Donnelly, Newfield Are the Head of the Class

An abundance of pitching talent and one of the best hitters developed in Orange County in the past 10 years highlight the 1990 prep baseball prospects.

Foothill High School’s Kent Donnelly heads the class of pitchers and designated hitter Marc Newfield should have the scouts lining the backstop at Marina’s games.

Here’s a look at some of the county’s best:

Rene Arias, Fullerton, Sr., Pitcher: Pitched a no-hitter against Leuzinger and led Fullerton to the 4-A quarterfinals as a sophomore. He loves to challenge hitters but pitches in a cozy ballpark.

Dan Baker, Tustin, Sr. Pitcher: As a junior, Baker struck out 100 in 74 innings. A left-handed power pitcher who has been a two-time all-Sea View League selection. Opened the season with victories over Esperanza and Mission Viejo.

Todd Blyleven, Villa Park, Sr., Pitcher: A late developer after transferring from Mater Dei, Blyleven struck out 55 last season. He is the son of Angel starter Bert Blyleven, who pitched at Santiago.

Ken Dolan, San Clemente, Jr. Pitcher: Seldom has a prep pitcher thrown a curveball so effectively and effortlessly. Pitched a one-hitter as a freshman against Capistrano Valley and struck out 55 last season.

Kent Donnelly, Foothill, Sr., Pitcher: The most versatile player in the county, Donnelly pitches, plays third or the outfield. He was 8-3 with 81 strikeouts as a junior, earning co-MVP honors with Julio Vargas (Santa Ana) in the Century League. Has committed to USC.

Lionel Hastings, Mater Dei, Sr., Shortstop: A pure hitter with a great arm, Hastings also has made an oral commitment to USC. His coach, Bob Ickes, predicts he’ll start as a freshman at USC. Hastings also will be a late reliever.

Bo Haley, El Toro, Sr., Outfielder: Could this be the year Haley fulfills the lofty expectations of the past two years? An excellent athlete who hits with power and has good speed.

Daniel Hernandez, Ocean View, Sr., Shortstop: Hernandez is a slick fielder with the best hands in the county. Ocean View turned 26 double plays. He also batted .378.

Randy Karliner, Ocean View, Jr., Pitcher: Won eight games as a sophomore and has added five miles per hour to his fastball. A crafty left-hander who also plays first base and is an excellent quarterback.

Lance Marks, Dana Hills, Sr., Catcher: Has 18 home runs and has a good chance to break former Valencia star Andy Ruscitto’s county career home run mark of 22. Moves from designated hitter to catcher this year. Orally committed to Pepperdine.

Tony Napolitano, Los Alamitos, Sr., First Base: Left-handed power hitter who had six home runs and 26 RBIs as a junior. Moves from the outfield, where his arm was a liability. Visited Hawaii, Stanford and Arizona.

Marc Newfield, Marina, Sr., First Baseman: A natural hitter with great bat speed, he led the county with 10 home runs as a junior.

Steve Thobe, Edison, Sr., Catcher: His size (6-5, 225) and power are attracting scouts. Thobe has three homers in six games.

Robert Toth, Pacifica, Sr., Pitcher: Doesn’t come into the season with big credentials from last year but his stock rose substantially with a four-hitter against nationally ranked Lakewood in the Loara tournament.

Rob Walker, Servite, Sr., First Baseman: Good power-hitter who belted eight doubles last year when he was used primarily as a designated hitter.