2010

The Columbia Basin College baseball program achieved new heights in 2009, winning more games than any other team in NWAACC history. The 2009 Hawks won 48 games breaking its own record of 45 wins in 2006. The 2010 Hawks start the season ranked 3rd in the NWAACC, 8th on the west coast, and 24th nationally.

The Hawks had to reload during the off season after sending 21 players on to four-year schools and one to the Major League Baseball draft (OF Darrell Ceciliani 3rd pick by the NY Mets). Fifteen players from 2009 earned post season honors including five All NWAACC, 14 All East Region, and two All Americans. 

The Hawks' 2010 recruiting class received national attention from Perfect Game Crosschecker, a reputable authority of prospects around the country. CBC landed some of the top players from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. Twenty-four newcomers in all will add to a group of solid returnees to help the Hawks defend its eighth East Region title in ten years.

First Team All East Region catcher, Maxx Garrett, returns to lead the Hawks offensively and behind the plate. Garrett batted .318 with eight doubles, three homeruns, and 25 RBI while throwing out more than 70 percent of base stealers. Helping Garrett behind the plate is Cole McPherson from Great Falls, Montana and converted catcher, sophomore Jason Jones. Jones offers a powerful left-handed swing that will see time in the Hawks' lineup at the DH position as well.

The Hawks have just two returning infielders in Thomas Henderson and Mario Sanelli; Henderson was a Second Team All East Region selection a year ago after batting .308. He will offer a steady glove and consistent offense in the Hawks lineup. Sanelli is a left-handed swinger with power potential and solid defensive skills. Transfer Nate Williams has versatility to play both shortstop and third base. Williams batted .340 with 21 doubles, 42 RBI, and six homeruns for Cisco JC in Texas last season. University of Washington transfer, Kevin Komstadius, offers a heavy left-handed swing at first base and will pitch this season. Komstadius was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 28th round in 2008. Cody Shepherd from Richland High made a late decision to leave University of Washington and play for the Hawks this season. Shepherd, who helped lead Richland to the 5A State Championship in 2007 and 2009, will be relied on to play first, third, corner outfield, and will pitch for the Hawks this season.

In the outfield, Second Team All East Region selection, Marcelino Morales returns after leading the Hawks with a .366 batting average a year ago. Morales, a switch hitter, belted seven doubles, two triples, and two homeruns while stealing 17 bases a year ago. Brandon Schmidt also returns after batting .345 a year ago and will play a corner outfield position. Newcomer Tym Pearson was drafted in the 35th round last season by the Colorado Rockies. He batted .390 with two home runs and 21 RBIs and stole 22 bases while leading Thurston High (OR) to the Class 5A baseball title. He is rated the 56th-best junior college prospect by Perfect Game. Taylor Wattenberg and John Reilly will add depth in the outfield and will be expected to fill a void after all three outfielders earned post season honors last season.

On the mound, CBC has very little experience after losing almost its entire pitching staff that saw eight hurlers move on to four-year schools last season. First Team All East Region left-handed pitcher, Elliott Van Gaver, returns to the staff after posting nine wins last season. Van Gaver chose to return to CBC after several Division I programs offered him after his freshman season. Right-handed pitcher, Pat Forgette, had 14 relief appearances and will be called out of the bullpen once again this season. Matt Eames threw 18 innings a year ago with a record of 2-1. The Hawks will rely on several newcomers to maintain its rich tradition of pitchers. A pair of Western Nevada transfers will be called on to add to the staff this season, Cavin Hill from Reno High and Jordan Blanchard from Coronado High (Las Vegas), will see significant time on the mound. Nico Lytle from Bishop Kelly High (ID) continues to impress the coaching staff and should play a vital role in the rotation. Left-hander Corey Brundridge has also shown well after consistent fall and winter workouts. Right-handers Cody Shepherd, Tym Pearson, Taylor Nicholson,  Vance Keller, Brian Duncan, Joey Clancy, and Adam Young will all be called on to add to the inexperienced staff. CBC will need left-handers Mac Acker and Kevin Komstadius to handle their role with a limited number of southpaws.

Overall, the 2010 team has a talented roster that lacks experience but is rich in abilities. Expect some growing pains early in the season, however, when the season grows so will the Hawks.