Currently viewing: California North Classic
Gauchos Dugout
Team Preview
Returning an exceptional 2023 roster Casa Grande (25-6) make a comeback as the 2023 North Coast Division II Champions & Northern California Division II Runners-Up. Led by Area Code Games participant Austin Steeves (’24), reigning conference MVP and Co-Pitcher of the Year.
Players to Watch
Kalen Clemmens, Sr. | 6’1” | 195 lbs
College Commit: Uncommitted
Previous season stats: Led team with .489 OBP and 14 SB. Also in 2023: 17R. .842 OPS. .309 BA. 0.95 ERA in limited relief appearances.
Coaches Note: All Redwood Empire Team and All Vine Valley Athletic League selection.
Kalen has an excellent baseball IQ. His great athleticism and competitiveness allows him to excel in all aspects of the game. He's a talented hitter and baserunner and plays outstanding defense at multiple positions, including outfield, catcher, first base, and pitcher.
Auston Steeves, Sr. | 6’1” | 210 lbs
College Commit: Stanford
Previous season stats: 10 W, 3 S. Led California & second in the country with 158Ks (18 BBs in 89 IP) 0.39 ERA.
Awards: MaxPreps All American, Prep Baseball Report California State Pitcher of the Year, Redwood Empire Player of the Year, Vine Valley Athletic League & team MVP
Coaches Note: Austin's D1 and pro future is the intersection of remarkable talent, work ethic, and commitment to putting the team first all mixed together with humbleness.
Dan Mercado, Jr. | 5’10” | 180 lbs
College Commit: Uncommitted
Previous season stats: .438 OBP for varsity as a mid-season, sophomore call up from JV in Awards: 2023. Led team in HBP (10) and among team leaders in runs (11) despite only appearing in the last 16 games. .724 OPS, .977 FP
Coaches Note: Danny is a next level talent and arguably the best athlete on the field. He was the VVAL league MVP as a junior quarterback. We can't wait to see what he does on the baseball field this year as our shortstop, on the hill, offensively, and as a baserunner. His velo is already in the high 80's with tremendous off speed to complement. He's got all the tools and great work ethic. He's going to be fun to coach - and watch - these next two years.
JT Summers | 6’4” | 220 lbs
College Commit: Uncommitted
Previous season stats: Casa's leading hitter as a junior. .376 (111 ABs), 29 RBI, 1.061 OPS, 13 XBH, 3 HR
Awards: All Redwood Empire First Team, All Vine Valley Athletic League, Team co-MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
Coaches Note: JT's offensive prowess is head-turning. His exit velo is regularly at Dl and pro levels. How a Dl offer hasn't come his way yet remains a mystery to the entire staff. He does a nice job behind the dish and was Austin Steeves' battery mate during Steeves' record setting 2023 season. JT is one of our hard working leaders who has a bright future.
View More
Alex Cruz, Sr. | 6’1” | 245 lbs
College Commit: Uncommitted
Previous season stats: .740 OPS, .390 OBP, .272 BA, 14 RBI, 11 R
Awards: All Redwood Empire Team, All Vine Valley Athletic League
Coaches Note: Cruz can crush. He's a physical presence in the batter's box with plus power. He plays solid defense at first base and can pick it with the best of them. Alex had some clutch hits for us last year and we expect more of the same this season. We appreciate the leadership he brings to the Gauchos.
PARTNERS
CHAMPIONS
Stay Connected
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Boras Family Foundation | Copyright 2024