PHOTOS: Westcliff outfielder Wyatt Baptiste honored after leading team in first season

Wyatt Baptiste capped a big first season with Westcliff University. (Photos courtesy Westcliff University)

It was a great start for the Westcliff University baseball team this season, which was 19-8 before the season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Leading the way for the team was Wyatt Baptiste who was named the male athlete of the year. Westcliff University, in its 23rd year, is located in Irvine, The university wrapped up its first year of athletic competition.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Wyatt Baptiste heads to first base in a game this year.

Teammates congratulate Wyatt Baptiste after he scores a run.

Wyatt Baptiste dives back to first base.

“Wyatt Baptiste came to us from Medford, Oregon as a transfer student athlete from Chemeketa Community College,” said Coach David Shermet.

The 6-2, 190-pound Baptiste plays center field and was the team’s leadoff hitter.

“He didn’t make an error the entire season and as fast a player as I’ve seen in a long time,” said Shermet. “Batting in the leadoff position, the redshirt sophomore hit .456 with 29 runs, 23 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 21 games played.

“He is the spark that makes our team go. When he’s on base he wreaks havoc. He has the green light and can go at any time. We are an infinitely better team when he’s on base. He also gets good grades as a 3.5 GPA student.”

The coach was pleased with the progress of the team, which is affiliated to the NAIA and competes in the Cal Pac Conference. The team played its home games this year at the Great Park Baseball Stadium.

“We had big wins over DII Concordia (9-8 in 13 innings) and defending DIII national champions Chapman (16-4),” Shermet said.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com