Today, Bronco baseball announces the seventh member of its incoming class of freshman for 2014-15, Eric Lex. The right-handed pitcher currently attends Shasta High School in Redding, Calif., about four hours north of the Mission Campus.
"I had several offers and opportunities, but Santa Clara was the best choice for me, and it starts with the coaches," Lex said. "The team they are creating is exciting."
In 2013, Lex and the Shasta Wolves — coached by Jim Morley — won the CIF Northern Section Baseball Tournament. Shasta defeated Foothill High School (Palo Cedro, Calif.) 10-4 in the semifinal to avenge a 0-4 record against the Cougars in the regular season. Lex started the championship game and allowed two hits through six innings to earn the winning decision as Shasta defeated Red Bluff High School 5-1.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound prospect rounded out his junior season with a 4-2 record and 69 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched while hitting .300 at the plate. In summer 2013, Lex went 5-2 with a 1.01 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 35.6 innings pitched.
"Eric impressed me before I even saw him pitch," pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Gabe Ribas said. "He was a guy with poise, honesty and really strong character. Eric has a feel for the strikeout, which as a pitching coach I love. He is a tremendously hard worker, and a guy that really cares about the people around him. When we finally got Eric and his family on campus we knew it was a great fit — the Lex family exemplifies the type of people we want to have in the Bronco Baseball community. Eric will compete for a variety of different roles on the pitching staff as a freshman."
Lex's off-diamond volunteer experience includes time at a homeless kitchen and a church youth group. The future Bronco enjoys swimming, basketball and ceramics. His career goals include becoming a Major League Baseball pitcher as well as pursuing a job in business or economics.
"The campus and facilities are incredible and the academics will be very challenging," Lex said. "All of the things I hoped for in a college are here at Santa Clara. I'm excited to join my teammates next year."
Next week's new Bronco is outfielder Grant Meylan.