Matadors Don’t Go Far for Hart and Soul

Coach Mike Batesole of Cal State Northridge has established an enviable pipeline from perennial power Hart High.

Four Matadors are from Hart--shortstop J.T. Stotts, second baseman Eric Horvat and pitchers Andy Davidson and Bobby Graves.

But more than players have migrated from Newhall to Northridge. Bud Murray, longtime Hart coach who ended his high school career by leading the Indians to a Southern Section championship last season, is a Matador assistant.

When Northridge played at Pepperdine on Tuesday, at least one person other than Matador followers noticed Murray.

“It was fabulous seeing Bud Murray, he’s like a father to me,” said Frank Sanchez, the Pepperdine coach.

Sanchez attended Hart as a sophomore in 1968 and transferred when Canyon opened in 1969. Murray was Canyon’s first coach and Sanchez played for him as a junior and senior.

Sanchez was an assistant at Hart under Murray from 1975-81 and head coach from 82-86, leaving to join Mike Gillespie’s staff at USC.

Murray coached at Mission College in ‘81, Pierce College from 1982-84 and Glendale High in 1985-86 before returning to Hart when Sanchez left.

“For 25 years, he and I were the only coaches at Hart,” Sanchez said. “I’ve learned so much from him.

“Those kids [at Northridge] probably don’t realize how lucky they are to know that man and glean some of his philosophy.”

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Northridge’s lineup is decidedly youth-oriented. Four freshmen and three sophomores started in the 8-7 loss at Pepperdine.

Adrian Mendoza was not one of them.

Mendoza might have become a forgotten man this season. After starting at first base for three seasons, he was beaten out by sophomore Tim Arroyo.

Instead, he is off to a hot start as the designated hitter.

Batting second in the lineup, Mendoza went four for four against Pepperdine with a home run and double. He is eight for 13.

“He’s giving us great production out of the two hole,” Batesole said. “He’s been around this program and knows what it takes.”

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Loyola Marymount is ranked No. 17 behind an experienced pitching staff anchored by two area players.

Mike Schultz, a 6-foot-7 junior right-hander from Cleveland High, is a potential All-American who should be a high draft choice in June.

Brian Felten, a junior right-hander from Crespi, is the fourth starter and will get relief assignments.

Outfielder-designated hitter Rob Hirsh, another Crespi product who batted .297 last season, is one of six returning position players.