CSUN Baseball Continues Tradition of Recruiting from the Valley Out

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---Taking a glance at several of the CSUN Baseball newcomers, a familiar trend is noticeable. Aside from the respective skills they share on the baseball diamond, the newcomers are local talents that reside 27 miles or fewer from CSUN. Located in one of the most baseball-rich areas in the United States, CSUN Baseball makes a point to keep players from the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas throughout Los Angeles home.

A number synonymous with the sport of baseball, a team could earn a victory by recording 27 outs on the field. For CSUN Baseball, that number has been especially pivotal to the blueprint of constructing a team that represents the San Fernando Valley.

Once a standout on the mound and now a graduate manager on the team, Tei Vanderford knows first-hand about living out his dreams at Matador Field. Vanderford completed two stints at Glendale College as well as two years at the University of Tennessee before making the decision to stay close to home for his junior and senior years in college.

Vanderford played two seasons with the Matadors from 2017-18, collecting 11 wins on the mound. He completed his graduate studies this spring from CSUN, earning a degree in recreation and tourism management.

"It's a unique and special opportunity to [have been] able to play at the closest Division I college to [my] house," said Vanderford.

A former high school standout at nearby St. Francis High School in La Canada, Vanderford appreciated the opportunity to play in front of his close ones.

"Being able to look up at the end of an outing and to see mom, my dad, my sister and my friends, was a dream come true," added Vanderford.

A newcomer that is competing close to home is right-handed pitcher Blaine Traxel. A freshman from Burbank, Calif., Traxel joins the Matadors from Bishop Alemany High School, which is about a 10-minute drive from Matador Field.

"It's really cool coming in and getting to be with the guys I know," said Traxel. "I like the program because it is a lot of hard work, and they really shape you not only as a baseball player but as a person as well."

Also joining the team this season, junior infielder Blake Doremus grew up in Camarillo, Calif. where he attended nearby Camarillo High School. Following his prep career, Doremus went to BYU before returning back to the San Fernando Valley to attend the College of the Canyons this past season.

"I grew up around here," said Doremus. "Knowing about the program and watching the team in the past, it's pretty cool to be actually on the team now."

Another Matador newcomer, fifth-year senior Mitch Kerner spent his collegiate career at Emory University (Atlanta, Ga.) after playing his high school ball at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Calif.

"It's cool because some of my best baseball experiences were playing in this area," said Kerner.

Kerner cites former Matador and current Emory University pitching coach, Mathew Troupe, as his connection to CSUN. Troupe played his high school baseball at Chaminade College Prep in West Hills, Calif. After spending three seasons at the University of Arizona, Troupe completed his collegiate career at CSUN in 2016.

"It's funny how two kids from the Valley both were in Atlanta and yet we had this connection back to this area, which helped me end up getting here for my last year," said Kerner.

Another local product is the only four-year senior on this year's team, Jayson Newman. Originally from Studio City, Calif., Newman has evolved into an outstanding pitcher over his career after previously playing only as a first baseman in his first two seasons with the Matadors.

"It's great living so close to home and being able to play the sport that I love and having the support of my family," said Newman. "I love having them here. With all the fans that we get, I am truly blessed to be able to play at CSUN."

Following a year where six out of 13 graduates from the program resided within 27 miles from campus, the Matadors will enter the 2019 season with one-third of their players hailing within that very that distance. Nearly half of their coaching and managerial staff is also made up of people from areas in the San Fernando Valley.

Showcasing some of the top baseball players in the area, the Matadors have won 120 games over the last four years including their most Big West Conference wins (44) than any other four-year block in team history. As they have done in the past, the Matadors are looking to continue their tradition from recruiting from the Valley out for years to come.

California State University Northridge Athletics

CSUN Baseball Continues Tradition of Recruiting from the Valley Out

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