Former Patriot star Michael Fuchs joins Beckman coaching staff

Former Beckman baseball standout Michael Fuchs.

One of Beckman baseball’s all-time greats, former Vanguard University standout Michael Fuchs, returned to the campus recently to help out in the Beckman World Series.

It was his debut as a Patriot assistant coach.

“I’m going to coach here and I love the environment here just what Coach (Kevin) Lavalle brings (along with) the players and the assistant coaches,” he said.

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Lavalle recalls the contributions Fuchs made.

“Michael had a very successful collegiate baseball career, playing at Golden West College and Vanguard University,” Lavalle said. “One of my favorite parts of this job is following players and staying in contact with them as they move through baseball and life.

“Michael won four Golden Glove Awards in college, and he will bring knowledge and experience to my staff. We are happy and excited to have him on board. I’m honored that I was the first call he made when he decided to get into teaching and coaching.”

Fuchs was a standout defensive player at Beckman.

“While he was here (2013-2014) he was just a rock steady shortstop,” Lavalle said. “One of our pitchers, Adam Lamar, said all his success came from simply trying to get hitters to hit ground balls to Michael and our second baseman Chase Bartholomew.

“Those guys were dynamite up the middle in 2013 and 2014. Hopefully, my players will learn how it’s done from one of the best.”

Fuchs, who played for the Angels Inland Empire team for a couple weeks after completing his college career, said he enjoyed returning to the Beckman World Series, an event he participated in as a player.

“It was fun,” the Irvine resident said. “Playing here was probably one of the best experiences in baseball that I’ve had throughout all baseball levels.”