Today, Bronco baseball announces the ninth member of its incoming class of freshman for 2014-15, Josh Inouye. The right-handed pitcher currently attends 'Iolani school in Honolulu, Hawai'i.
"On my official visit, the people that I was surrounded by — the baseball team — made me feel very welcome," Inouye said. "This reminded me of the Aloha spirit back home. I appreciated the players and felt very comfortable amongst them."
In 2013, Inouye hit .349 and went 1-1 with a 4.13 ERA in middle relief for head coach Brent Shimokawa and the 'Iolani Raiders, who reached the Hawai'i Boys Baseball State Championships. As a sophomore in 2012, he hit .333 and posted a 3.34 ERA as the team's closer. The 5-foot-8, 150-pound prospect was named to Team Hawaii in both of those seasons.
"Josh packs a ton of athleticism into a small package. He is the kind of guy who plays well beyond his size," pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Gabe Ribas said. "He really knows how to compete on the mound and he commands the strike zone as well as any guy we have recruited in our time at Santa Clara. We are really excited to have another Hawaiian player in the program. Both Josh and Tyler Meditz represent the very best of baseball in Hawai'i and are model Broncos."
Inouye is a member of Key Club and his hobbies consist of reading, core strengthening programs, yoga and surfing. His career goals include working in engineering.
"I chose Santa Clara because it has an extraordinary campus and is known for its prestigious academics," Inouye said.
Next week's new Bronco is outfielder Matt Smithwick.