Out Cold… favorite book is Into the Air… favorite musical artist is Metallica… favorite food is Country fried steak… hobbies include ping-pong… majoring in Business.GiArrAtAno on CleAr: “Adam is a very good defensive player who has the ability to play shortstop at the Division I level. He will be one of our four middle infielders that we’ll look to for quality defense.”

PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Deer Valley High School… earned First Team All-League after batting .465 with 26 stolen bases as a senior.PerSonAl: Born on October 23, 1989 in Walnut Creek, CA… son of Cris and Leslie Denham… his brothers Daniel (Angels) and Jason (Indians) play professional baseball… goal for the season is to contribute to the team in any way… chose USF for the coaching staff, and because it’s close to home… likes the fact that there is always something to do in San Francisco… would like to be James Bond for a day… lists C.C. Sabathia as the most impressive person he has met… would like to attend the Super Bowl… favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber… favorite book is Harry Potter… favorite musical artist is Young Jeezy… favorite food is Mexican… hobbies include playing sports and hanging out with friends… majoring in Business Administration.GiArrAtAno on DenhAM: “Jared is a young player with a great future. He can run, throw, and has the ability to hit. We look for Jared to contrib-ute to USF in many ways in years to come.”

MattChAvEz6-3 200 Fr. INF/P r/r

Burlingame, CABurlingame hS

24

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Burlingame High School… as a senior earned Player of the Year, MVP, and First-Team All County accolades.PerSonAl: Born on March 6, 1989 in Redwood City, CA… son of Charles and Celeste Chavez… chose USF for the coaching staff… likes the challenge of being a student athlete… would like to be Superman for a day… hobbies include driving and exercise… the best advice he’s ever been given is that words are only words unless they are acted upon… the best advice he could give to youngsters is to go for your dreams… favorite sports hero is Alex Rodriguez… favorite movie is Forrest Gump… favorite musical artist is Coldplay… favorite food is Mexican… father Charles played baseball at San Jose State… hobbies include driving and exercise… majoring in Exercise and Sports Science.GiArrAtAno on ChAveZ: “Matt has all the tools, 91-92 mph arm, and power at the plate. He’ll be a great two-way player at USF when he puts it all together.”

AdamCLEAr6-1 180 Fr. INF r/r

Novato, CAMarin Catholic hS

28

kellyCOSTANTINI6-2 180 Fr. rhP r/r

Santa Clara, CAArchbishop Mitty hS

34

PreP CAreer: Played two years of varsity baseball at Archbishop Mitty High School… helped team to a CCS runner up finish his senior year… finished the 2008 season 5-3, 1.35 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 36.1 innings.PerSonAl: Born on August 15, 1990 in Santa Clara, CA… son of Char-lie and Patty Costantini… goal for the season is to do anything to help the team win… chose USF for the coaches and location… likes the weather in San Francisco… would like to be Omar Visquel for a day… his favorite quote is “Good things happen to good people”… lists his parents as the most impressive people he has met… would like to attend the World

JaredDENhAM6-0 180 Fr. OF r/r

Antioch, CADeer valley hS

8

ChrisDITTMANN6-3 225 Jr. INF/OF r/r

Novato, CACollege of Marin

44

At ColleGe oF MArin (2007-08): Earned First Team All-Conference for the 2008 season after batting .347 with 50 hits (14 doubles, one triple, and six homeruns), 42 RBI, 29 runs scored and a .583 slugging percent-age.PreP CAreer: Earned First Team All-League (Marin County Athletic League) his sophomore through senior seasons at San Marin High School.PerSonAl: Born on January 16, 1988 in Greenbrae, CA… son of Mark and Debbie Dittmann… goal for the season is to go to Omaha… chose USF for the location and the coaching staff… would like to be his favorite sports hero Michael Jordan for a day… the best advice he has been given is ‘it’s not the mistakes you make, it’s what you do after that matters’… favorite quote is attributed to John Wooden, “Things turn out the best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out”… lists Evander Holyfield as the most impressive person he has met… would like to be a fireman/EMT after graduation… favorite movie is Top Gun… favorite musical artist is Eminem… favorite food is steak… hobbies include sports, cars, and hanging out with friends… majoring in Exercise and Sports Sci-ence.GiArrAtAno on DittMAnn: “Chris is a powerful right-handed hitter that will back Stephen Yarrow at first base. He will provide much needed power off the bench.”

Series… favorite movie is Superbad… favorite musical artist is Nirvana… favorite food is enchilada casserole… hobbies include eating and throwing baseballs… major is undeclared.GiArrAtAno on CoStAntini: “Kelly is coming off an injury. Once he gets healthy, he can provide some good stuff with good velocity out of the bullpen.”

2009 USF BASEBALL

23

ChrisESCOBAr5-11 170 So. INF/OF S/r

Stockton, CASt. Mary’s hS

43

2008 SeASon: Started four of 22 games played as a freshman… batted .333 with seven hits and three RBI… earned first collegiate hit at Sacra-mento State (2/26)… went 2-for-3 versus Portland (4/27)… had a hit, a run scored, and two RBI against San Diego (5/10).PreP CAreer: Played two years of Varsity baseball at Saint Mary’s High School... earned Pitcher of the Year award in 2006 and First Team All-League accolades in 2007... also played three years of Varsity Soccer, earning All-League merits in 2005... earned Scholar Athlete Awards in 2006 and 2007. PerSonAl: Born on December 27, 1988 in Stockton, CA... son of Gary and Cindy Escobar… nickname is Esco... goal for the season is to do anything to help the team succeed... chose USF for the coaches, the play-ers, and the city... thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is the respect from others... likes the city life in San Francisco... would like to be Hank Aaron for a day... best advice he’s ever been given is to never let anything interfere with your dreams... most impressive person he’s met is his mother... would like to become a firefighter after graduation... favorite sports hero is Ozzy Smith... favorite movie is Backdraft... favorite book is A Child Called It... favorite musical artist is Unearth... favorite food is Chi-nese... hobbies include playing the drums and hanging out with friends… major is undeclared.GiArrAtAno on eSCoBAr: “Chris has really developed as a baseball player. As a utility player, he can play almost every position on the field and will be a valuable designated hitter for us this year.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .333 22-4 21 3 7 0 0 0 3 3 0 11 0-0Totals .333 22-4 21 3 7 0 0 0 3 3 0 11 0-0

BobbyEThEL6-1 181 Jr. OF r/r

Phoenix, AzMountain Pointe hS

7

2008 SUMMer: Earned 2008 Humbolt Crabs Defensive Player of the Year2008 SeASon: Started 29 of 51 games played as a sophomore… batted .266 with seven doubles, one triple, and one homerun… was 9-for-13 in stolen bases… tripled and had three RBI in the first game of the season at Hawai’I (2/22)… had two hits each in three consecutive games (2/23-26)… doubled, scored a run and had an RBI versus Pacific (3/12)… doubled in a run at Houston (3/14)… smacked a double and batted in three on a 2-for-4 day against Fairleigh Dickinson (3/22)… went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored, and two RBI versus Loyola Marymount (4/6)… doubled at Fresno State (4/23)… hit a homerun at Gonzaga (5/3).2007 SeASon: Played in 32 games, making seven starts... collected .276 batting average in 29 at-bats... earned his first hit as a Don, a pinch hit single up the middle in the seventh of USF’s 15-6 win over Cal (2/13)... went 1-for-1 and scored a run in 6-4 victory over Sacramento State (3/21)... finished 2-for-5 with a homerun, two RBI and two runs scored in win over Southern Utah (3/22)... homered and went 2-for-2 against Sacra-mento State (4/10). 2006 SeASon: Redshirted PreP CAreer: Played four years at Mountain Pointe... 2005 Team MVP, Second Team All-State, All-Tribune, All-City, Kajikawa Award finalist... bat-ted .466 and hit seven home runs his senior year... had a 4.0 GPA... made Dean’s List all four years.

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .266 51-29 109 19 29 7 1 1 23 19 5 41 9-132007 .276 32-7 29 16 8 1 2 2 3 3 2 11 4-4Totals .268 83-36 138 35 37 8 3 3 26 22 7 52 13-17

PerSonAl: Born on May 12, 1987 in Broken Arrow, OK... son on Doug and Cindy Ethel… father, Doug played two years of baseball at Oklaho-ma... goal for the season is to earn an NCAA Regional berth... chose USF for its great blend of athletics and academics... biggest sports thrill was attending Diamondbacks World Series game three... sports hero is Mickey Mantle... would like to be Tom Brady for a day... favorite quote is “Never give up”... most impressive person he’s met is his dad... favorite book is Dune... majoring in Chemistry. GiArrAtAno on ethel: “I can’t say enough about Bobby on and off the field. He continues to get better each and every year. He’s going to emerge as one of the best outfielders in Division I baseball this year.”

TravishIGGS6-2 215 So. C r/r

Antioch, CADeer valley hS

39

2008 SeASon: Played in 12 games as a freshman… earned first col-legiate hit and added two RBI versus Fairleigh Dickinson (3/22).2007 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Deer Valley High School... helped team to a 2006 League Championship, batting .294 with 12 RBI, 10 walks, and a .433 OBP in 25 games... earned Second Team All-League honors... also played two years of football. PerSonAl: Born on September 6, 1988 in San Francisco, CA... son of Kevyn and Cynthia Higgs… goal for the season to help the team win a conference championship... chose USF because of the coaches, the weather, and it’s close to home...would like to be Coach Moore for a day to see what really goes on in there… best advice for youngsters is ‘Finish your food’... favorite movie is The Natural... favorite food is a burger, fries and a coke... majoring in Media Studies.GiArrAtAno on hiGGS: “Travis has work habits that are off the chart. He brings leadership and a light heart to the team. He can really help us get better this year at the catching position.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .200 12-0 5 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0-0Totals .200 12-0 5 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 0-0

StephenhILLIArD6-0 175 Fr. rhP L/r

North Ogden, UTWeber hS

10

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Weber High School… as a junior batted .455 with 22 RBI and 21 runs scored… as a senior batted .526 with 21 doubles, 29 RBI and 24 runs scored… earned a state record 38 doubles in his career along with 115 hits and 72 RBI… earned various awards including, All-State, All-Area, All-Region, Academic All-State, Academic All-Region and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.PerSonAl: Born on March 14, 1989 in Santa Clara, CA… son of Mark and Louise Hilliard… nickname is Scuba… goal for the season is to help the team any way he can… chose USF for the coaching staff, the school, and the city… thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is doing something that most people don’t have the chance to do… likes all the things to do and experience in San Francisco… would like to be Brett Favre for a day… best advice he’s ever been given is to aim for excellence

2009 USF BASEBALL

24

Matt hISErMAN5-10 180 Jr. rhP L/r

Mission viejo, CASanta Clara

14

2008 SUMMer: Led Bethesda Big Train at 3-0, 0.00 ERA in 18 appear-ances… had one start and a complete game shutout… led team with 10 saves… in 33.2 innings pitched did not allow an earned run, struck out 37 and walked just two… opponents batted just .148.At SAntA ClArA (2007-08): Appeared in seven games as a freshman in ’07. Redshirted in ’08.PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball and one year of basketball at Capistrano Valley High School… played on four South Coast League Championship Teams, named All-South Coast League… played club for Encinitas Reds who were National Wood Bat Champions in 2005 ... pitched in the USA Goodwill Series in 2005 versus Australia ... in 2006 pitched in USA Goodwill Series versus Japan.PerSonAl: Born on September 11, 1987 in Simi Valley, CA… son of Michael and Ronnie Hiserman… goal for the season is to compete for a WCC Championship… chose USF for the people… likes the food in San Francisco… favorite quote is “Carpe Diem”… plans to earn a Masters Degree after graduation… favorite movie is Gladiator… favorite book is Angels and Demons… favorite musical artist is Journey… favorite food is fajitas… biggest sports thrill was a walk off kick in a third grade kickball tournament… favorite sports hero is David Wells… hobbies include bowl-ing and billiards… majoring in Finance.GiArrAtAno on hiSerMAn: “Matt is a wonderful right-handed pitcher. Over the summer he didn’t give up an earned run. He will be able to start and give us quality innings or close. He has a plus breaking ball and has an opportunity as hopefully the next Patrick McGuigan.”

Drew JOhNSON6-3 200 Sr. OF r/r

reno, NvUniversity of Nevada

25

2008 SeASon: Started 26 of 51 games played as a junior… batted .232 with four doubles and two triples… hit first double in a 1-for-1 appearance with an RBI at UC Irvine (3/2)… went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored at home versus Pacific (3/12)… had a double and a run scored at Houston (3/16)… smacked a double and an RBI against Fresno State (3/18)… went 2-for-3 versus Fairleigh Dickinson (3/21)… had three hits and three RBI against UC Davis (3/26)… had a triple and two RBI versus Loyola Marymount (4/6)… earned a double and an RBI at Pepperdine (4/12)… smoked a triple and an RBI at Gonzaga (5/4).2007 SeASon: RedshirtedAt UniverSity oF nevADA-reno (2005-2006): Batted .203 with four doubles, five homeruns, 15 RBI and a stolen base as a sophomore... played in 24 games as a freshman with one hit. PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Reno High School... earned All-State First Team selection as a senior in 2004... team won the Nevada State Championship in 2004... was a Nevada Silver State Scholar. PerSonAl: Born on December 15, 1986 in Reno, NV... son of Steve and Camie Johnson… goal for the season is to win a WCC Championship... chose USF for the tradition and the coaching staff... likes the food in San

Francisco... best advice he was ever given was “Keep swinging hard and turning left”... favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption... favorite mu-sical artists are Tom Petty and The Eagles... loves mom’s linguine... hob-bies include hunting, fishing, skiing, and hiking… majoring in Accounting. GiArrAtAno on JohnSon: “Drew is a consummate leader on and off the field. 3.9 student, wonderful player, he has all the tools to become a Major League player. This will be his breakout year.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .232 48-26 99 15 23 4 2 0 13 9 2 23 5-6Totals .232 48-26 99 15 23 4 2 0 13 9 2 23 5-6

Alex kALOGrIDES6-1 195 Jr. rhP r/r

San Jose, CASanta Theresa hS

33

2008 SUMMer: Earned All-Star status for the Brainerd Blue Thunder of the Northwest League2008 SeASon: Finished his sophomore season 3-4 with a 4.20 ERA… started three and appeared in 20 games… in 49.1 innings had 44 strike-outs and just 24 walks… earned first win in relief, throwing 2.2 innings with one strikeout at UC Davis (3/5)… second win game in the very next game, a 2.0 inning, two strikeout performance at UNLV (3/7)… took his third vic-tory in a 6.1 inning relief appearance, striking out four and not allowing an earned run at Pepperdine (4/13).2007 SeASon: Had solid rookie campaign, pitching in 16 games and col-lecting a 1.50 ERA in 18 IP... pitched a scoreless inning in collegiate debut versus San Jose State (2/6)... threw 1.1 innings of shutout ball against Baylor (3/9)... worked an inning of relief, allowing one hit and no runs, versus Southern Utah (3/22)... made the start, pitching 2.0 innings and allowing one run, in 17-2 USF win over Nevada (4/17)... worked scoreless ninth in USF’s 8-0 win at Portland (4/22). PreP CAreer: Four-year letter-winner at Santa Teresa High School... named BVAL Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior of the Year... earned BVAL First Team recognition as a senior, finishing 9-2 with a 0.61 ERA, and 82 strikeouts in 69 innings... compiled more than 30 career high school victories... named team MVP as a freshman and junior. PerSonAl: Born on February 8, 1988 in San Jose, CA... son of Jim and Toni Kaolgrides… goal for the season is to help the team win games in any role... chose USF for the coaching staff... hobbies include golf, video games, and music... the best advice he could give to youngsters is to “work hard and never give up”... his favorite quote is from Michael Jordan “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them”... favorite musical artist is 2Pac... majoring in Finance.GiArrAtAno on kAloGriDeS: “Alex is a great right-handed pitcher and showed flashes last year of being exceptional. We see Alex as being a Friday or Saturday starter this year.”

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 4.20 3-4 23-3 0 0 0 49.1 52 28 23 24 442007 1.50 1-0 16-2 0 0 0 18.0 19 6 3 7 9Totals 3.49 4-4 39-5 0 0 0 67.1 71 34 26 31 53

and do the best you can in every situation… most impressive person he has met is Dave Roberts… favorite sports hero is Cal Ripken Jr… favorite quote is “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do”… favorite movie is The Negotiator… favorite book is Heart of a Champion… favorite musical artist is Journey… favorite food is Chinese… hobbies include watching movies and hanging out with friends… majoring in Finance.GiArrAtAno on hilliArD: “Stephen is a great competitor who will do whatever needs to be done to help USF become successful.”

Jr. RHP AlexKalogrides

Sr. OFZach Kim

2009 USF BASEBALL

25

zach kIM5-11 175 Sr. OF L/r

Castro valley, CACastro valley hS

2

2008 SeASon: Started 48 of 57 games played as a junior… batted .303 with 13 doubles, one triple, and two homeruns… was 11-for-15 in stolen bases, good for a first place tie on the team… in Dons second game of the year, smacked two doubles at Hawai’I (2/23)… had a double and homerun with two runs scored and two RBI at Houston (3/15)… went 3-for-5 with a double versus Fresno State (3/18)… had two hits, two runs scored, and two RBI against Fairleigh Dickinson (3/20)… smacked a double at Saint Mary’s (3/29)… went 4-for-9 (.444) with a double in a home series against Loyola Marymount (4/4-6)… had two hits and an RBI at Pepper-dine (4/13)… went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored and three RBI at Stanford (4/16)… had two hits, two runs scored and two RBI versus Sacramento State… had a double in four consecutive games (4/23-27)… smoked a homerun at Gonzaga (5/3)… went 3-for-5 with a triple against San Diego (5/11)… ended the season with an eight game hit streak, bat-ting .440 (11-for-25) with a triple, five runs scored and two RBI.2007 SeASon: Played in 46 games, making 20 starts... connected on 28 hits in 78 at-bats for a team high .359 batting average... hit in three runs while going 2-for-3 in USF’s 15-6 win over Cal (2/13)... hit a pinch hit homerun off Mississippi State’s Josh Johnson (3/11)... collected three hits in a 10-6 loss to San Jose State (3/13)... went 1-for-1 with one RBI in 13-5 win over Southern Utah (3/24)... went 1-for-3 with one RBI in 8-1 victory versus Sacramento State (4/10)... was 4-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored against Gonzaga (4/29)... finished 2-for-3 with one run scored against San Diego (5/5)... knocked in two RBI in USF’s 11-1 win over Saint Mary’s (5/11). 2006 SeASon: Appeared in 45 games with 32 starts as a red-shirt fresh-man... collected first career hit against Sacramento State (2/11)... went 6-for-12 with four RBI, two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base in a series at Southern Utah (2/17-18)... was 1-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and two stolen bases against Georgetown (3/11)... hit first career home run (3/18) and first career triple (3/19) at New Mexico... went 1-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base against Utah Valley State (3/22)... doubled and scored at Oral Roberts (3/25) and the next day had two hits and an RBI (3/26)... went 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI, and a run scored at Santa Clara (4/2). 2005 SeASon: Redshirted.PreP CAreer: Played three years of varsity baseball at Castro Valley High School... named All-Alameda Newspaper Group second team and named All-Hayward Area Athletic League twice. PerSonAl: Born on May 10, 1986 in San Mateo, CA… nickname is ‘Z’… son of Mitchell Kim and Marjorie Kimme… both parents are USF alums and Mitchell played baseball for the Dons… goal for the season is to lead by example and push the team to its full potential... chose USF for the education, location, and coaching staff... thinks the best thing about being a student athlete is the personal relationships between the students and staff… would like to be Stephen Spielberg for a day… would like to earn his Business MBA after graduation… favorite movie is The Usual Suspects... favorite book is Deception Point by Dan Brown… majoring in Business Administration. GiArrAtAno on kiM: “Zach is a wonderful player. He has had such a great career here at USF. I’m so proud of him and look forward to seeing him play in his final season.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .303 57-48 175 41 53 13 1 2 22 19 10 29 11-152007 .359 46-20 78 15 28 1 1 1 13 11 4 17 3-62006 .278 46-32 115 15 32 2 1 2 19 4 2 15 6-9Totals .307 149-100 368 71 113 16 3 5 54 34 16 61 20-30

kyle LAWTON6-1 185 Fr. rhP r/r

Antioch, CADeer valley hS

27

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Dear Valley High School… earned All-BVAL Honorable Mention as a junior… earned Sec-ond Team All-BVAL as a senior.PerSonAl: Born on November 28, 1988 in Concord, CA… son of Nick and Barbara Lawton… goal for the season is to help the team in any way possible… chose USF because he really likes the city and the coaches… likes the diversity in San Francisco… best advice he could give young-sters is to work hard and follow your dreams… most impressive person he has met is Mark Mulder… favorite quote is attributed to Einstein “Try not to be a man of success, but try to be a man of value”… lists Mark Mulder as the most impressive person he has met… would like to attend the World Cup… favorite movie is Man on Fire… favorite book is All Quiet on the Western Front… favorite musical artist is Story of the Year… favorite food is Mexican… hobbies include snowboarding and learning history… major-ing in Business Marketing.GiArrAtAno on lAWton: “Kyle is starting to come into his own. He has a powerful arm with 91-92 mph fast ball and a power breaking ball. He will pitch some quality innings this year.”

ryan LIPkIN6-0 200 Jr. C r/r

vacaville, CASolano JC

4

2008 SUMMer: Was a member of the Gold Medal winning USA Colle-giate National Team that went 24-0 in International play over the sum-mer… batted .256 with two doubles, two homeruns and 11 RBI in 15 games with 11 starts.2008 SeASon: Started 47 of 52 games played as a sophomore… led team and was fifth in WCC with .384 batting average… had 66 hits with nine doubles and two homeruns… hit first double at Hawai’I (2/24)… was 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI at Sacramento State (2/26)… went 2-for-4 with a double at Houston (3/16)… homered on a 3-for-4 day with three runs scored and an RBI versus Fresno State (3/18)… had a six game hitting streak in which he batted .545 (12-for-22) with three doubles (3/22-4/1)… had a 3-for-4 day at Pepperdine (4/13)… went 3-for-5 with an RBI versus Sacramento State… smacked a homerun on a 2-for-4 day with a run scored and two RBI at Fresno State (4/23)… was 3-for-4 with two RBI at Pacific (4/29)… had a 2-for-3 day with three runs scored and an RBI at Gonzaga (5/4)… went 3-for-3 with a run scored against Dallas Baptist (5/16).At SolAno CC (2007): Was the Bay Valley Conference Player of the Year as a freshman and helped his team to a 32-12 record and the Con-ference Championship... earned First Team All-Conference as a catcher... earned All-American status after batting .333 with 13 doubles, three homeruns and 41 RBI. PreP CAreer: Played baseball for the Vanden Vikings... batted .467 his senior year... two-time All-Conference selection... help his team to two section championships... also played football. PerSonAl: Born on October 8, 1987 in Vallejo, CA... son of Doug Lipkin and Cheri Fike… nickname is ‘Lip’… goal for the season is to play one pitch at a time and see where the team ends up… chose USF because he feels he fits in well and the coaches made it feel like a home away from home… likes the ocean best about San Francisco… would like to be Ben Sheets the day he won Gold at the Olympics… best advice he has ever been given is ‘when you have given the most possible effort, go ahead and give even more’… lists his cousin Actricia and his mom as the most impressive people he has met… would like to continue playing baseball or become a firefighter after graduation… would like to attend the Baseball World Classic… favorite movie is Tombstone… favorite book is The Rose

2009 USF BASEBALL

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UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .384 52-47 172 34 66 9 0 2 21 15 8 19 2-4Totals .384 52-47 172 34 66 9 0 2 21 15 8 19 2-4

Cameron LOvE6-2 180 Fr. rhP r/r

Beaverton, OrJesuit hS

11

PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Jesuit High School… earned First Team All-League and Second Team All-State as a junior and senior… as a senior in ’08 batted .391 with 18 RBI and was 6-2 with a 1.55 ERA on the mound with two complete games and 37 strikeouts… for the 2007 season, batted .377 with 20 RBI and was 6-1, 3.13 ERA with 42 strikeouts on the mound.PerSonAl: Born on July 13, 1990 in San Diego, CA… son of Dan and Karen Love… goal for the season is to help pitch the team into a WCC Championship… chose USF for the coaches, the Jesuit education and the location… likes the weather in San Francisco… would like to be Theo Epstein for a day… best advice he has ever been given is to ‘listen to the river’… lists Greg Moore as the most impressive person he has met… fa-vorite movie is Remember the Titans… favorite book is Band of Brothers… favorite musical artist is Matisyahu… favorite food is Mexican… hobbies include skiing/snowboarding, waterskiing, and basketball… majoring in Business Administration.GiArrAtAno on love: “Cameron is a wonderful recruit. He’s a right-handed pitcher who had a wonderful fall. He can do everything from start-ing, to relieving, to closing. He will emerge as a great freshman.”

Garrett LUIPPOLD6-0 185 So. LhP r/L

reno, Nvreno hS

16

2008 SeASon: Led the team with 25 appearances as a freshman… finished the season 4-1, 5.80 ERA and 30 strikeouts… first win came at UNLV (3/7) in a 1.0 inning relief outing… win two was a 4.0 inning, three strikeout performance versus Fresno State (3/18)… earned third win in his next appearance, a 3.0 inning four strikeout game against Fairleigh Dickinson (3/22)… win number four came at home against Stanford, a 3.1 inning two strikeout performance… struck out four in 1.2 innings versus Portland (4/25).PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball for Reno High School... had a 0.00 ERA in 2006 league play... was Nevada State Pitcher of the Year two years in a row... earned Reno High School MVP honors... two-time First Team All-State. PerSonAl: Born on October 29, 1988 in Reno, NV... son of Chris and Meridith Luippold… nickname is G Looey... goal for the season is to be a go-to pitcher... chose USF for the great city and the great coaching staff... thinks the best part of being a student-athlete is being a part of something that is bigger than himself... likes the freedom of San Francisco... would like to be Roger Clemens for a day... the best advice he could give to youngsters is to love what you do for the right reasons... after graduation plans to go to Physical Therapy school... favorite sports hero is Muham-mad Ali... favorite movie is For the Love of the Game... favorite book is Angels and Demons... favorite musical artist is Third Eye Blind... favorite

food is sushi... majoring in Exercise and Sports Science.GiArrAtAno on lUiPPolD: “Garrett had a great freshman campaign. He got a lot of experience and pitched a lot of great innings. He’ll be our go-to guy this season.”

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 5.80 4-1 25-0 0 0 2 40.1 37 32 26 19 30Totals 5.80 4-1 25-0 0 0 2 40.1 37 32 26 19 30

George LUJAN5-11 175 Jr. INF r/r

Azusa, CALoyola hS

22

2008 SeASon: Redshirted2007 SeASon: Played in 14 games and started one as a sophomore... in 15 at-bats had three hits, for a .200 batting average. 2006 SeASon: Played in 33 games and started 15 as a freshman... walked, stole a base and scored a run against Sacramento State (2/11) in collegiate debut... recorded a career-high three hits and walked twice against Portland (4/15)... had two hits and scored a run at Gonzaga (4/23)... went 2-for-4 with a double and a run against Cal in the Dante Benedettic Classic at AT&T Park (4/25). PreP CAreer: Played for the Loyola High School Cubs of the Mis-sion League Division II Southern Section... 3.0 GPA...three-year varsity starter... three-time defensive player of the year... All-League selection... won Coaches Award. PerSonAl: Born on September 23, 1987 in Monterey Park, CA... son of George and Ruth Lujan… goal for the season is to get better every day and help the team... chose USF for the location, baseball and small classes... best advice he would give to youngsters is nothing’s impossible, so keep working... most impressive person he has met is his dad... favorite movie is the Sandlot... favorite book is Kite Runner... majoring in Business. GiArrAtAno on lUJAn: “I can’t say enough about George. He’s so unselfish and means so much to the team. He has great leadership skills. He lives and dies for USF. He will be the emotional leader of this team.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 Redshirted2007 .200 14-1 15 2 3 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 0-02006 .189 33-15 53 16 10 1 0 0 2 5 1 13 1-1Totals .191 47-16 68 19 13 2 0 0 3 7 2 28 1-1

Matt LUJAN6-1 205 So. LhP L/L

Stockton, CASt. Mary’s hS

40

2008 loUiSville SlUGGer FreShMAn All-AMeriCAn2008 WCC FirSt teAM2008 WCC All-FreShMAn teAM2008 SeASon: Started 11 of 15 games pitched as a freshman… led the team with a 7-2 record and a 3.19 ERA… in 79.0 innings, struck out 51… threw 7.0 innings and struck out four in his collegiate debut at Hawai’i (2/23)… earned first win versus Pacific (3/12) after a 5.0 inning four strike-out performance… second win was an 8.0 inning combined 6-0 shutout over Fairleigh Dickinson (3/20)… third win was a 5-1 complete game win at Saint Mary’s (3/30)… earned fourth win in his next start, throwing 6.0 innings and striking out three versus Loyola Marymount (4/6)… fifth win was a 7.1 inning, six strikeout performance against Portland (4/27)… earned sixth win two starts later, throwing six innings and striking out four at Gonzaga (5/4)… seventh win came in a 7.1 inning, seven strikeout

That Grew from Concrete… favorite musical artist is Tupac Shakur… favorite food is sushi… favorite sports hero is Ronnie Lott… hobbies include fishing, hunting, snowboarding, and wakeboarding… majoring in Psychology.GiArrAtAno on liPkin: “I’ve really grown accustomed to Ryan. He is a great player who has a great future. He has given everything he can to the University academically and athletically. He is a great role model.”

2009 USF BASEBALL

27

game versus San Diego (5/11)… also struck out seven in a 5.2 inning start versus Dallas Baptist (5/17).PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball at Saint Mary’s High School... was a two time Team Captain... team was three time League Champions... two time First Team All-Area... earned Team MVP honors... also played basketball. PerSonAl: Born on August 23, 1988 in Fresno, CA... son of Steve and Maggie Lujan… father played two years of baseball at San Jose State... goal for the season is to have a positive effect on the season... chose USF for the coaches and the location... thinks the best thing about being a stu-dent-athlete is the responsibility they have been given... likes the people and the opportunities in San Francisco... would like to be Johan Santana for a day... best advice he could give to youngsters is to work hard and good things will come... most impressive person he has ever met is Barry Enright... favorite quote is from the Sandlot, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die”... favorite movie is American Gangster... favorite book is Beowulf... favorite musical artist is Nelly... favorite food is anything mom makes... hobbies include golf, basketball, ping-pong and listening to music as hobbies… majoring in Business Marketing.GiArrAtAno on lUJAn: “Matt is coming off a freshman All-American season and will be our Friday starter. He pitched quality games last season and he was always there emotionally and physically. I can’t say enough about how Matt has matured as a sophomore.”

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 3.19 7-2 15-11 1 0 0 79.0 76 35 28 29 51Totals 3.19 7-2 15-11 1 0 0 79.0 76 35 28 29 51

Jason MAhOOD5-9 185 Fr. IF/C r/r

San rafael, CATerra Linda hS

47

PreP CAreer: Lettered four years in baseball at Terra Linda High School… earned All-League three years… lettered three years in football.PerSonAl: Born on June 20, 1990 in Dayton, OH… son of Thomas and Cindy Mahood… nickname is Hoody… goal for the season is to do what the team asks of him and get better… chose USF for the coaching staff and the great opportunity… likes that it’s cold in San Francisco… would like to be Ken Griffey Jr. for a day… the best advice he has ever been given is to ‘just be Jason’… lists his grandfather as the most impressive person he has met… would like to attend a Cleveland Browns game… favorite movie is Remember the Titans… favorite book is Harry Potter… favorite food is steak… hobbies include baseball and badminton… major is undeclared.GiArrAtAno on MAhooD: “Jason is a great right-handed hitter. He’s very unselfish and can do whatever the team needs him to do in order to help us win. He can play second base, he can catch, and he can move to the outfield.”

Trevor MATErN6-2 175 Fr. INF r/r

Stevenson ranch, CAhart hS

20

PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball at Hart High School... over those three years batted .327 with 37 RBI, 49 runs scored and had a .917 fielding percentage... earned Second Team All-League in 2008.PerSonAl: Born on June 27, 1990... son of Don and Cindy Matern... goal for the season is to help the team any way he can... chose USF for the baseball program, the family atmosphere of the team, the academics and the City... the best advice he has been given is ‘to play everyday as if someone is watching you for the first time... his favorite quote is attrib-

uted to Henry Ford “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right”... would like to attend Game 7 of the World Series in which the Dodgers win... favorite movie is Ocean’s 11... favorite book is The Tenth Justice... favorite musical artist is Rise Against... favorite food is sushi... hobbies include baseball, fishing, and cooking... majoring in Business Administration.GiArrAtAno on MAtern: “Trevor is a talented young freshman short-stop. He’ll have the opportunity to produce and get stronger as the years go on.”

Mason MOrIOkA5-10 180 Fr. C r/r

Torrance, CAWest hS

17

PreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at West High School… as a freshman batted .427 with one homerun and 23 RBI… his sophomore year, he batted .385 with six doubles, two homeruns, and 16 RBI… as a junior batted .360 with 32 hits, four doubles, two triples, two homeruns, and 19 RBI… his senior year he batted .378 with seven doubles, one triple and six homeruns… was named to the All-Bay League First Team three times, All-Daily Breeze First Team three times, and All-CIF twice… earned Team MVP as a sophomore and League MVP as a junior and senior… also ran one season of Cross Country.PerSonAl: Born on October 26, 1990 in Bellflower, CA… son of Craig and Jodi Morioka… father Craig played baseball at CLU and uncle Todd Tsujimura played at LMU… goal for the season is to learn as much as he can… chose USF for the coaching staff, the University’s reputation, and the location… would like to be Manny Ramirez for a day… favorite quote is attributed to Robert Collier, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out”… lists his father as the most impressive per-son he has met… would like to become a coach or go to graduate school after graduation… favorite movie is Step Brothers… favorite book is Tell No One by Harlan Coben… favorite musical artist is AC/DC… favorite food is Filet Mignon… hobbies include fishing, playing cards, and cooking… majoring in Exercise and Sports Science.GiArrAtAno on MoriokA: “Mason is a very talented young catcher who has a wonderful opportunity to learn from the players in the program and become a great signal caller at USF.”

Bob MOTT6-3 190 Fr. LhP L/L

San Luis Obispo, CAMission Prep hS

31

PreP CAreer: Played four years of Varsity baseball at Mission Prep… finished with a career 1.83 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 128 innings… batted .404 as a senior and .447 as a junior… earned All-County Pitcher as a junior and All-County Outfielder as a senior… played three years of Varsity basketball.PerSonAl: Born on May 7, 1990 in San Luis Obispo, CA… son of Hank and Margaret Mott… father Hank played baseball at Santa Clara, brother Bill played baseball at Santa Clara and in the Angels organization, brother Tom played baseball at Santa Clara and in the Twins organization, and sister Ann played volleyball at San Diego… goal for the season is to contribute to a championship and to attack on every pitch… chose USF for the coaching staff and the city… likes the diversity and uniqueness of San Francisco… would like to be Usain Bolt for a day… would like to live outside the United States after graduation… favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber… favorite book is Harry Potter… favorite musical artist is Lupe Fiasco… favorite food is steak… hobbies include surfing, basketball, and golfing… majoring in International Business.GiArrAtAno on Mott: “Bob is a quality two way player who has a good chance to pitch this year. He has the traits of a Derek Tait.”

2009 USF BASEBALL

28

Doug MUrrAY6-2 195 Jr. rhP r/r

El Cerrito, CADiablo valley JC

21

At DiABlo vAlley JC (2007-08): Went 8-2 with a 2.73 ERA as a sophomore… made 12 starts in 14 appearances with one save… in 82.1 innings struck out 55 and walked just 19… opponents batted just .226.PreP CAreer: Was a three-time ACCAL All-League selection at El Cerrito HS… in football, earned Second Team All-League as a safety his senior year.PerSonAl: Born on September 26, 1988… son of Roger and Debbie Murray… brother Greg played baseball at Pacific (2007-08)… goal for the season is to get better every day… chose USF because it is close to home and has great weather… likes that everything is so close in San Francis-co… lists Kobe Bryant as the most impressive person he has ever met… would like to backpack around the West Coast after graduation… favorite sports hero is Greg Maddux… favorite movie is Big Daddy… favorite book is Mental ABC’s of Pitching… favorite musical artist is Bob Marley… favor-ite food is chocolate milk… majoring in Environmental Studies.GiArrAtAno on MUrrAy: “Doug is a very talented right-handed pitcher from junior college. He’ll bolster our starting rotation and has the possibility to be a strong middle reliever or closer throughout the season.”

Joe OrOPEzA6-0 185 Jr. rhP S/r

Gualala, CAPoint Arena JC

23

2008 SeASon: Started two and appeared in 12 games as a sophomore… had 11 strikeouts in 13.0 innings… earned a save in his first appearance at Hawai’i (2/23), striking out one in 1.0 inning of work. At ColleGe oF SAn MAteo (2007): Went 4-0 in 16 appearances... in 28.1 innings, threw 32 strikeouts with a 1.27 ERA. At USF (2006): Redshirted PreP CAreer: Played varsity baseball at Point Arena High School... named League MVP senior season going 4-2, 0.622 ERA with 87 strike-outs in 45 innings... also played varsity football and basketball his fresh-man, junior, and senior seasons... two-time MVP for basketball. PerSonAl: Born on April 24, 1987 in Santa Rosa, CA... son of Jose and Sandra Oropeza… goal for the season is to help the team win as many games as possible... chose USF because it is close to home and has good academics and baseball... thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is getting an education while playing ball... lists watching or playing sports as a hobby... would like to be Tiger Woods for a day... best advice he has been given is to never quit and follow your dreams... best advice he could give to youngsters is to always give 100% at whatever you do... would like to attend a World Series game that the Giants were playing in... favorite movie is Remember the Titans... favorite food is Clam Chowder... majoring in Business Administration.GiArrAtAno on oroPeZA: “Joe has continued to improve. He has a powerful arm with a plus slider. He’ll give us quality innings this year.”

UsF CAReeR PiTChinG sTATisTiCs Year ERA W-L G-GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER BB SO2008 11.77 0-2 11-2 0 0 1 13.0 19 18 17 9 11Totals 11.77 0-2 11-2 0 0 1 13.0 19 18 17 9 11

Derek POPPErT6-1 190 Jr. INF r/r

Larayette, CAAcalanes hS

9

2007 WCC honorABle Mention AnD All-FreShMAn teAM SeleCtion 2008 SUMMer: Played for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League… started 43 of 44 games… batted .277 and led the team in stolen bases.2008 SeASon: Started 36 of 40 games played as a sophomore… bat-ted .226 with nine doubles, one triple, one homerun and 21 RBI… had a double and a triple, two runs scored and one RBI versus Fairleigh Dickin-son (3/22)… doubled and scored twice at Santa Clara (4/20)… doubled, scored twice and batted in three versus Portland (4/25)… homered and batted in three at Gonzaga (5/4)… went 3-for-5 with a double in final game of the season against Dallas Baptist (5/17).2007 SeASon: Played in 47 games with 30 starts as a freshman... hit .297 in 118 at-bats, collecting 20 RBI on 35 hits... as a pinch hitter, col-lected first collegiate hit and two RBI versus Fresno State (2/3)... was 2-for-2 and scored twice in USF’s 15-6 win over Cal (2/13)... had two hits in four plate appearances versus Oregon State (3/17)... collected one RBI in 3-2 loss to Beavers (3/18)... went 1-for-3 and hit in two runs in win over Southern Utah (3/22)... against Portland (4/20) hit 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBI... was 2-for-5 with two RBI in 8-0 win over Portland (4/22)... finished 3-for-5 with one RBI against San Diego (5/5)... had two RBI against Saint Mary’s (5/11). PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball... three time All-League... All-Contra Costa Times senior year... team MVP and Of-fensive Player of the Year junior and senior seasons... batted .402 with nine doubles, two homeruns and 15 RBI as a junior... batted .456 with 11 doubles, two homeruns and 27 RBI as a senior. PerSonAl: Born on July 27, 1988 in Walnut Creek, CA... son of Dale Poppert and Lise DeTonnancourt… goal for the season is to contribute as much as possible... chose USF for the coaching staff... feels the best thing about being a student athlete is the relationships you make with your teammates... would like to be Derek Jeter for a day... favorite quote is “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and contro-versy… favorite movie is Dumb and Dumber... favorite book is Way of the Peaceful Warrior... favorite musical artist is Jack Johnson... favorite food is prime rib or Thai... hobbies include skiing and playing the guitar... majoring in International Studies.GiArrAtAno on PoPPert: “Derek had a very tough experience last year, battling injuries. He should come back healthy this year and should really step to the forefront in a leadership and playing standpoint here at USF.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .226 43-40 146 24 33 9 1 1 21 10 3 21 1-2 2007 .297 47-30 118 9 35 7 0 1 20 5 1 11 4-4Totals .258 90-70 264 33 68 16 1 2 41 15 4 32 5-6

2009 USF BASEBALL

29

Jr. INF Derek Poppert So. INF Stephen Yarrow

Matt QUINTErO5-11 210 Fr. C r/r

San Gabriel, CASt. Francis hS

35

2008 SeASon: RedshirtedPreP CAreer: Played four years of baseball at Saint Francis High School… also played one year of football.PerSonAl: Born on August 20, 1989 in Glendale, CA… son of Juan and Joni Quintero… nickname is Q… goal for the season is to play his role and help the team… chose USF because he liked the school and felt it was a good fit for him… likes the good food in San Francisco… favorite quote is by John Wooden, “Be more concerned with your character than your repu-tation. Character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think of you”… would like to attend the World Series… favorite movie is American Gangster… favorite book is Catcher in the Rye… favor-ite food is fried chicken… majoring in Exercise and Sports Science.GiArrAtAno on QUintero: “Matt is probably one of the most im-proved catchers in our program. He improved himself both offensively and defensively. He’ll have a good career at USF.”

Jordan rEMEr6-2 215 Fr. LhP L/L

Oakland, CAPiedmont hS

13

PreP CAreer: Lettered four years in baseball at Piedmont High School… played soccer and football for two years… two time baseball Team MVP and two time BSAL Pitcher of the Year.PerSonAl: Born on March 19, 1990 in Oakland, CA… son of Chris and Laura Remer… uncle Mike Remer was a Division I All-American wrestler at Cal Poly… nickname is ‘Skip’… goal for the season is to establish good pre and post game routines… chose USF for the coaching staff and so his parents can see him play… thinks the best thing about being a student-athlete is that it keeps him motivated… would like to be Andy Samberg for a day… favorite quote is attributed to Michael Johnson, “Pressure is just the shadow of great opportunity”… would like to be a sportscaster after graduation… favorite movie is Bull Durham… favorite musical artist is Foo Fighters… favorite food is Japanese… hobbies include hanging out with friends and playing sports… majoring in media studies.GiArrAtAno on reMer: “Jordan is a powerful left-handed arm who can close or be a quality starter. We look for Jordan to make many contri-butions throughout the season.”

Stephen YArrOW6-4 205 So. INF L/r

South Lake Tahoe, CASouth Lake Tahoe hS

12

2008 SUMMer: Awarded All-WCCBL Honorable Mention after season with Wenatchee Applesox.2008 SeASon: Started 16 of 27 games played as a freshman… batted .265 with two doubles, two triples, two homeruns, and 10 RBI… earned first collegiate hits on a 2-for-3 day with a double versus Loyola Mary-mount (4/4)… homered and had two RBI at Pepperdine (4/11)… went 2-for-4 against Portland (4/27)… tripled at Pacific (4/29)… doubled on a 3-for-5 day versus Stanford (5/6)… homered and batted in three against San Diego (5/10)… in final series of the season against Dallas Baptist (5/15-17), batted .462 (6-for-13) going 2-for-4 in game one, tripling in game two, and going 3-for-5 in game three.PreP CAreer: Played three years of Varsity baseball at South Tahoe High School... junior year batted .493 and senior year batted .556... earned First Team All-League junior and senior seasons. PerSonAl: Born on November 30, 1988 in Somerspoint, NJ... son of Stephen and Diane Yarrow… goal for the season is to win the WCC Championship and help the team any way possible... chose USF for the coaching staff... likes the food in San Francisco... would like to be Will Ferrell for a day... best advice he’s been given is to always have fun and never quit... most impressive person he’s met is his dad... wants to earn a master’s degree after USF... would like to attend a baseball All-Star game... favorite sports hero is Derek Jeter... favorite movie is Forrest Gump... favorite book is The Da Vinci Code... favorite food is Pizza... hob-bies include skiing, mountain biking, ping-pong and bowling… majoring in Accounting.GiArrAtAno on yArroW: “Stephen burst into duty because of injuries late in the season and really emerged as a powerful left handed hitter. Ste-phen will solidify the middle of our lineup and will give us the opportunity to score a lot of runs.”

UsF CAReeR BATTinG sTATisTiCsYear Avg G-GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB-A2008 .265 27-16 68 15 18 2 2 2 10 8 0 20 0-1Totals .265 27-16 68 15 18 2 2 2 10 8 0 20 0-1