Junior Xavier Cardenas has committed to play baseball at San Diego State University. The Friars’ right handed pitcher shared, “When picking a college that was right for me, I wanted to be far enough away from home to live my life on my own but still have the opportunity to visit family and friends on occasions. It was also important for me to have a great relationship with the coaching staff. When speaking with them throughout the recruitment process I could tell they were invested in me and believed in my ability to help them compete in the future.”
He went on to say, “The weather was important for me as well. The fact that I grew up pitching in California has made me accustomed to the beautiful weather we have here so it only made sense to continue that in my college career. Lastly, I know it will be a huge thing for my parents to see the games that I pitch in.”
Cardenas is a three-year varsity letterman for Servite baseball and also plays basketball for the Friars. He was selected to participate in the 2020 Area Code Underclass Games this past summer in Georgia alongside fellow junior pitcher Chris Grothues.
Coach Shawn Gilbert shared, “Xavier is a huge prospect and was being recruited by just about everyone. He is a talented junior with a chance to be one of the best pitchers in his class on the west coast. We are excited about X not only for what he can do here at Servite but also for what his future holds.” He continued, “He’s a RHP with a live arm and a fastball over 90 mph with the potential to have a plus breaking ball and solid change up. He has a chance to make a major impact in high school baseball for the next two years. We are looking for him to be a major contributor to our pitching staff this year, possibly as one of our starters. On behalf of the baseball program we would like to congratulate X and the Cardenas family on his commitment.”
Cardenas is among six baseball players to announce their college decision and the fourth from the junior class joining Grothues (UCLA), Jarrod Hocking (UCLA) and Trevor Schmidt (Arizona).
In closing, Cardenas shared, “Most importantly, I would like to thank God for this great blessing I have been given to play ball beyond high school. I would also like to thank my parents who have sacrificed so much for me to be able to play throughout my life and also during these crazy times. Thank you to my coaches at Servite who have taught me great lessons on and off the field, and those who have motivated me along the way who are either haters or supporters. Go Aztecs!”
The 2021 baseball season is scheduled to begin in mid March.
