HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i baseball coach
Mike Trapasso announced the signing of 11 student-athletes for the 2012 season, which includes four players from Hawai'i high schools.
“This is as deep and talent-rich a class that I can remember us having,” Trapasso said. “It remains to be seen how many of these guys will actually join us, depending on the Major League Draft, but based on merit it's a real solid class.”
The class includes one player from junior college and 10 high school players. Among the group are five pitchers and three catchers.
Kaeo Aliviado (OF, Saint Louis School)
Attends Saint Louis School in Honolulu…in 2010, helped Crusaders capture first ILH championship in 20 years…team placed fourth at the state tournament…batted .426 in league play with 3 HRs, 18 RBIs, and 8 stolen bases…named first-team all-state and all-ILH as an outfielder…member of 'Ewa Beach all-star team that won the 2005 Little League World Series
Trapasso: “Will be a great college player. We look for Kaeo to be an impact player as a freshman. He does everything well…hit, run, throw. Plays with great energy and will make those around him better.”
Alan Baldwin (C/OF, Kailua HS)
Attends Kailua High School on O'ahu…helped Surfriders to fifth place finish at 2010 state tournament…also member of state runner-up team in 2009.
Trapasso: “Alan has a great up-side. At 6'2” he has the frame to get big and strong. He's very athletic and will be a versatile player for us.”
Lawrence Chew (LHP, Mid-Pacific Institute)
Attends Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu…team finished third at the state championship in 2010…in first round win over Maui, struck out career-high 10 and allowed only two hits in a 1-0 victory…was 5-1 with a 3.87 ERA, 1 save, and 40 strike outs in 50.2 innings pitched…named first-team all-state and all-ILH.
Trapasso: “Lawrence will be a valuable addition to our staff. He's a strike throwing lefty who has the frame that will allow him to add velocity.”
Cody Clark (C, Centennial HS [Las Vegas, NV])
Attends Centennial High School in Las Vegas, Nev…was a pitcher, catcher and played in the outfield…participated in the Cincinnati Reds Area Code tryouts…in 2009, threw a five-inning no-hitter in a 14-0 win over Mojave HS…also played quarterback for the football team.
Trapasso: “Very athletic, outstanding defensive catcher. Excellent athlete…multi-sport athlete in high school. Plays with great energy.”
Jordan DePonte (RHP, Moanalua HS)
Attends Moanalua High School in Honolulu…named honorable mention all-state as a third baseman…also pitched for Na Menehune…helped team place seventh at the state championship…began high school career at 'Iolani School, where he also played quarterback on the football team.
Trapasso: “Jordan has the frame to develop into a star. Pitches in the high 80's now and will improve as he gets stronger. Has good command and a good breaking ball.”
Brett Harrison (INF, Green Valley HS [Henderson, LV])
Attends Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nev…as a junior, batted .381 with 6 HR and 37 RBI…ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 1 player in the state of Nevada and No. 70 in the country…played for the Cincinnati Reds Area Code team.
Trapasso: “Brett is a versatile middle infielder who will be a plus hitter. He will be an impact freshman and a great player. Brett's brother Matt is an infielder on the UH team this year, having transferred from the University of North Carolina.”
David Longville (RHP, Capistrano Valley HS [Los Angeles, CA])
Attends Capistrano Valley High School in Los Angeles, Calif…sported a 1.84 ERA with two wins and four saves…selected as a Perfect Game Preseason All-America High Honorable Mention.
Trapasso: “6'5” pitcher with excellent command. Tremendous upside. Looks to be a high draft in three years.”
Corey MacDonald (RHP, Cosumnes River College [Sacramento, CA])
Attends Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, Calif…in 2010, had a 2-2 record with a 3.94 ERA while striking out 37 in 45.2 innings pitched…opponents batted .221 against him in 20 appearances…an all-league player at Davis High School.
Trapasso: “An imposing figure on the mound at 6'7”. Has command of three pitches and can develop into a high velocity RHP. Will be a frontline guy right away.”
Trevor Podratz (C, Chaparral HS [Temecula, CA])
Attends Chaparral High School in Temecula, Calif…played both pitcher and catcher…batted .481 with a .662 slugging percentage in 2010…named first-team all-valley and honorable mention all-area.
Trapasso: “Strong, physical frame that is a plus offensive player. Can catch or play corner infield positions.”
Scott Squier (LHP, Greenway HS [Phoenix, AZ])
Attends Greenway High School in Phoenix, Ariz…sported a 1.56 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 49.1 innings pitched…struck out nine or batters in a game five times…batted .432 with .670 slugging percentage…had 29 RBI and 21 runs scored…also pitched and played for the Cincinnati Reds Area Code team.
Trapasso: “Being left-handed and having a great frame at 6'6”…Scott will be a frontline pitcher as a freshman and a very high draft. Has a low 90's fastball with an outstanding curveball.”
Stephen Ventimilia (INF/OF, Monterey HS [Monterey, CA])
Attends Monterey High School in California…batted .361 with 34 runs scored and 33 stolen bases…11 games with multiple stolen bases…a two-time all-Monterey Bay League selection and all-county pick…also participated in the sprints, relays, and long jump events for track and field team…played both quarterback and safety for the football team.
Trapasso: “Tremendous athlete. Lettered in seven sports in high school. Tremendous speed and ability to steal bases….high energy player.”
-UH-
