Diamond Dons bring in eight in early signing period
11/21/2013 3:17:00 PM | Baseball
2014 SCHEDULE
The Diamond Dons have had a busy two weeks on the Hilltop and signed eight prospects in the early signing period that will join them in Fall 2014. The early signing period ended on Nov. 20 and the Dons were able to grab five junior college transfers and three who will graduate high school in the spring.
Here is a breakdown of the newest additions to the Dons family:
Transferring from Central Arizona College is Manny Ramirez Jr. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound first baseman is the son of legendary baseball slugger Manny Ramirez. Manny, Jr. attended IMG Academy for high school in Braderton, Fla., where he hit .331 with 11 doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 36 RBIs. He led IMG to a Cleats Sports Classic Invitational championship, going 12-for-23 (.522) with seven extra base hits in the tournament.
He was named to the Rawling's 2013 Florida All Region First Team as well. Manny is described as a quiet, hard worker who dedicates himself at improving his craft and getting better—traits that should endear him to his future Dons teammates.
"We are very excited to have signed Manny Ramirez Jr.," said Dons Head Coach Nino Giarratano. "He is a very talented hitter, has a chance to hit in the middle of our line-up, and provide us with a great approach as a hitter and defensive first baseman. The best part of Manny is how he handles himself as a person- he is very humble, driven, and competitive."
Kyle Nixon is an outfielder who has played at Bakersfield College for the last two seasons. Kyle looks to compliment the Dons squad with speed, athleticism, and versatility.
What Kyle brings to the team next year will project exactly what the University of San Francisco asks of their student athletes: to excel in both the classroom and on the field of play. He had a solid season at Bakersfield last year, hitting .371, with 31 runs scored, 21 RBI, and a .445 on base percentage. In 2013, he was also named to the Southern California All-American Team.
"Nixon is a very athletic player that will impact our program with his speed, bat, and defense," Giarratano said. "He has a chance to play center field and hit in the middle of our lineup. He is an excellent leader and student, and we are very fortunate to have a commitment."
Nixon is a business administration major and attended Frontier High School prior to his junior college stint.
Louis Raymond is a talented right handed pitcher who hails from Dana Point in Southern California. He currently attends Dana Hills High School, which is the same high school that Dons Assistant Coach Seth Etherton attended. The 6-foot-2 high school senior showcases a commanding presence on the mound to go along with a solid repertoire of pitches. Louis was also a scholar athlete in his freshman and sophomore years, and is poised to bring these very attributes to the Dons next year. In his junior year, he sported a very impressive 2.40 ERA in 46.2 innings.
"We are very excited about the future of Louis in the program," said Giarratano. "He has great command of three pitches and the ability to compete for a top five position on the staff."
Aaron Ping is a versatile and athletic infielder. The Dons will benefit greatly from Aaron's ability to play many different positions on the diamond if called upon.
The 6-foot-1 infielder also was a two-sport athlete at Patrick Henry High School (San Diego, Calif.) before focusing on baseball, also having played football. He had a tremendous junior year, putting up a .376 batting average, 38 hits, driving in 20 runs, hitting 10 doubles and two home runs.
"[Aaron is] a very versatile player that is an exceptional student," Giarratano said. "Aaron can play shortstop, second base, third base, or left field. He will come in and make us better right away. He is a great fit in the Dons program as both a player and student-athlete."
He hopes to major in an undecided concentration of business.
Coming from San Jose is left handed pitcher Jeider Rincon. On the mound, Jeider has displayed an impressive arsenal that stems off a great fastball and good command of his secondary pitches.
Jeider was dominant in his junior season, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.61 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. He also threw four complete games, highlighting his raw ability and stamina.
Jeider is an international student who came from Columbia three years ago and so far has taken advantage of all the opportunities given to him thus far by displaying great work ethics both on and off the field.
"Rincon is considered by most as the best left handed pitcher in the state of California," said Giarratano. "He has the ability to be a Friday night starter as freshman, has three quality pitches with good command. Fastball is 88-to-91 with command of the change and breaking ball. [We are] very excited about the signing of this great player."
He currently attends Overfelt High School and will major in Latin Studies next year.
The polished left handed pitcher from Barrington, Ill. comes to the Dons with a lot of promise after his experience at Heartland College.
Last year, Frank showcased a spotless 6-0 record, 3.07 ERA, and 33 strikeouts in just 24.2 innings pitched. This past summer, he was selected to play on the Far West League All-Star Team, and named on the First Team. Frank aspires to build upon an already impressive resume as a Don, both academically and on the mound.
He is a solid student in the classroom as well, finishing last year with a 4.0 GPA and making the Dean's List, with aspirations of entering law school after his baseball career ends.
"[Frank] will compete for a starting role next year for the Dons," said Giarratano. "Frank has the ability to be a special arm with a fastball from 86-89 and a solid change up. He was 6-0 with a great junior college program, and will in turn bring great experience to our program."
Frank graduated from Barrington High School in 2012 prior to his years at Heartland.
The 5-foot-8, 180 pound Hall is transferring from Western Nevada College and is looking to bring a solid edge of intensity, competitiveness, and desire to the Dons next season.
He brings a focused approach and smooth hands on defense, making just one error in 36 chances in his freshman year with Western Nevada College. Jack's high level of athleticism and positive energy is what attracted the coaches to recruit him to the University of San Francisco.
Like many others that decide to become a Don, Jack takes his academics seriously. He sports a 3.90 GPA going into this current season at Western Nevada. He was an All-Area, All-State Selection, as well as selected to be a part of the Olympic Trials.
"[Jack] is a very athletic and competitive player," said Giarratano. "He will bring speed, defense, and great level of competitiveness to the team. He will be a great addition to our lineup."
He attended Bonneville High School in Utah where he was a three year starter.
Anthony Shew is a transfer from Saddleback College who stands in at an athletic 6-foot-3, has great command of all of his pitches, and has a good presence on the mound.
Anthony is equally devoted to his academics as well as improving as a baseball player, having been on the honor roll in high school as well as being voted the most valuable pitcher on the Mission Viejo High School staff.
He also earned a Scholar Baller Award while at Saddleback College for his success both as an athlete and student. Last year, Anthony went an impressive 20.0 innings pitched without allowing a single earned run en route to five saves. He also collected 17 strikeouts while allowing just eight hits for the year.
His cousin is Padres right handed pitcher Ian Kennedy, who was drafted by the Yankees in 2006 in the first round (21st overall) and has since established himself as a solid major league starter.
"Anthony is another great student that will have a great opportunity to pitch as a starter on next year's squad," said Giarratano. "He has the ability to pound the strike zone with an assortment of pitches. He will give us great options next year early or late in games."
With these eight, the Diamond Dons have much to look forward to in the coming seasons.
"We are very excited about the versatility and depth we were able to build in the 2014 class," said Giarratano. "The credit needs to go to the success of last year's team, as well as the exceptional work of coaches Troy Nakamura and Seth Etherton."
The Diamond Dons have had a busy two weeks on the Hilltop and signed eight prospects in the early signing period that will join them in Fall 2014. The early signing period ended on Nov. 20 and the Dons were able to grab five junior college transfers and three who will graduate high school in the spring.
Here is a breakdown of the newest additions to the Dons family:
He was named to the Rawling's 2013 Florida All Region First Team as well. Manny is described as a quiet, hard worker who dedicates himself at improving his craft and getting better—traits that should endear him to his future Dons teammates.
"We are very excited to have signed Manny Ramirez Jr.," said Dons Head Coach Nino Giarratano. "He is a very talented hitter, has a chance to hit in the middle of our line-up, and provide us with a great approach as a hitter and defensive first baseman. The best part of Manny is how he handles himself as a person- he is very humble, driven, and competitive."
What Kyle brings to the team next year will project exactly what the University of San Francisco asks of their student athletes: to excel in both the classroom and on the field of play. He had a solid season at Bakersfield last year, hitting .371, with 31 runs scored, 21 RBI, and a .445 on base percentage. In 2013, he was also named to the Southern California All-American Team.
"Nixon is a very athletic player that will impact our program with his speed, bat, and defense," Giarratano said. "He has a chance to play center field and hit in the middle of our lineup. He is an excellent leader and student, and we are very fortunate to have a commitment."
Nixon is a business administration major and attended Frontier High School prior to his junior college stint.
"We are very excited about the future of Louis in the program," said Giarratano. "He has great command of three pitches and the ability to compete for a top five position on the staff."
The 6-foot-1 infielder also was a two-sport athlete at Patrick Henry High School (San Diego, Calif.) before focusing on baseball, also having played football. He had a tremendous junior year, putting up a .376 batting average, 38 hits, driving in 20 runs, hitting 10 doubles and two home runs.
"[Aaron is] a very versatile player that is an exceptional student," Giarratano said. "Aaron can play shortstop, second base, third base, or left field. He will come in and make us better right away. He is a great fit in the Dons program as both a player and student-athlete."
He hopes to major in an undecided concentration of business.
Jeider was dominant in his junior season, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.61 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. He also threw four complete games, highlighting his raw ability and stamina.
Jeider is an international student who came from Columbia three years ago and so far has taken advantage of all the opportunities given to him thus far by displaying great work ethics both on and off the field.
"Rincon is considered by most as the best left handed pitcher in the state of California," said Giarratano. "He has the ability to be a Friday night starter as freshman, has three quality pitches with good command. Fastball is 88-to-91 with command of the change and breaking ball. [We are] very excited about the signing of this great player."
He currently attends Overfelt High School and will major in Latin Studies next year.
Last year, Frank showcased a spotless 6-0 record, 3.07 ERA, and 33 strikeouts in just 24.2 innings pitched. This past summer, he was selected to play on the Far West League All-Star Team, and named on the First Team. Frank aspires to build upon an already impressive resume as a Don, both academically and on the mound.
He is a solid student in the classroom as well, finishing last year with a 4.0 GPA and making the Dean's List, with aspirations of entering law school after his baseball career ends.
"[Frank] will compete for a starting role next year for the Dons," said Giarratano. "Frank has the ability to be a special arm with a fastball from 86-89 and a solid change up. He was 6-0 with a great junior college program, and will in turn bring great experience to our program."
Frank graduated from Barrington High School in 2012 prior to his years at Heartland.
He brings a focused approach and smooth hands on defense, making just one error in 36 chances in his freshman year with Western Nevada College. Jack's high level of athleticism and positive energy is what attracted the coaches to recruit him to the University of San Francisco.
Like many others that decide to become a Don, Jack takes his academics seriously. He sports a 3.90 GPA going into this current season at Western Nevada. He was an All-Area, All-State Selection, as well as selected to be a part of the Olympic Trials.
"[Jack] is a very athletic and competitive player," said Giarratano. "He will bring speed, defense, and great level of competitiveness to the team. He will be a great addition to our lineup."
He attended Bonneville High School in Utah where he was a three year starter.
Anthony is equally devoted to his academics as well as improving as a baseball player, having been on the honor roll in high school as well as being voted the most valuable pitcher on the Mission Viejo High School staff.
He also earned a Scholar Baller Award while at Saddleback College for his success both as an athlete and student. Last year, Anthony went an impressive 20.0 innings pitched without allowing a single earned run en route to five saves. He also collected 17 strikeouts while allowing just eight hits for the year.
His cousin is Padres right handed pitcher Ian Kennedy, who was drafted by the Yankees in 2006 in the first round (21st overall) and has since established himself as a solid major league starter.
"Anthony is another great student that will have a great opportunity to pitch as a starter on next year's squad," said Giarratano. "He has the ability to pound the strike zone with an assortment of pitches. He will give us great options next year early or late in games."
With these eight, the Diamond Dons have much to look forward to in the coming seasons.
"We are very excited about the versatility and depth we were able to build in the 2014 class," said Giarratano. "The credit needs to go to the success of last year's team, as well as the exceptional work of coaches Troy Nakamura and Seth Etherton."
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