COMMUNITY COLLEGE BASEBALL : Gonzales Named Most Valuable in Conference

Andy Gonzales, a second baseman and relief pitcher from Cypress, was selected as the most valuable player of the Orange Empire Conference by a vote of coaches.

Gonzales, a sophomore from Tustin High, hit .347 with five home runs and drove in 24 runs in 24 conference games for Cypress, which won the conference title by a game over Riverside. Gonzales also was 2-2 with four saves. He had 21 strikeouts and gave up eight hits in 15 innings. Cypress’ Scott Pickler was coach of the year.

Riverside’s Jeff Barker went 8-2 with a 1.75 earned-run average and was selected pitcher of the year.

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers--Jeff Barker, Riverside; Josh Belovsky, Cypress; Sergio Betancourt, Riverside; Dennis Crine, Saddleback; Aaron France, Cypress; Brandon Hoalton, Rancho Santiago; Rick Williams, Golden West.

Catcher--David Trentine, Cypress.

First base--Dennis Konrady, Riverside.

Infielders--David Biddinger, Saddleback; Tracy Edmondson, Riverside; Andy Gonzales, Cypress; Israel Gonzalez, Cypress; Wade Jackson, Saddleback; Augie Ojeda, Cypress.

Outfielders--Erickson Dumaual, Fullerton; Rusty McNamara, Riverside; Toby Sanchez, Rancho Santiago.

Utility--Nick Valencia, Orange Coast.

Designated hitter--Jason Hodges, Cypress.

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers--Craig Ainsworth, Saddleback; Zeke Barrios, Fullerton; Jeff Biron, Saddleback; Matt Hendren, Cypress; Steve Rewald, Rancho Santiago.

Catcher--Rick Kleckner, Saddleback.

First base--Daryle Ward, Rancho Santiago.

Infielders--Steve Escobar, Fullerton; Joe Fraser, Rancho Santiago; David Mallas, Rancho Santiago; Robert Prince, Golden West; Andy Rojo, Riverside; Chris Yakura, Orange Coast.

Outfielders--Mando Fonseca, Orange Coast; Jason Minici, Rancho Santiago; Loren Rosas, Saddleback.

Utility--Ted Wilkes, Saddleback.

Designated hitters--Steve Hagen, Riverside; Sam Voita, Saddleback.