California State University Northridge Athletics
Former CSUN Baseball Standouts Continuing Pro Careers
7/29/2021 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
After hitting a pause to their baseball season in 2020, several former CSUN Baseball student-athletes have resumed their professional careers on the field in 2021. GoMatadors.com takes a look at these former CSUN standouts and provides an update on where they are playing this season.
Jerry Keel (2012-15), El Paso Chihuahuas - Triple-A (San Diego Padres)
A 6-6 left-handed hurler from Palmdale, Jerry Keel enjoyed one of the most impressive Matador careers over the past 20 seasons. The all-time leader in innings pitched (370.1) and games started (57), Keel struck out 269 batters and posted a 2.75 ERA, which rank fourth and eighth in CSUN history, respectively. Keel earned Freshman All-American status and was named the 2012 Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year after posting a 6-3 record and a 2.07 ERA.
After being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft, Keel has spent the past six years in the team's organization where he has advanced as high as the Triple-A ranks. Keel has won 39 career games to go with 511 strikeouts over 634 innings. He earned his first chance to play at the Triple-A ranks in 2018 for the El Paso Chihuahuas and has spent parts of the 2019 and 2021 seasons at El Paso. Keel was also a Padres Spring Training non-roster invitee during his career. This season, Keel has played at the Double-A and Triple-A ranks and has registered 48 strikeouts in 60 innings.
Conner O'Neil (2015-17), Brooklyn Cyclones - High A (New York Mets)
Perhaps the top Matador closers in team history, Conner O'Neil was a three-year letterwinner where he set a new single-season and career save record. His debut season saw the right-hander post a new save mark with 12 while registering an impressive 1.89 ERA. He broke the career save mark in 2016 and eventually finished with 29 saves in 78 games. A two-time All-Big West selection, O'Neil produced a career 2.53 ERA and 197 strikeouts, which rank eighth and 10th in team history, respectively.
Originally from Kennewick, Wash., O'Neil was drafted twice while with the Matadors, first by the Detroit Tigers in 2016 and then in the seventh round by the New York Mets in 2017. Over the last four years, O'Neil has played for the St. Lucie Mets (Low-A) and the Brooklyn Cyclones (High-A). O'Neil saved seven games in 2019 while pitching for St. Lucie. After recovering from an injury in 2020, O'Neil returned to the field with the Cyclones this year where he has made eight appearances and struck out 13.
Kenny Rosenberg (2014-16), Montgomery Biscuits - Double-A (Tampa Bay Rays)
Originally from Mill Valley, Calif., Kenny Rosenberg spent three years with the Matadors. He joined CSUN in 2014 where he was used as a relief pitcher before an injury forced him to the sidelines in 2015. Rosenberg returned to the mound in 2016 and had a breakout season. He led the Big West in strikeouts with 118 while posting a 6-1 record and a 3.21 ERA. His 118 strikeouts were the eighth-most for a single season in team history and the most by a pitcher in 14 years.
Rosenberg would be drafted in the eighth round of the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Over the past five years, Rosenberg has racked up 30 career wins and a 4.00 ERA with 404 strikeouts. He moved up to the Double-A ranks beginning in 2019 before making an appearance with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. Rosenberg posted 11 combined victories and a 3.43 ERA for the 2019 season. He was a Rays Spring Training non-roster invitee earlier this year. Injuries delayed his start to the 2021 season but Rosenberg has returned to the field and Triple-A Durham.
Hayden Shenefield (2018), Daytona Tortugas - Low-A (Cincinnati Reds)
A Woodland Hills native, right-handed pitcher Hayden Shenefield completed a unique journey through college baseball. Shenefield spent four years at San Diego State but did not make the baseball team. After earning his degree, Shenefield won a state title and MVP honors at Grossmont College. With a year left of college eligibility, Shenefield moved to CSUN. He posted a 3.86 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 32 innings with the Matadors but his best work came in Big West play when he tossed 16.2 shutout innings. He earned All-Big West Second Team honors following the season.
After going undrafted, Shenefield continued his baseball career in independent leagues. In 2019, he spent time with the Windy City Thunderbolts and the Cleburne Railroaders before having a stellar shortened season with the New Jersey Jackals in 2020 where he posted a 1.71 ERA. Following two seasons in independent leagues, Shenefield was signed by the Cincinnati Reds to a minor league contract on May 31. He is currently assigned to the Daytona Tortugas, the Low-A affiliate of the club, and has made three appearances this season.
Justin Toerner (2015-18), Springfield Cardinals - Double-A (St. Louis Cardinals)
A Matador mainstay in center field for four seasons, Justin Toerner racked up 214 hits, 95 RBI and 11 home runs in 219 games. The Temecula native is fourth in team history in triples (13) and games played while he is seventh in walks (105). Perhaps his best season came as a senior, which saw him post career highs in runs (34), RBI (31), walks (28) and home runs (6). He earned All-Big West Second Team honors in his final season, helping CSUN post its best conference finish in 16 years.
Toerner was selected in the 28th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He has spent the past three years in the Cardinals' organization, playing in 224 career games and totaling 202 hits, 132 runs, 82 RBI and 17 home runs. He was promoted to Double-A Springfield in 2019 and received a call-up to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds for the first time this season. Earlier this year, Toerner also received a Spring Training non-roster invitation with the St. Louis Cardinals. Toerner has competed in 54 games and produced 39 hits and five homers this season.
Joe Ryan (2015-17), St. Paul Saints - Triple-A (Minnesota Twins)
Joining CSUN out of San Anselmo, Calif., Joe Ryan spent three seasons with the Matadors where he made an impact as a starting and relief pitcher. Ryan made 29 career appearances including 11 starts and posted a career 3.39 ERA and 74 strikeouts. As a freshman, Ryan dazzled on the mound by posting a 1.48 ERA and 3-0 record. Although injuries slowed him over his last two seasons, Ryan managed to rack up 42 strikeouts over his final 46.2 innings with CSUN.
After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Ryan has moved up the ranks at a rapid pace. He received his first call-up to Triple-A Durham this season where he has registered a 3.63 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 57 innings. Ryan was named to the U.S. National Team roster earlier this year and earned a spot on the Olympic Team this summer. Earlier this month, Ryan was traded to the Minnesota Twins and was assigned to the team's Triple-A squad. Over his career, Ryan has posted a 15-8 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Trevor Casanova (2018), Washington Wild Things (Independent League)
Originally from Redondo Beach, Calif., Trevor Casanova completed a winding road to CSUN, which included stops at three community colleges and a period where he stopped playing baseball entirely. A junior college All-American, Casanova spent one season with the Matadors where he earned All-Big West honors and was named a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist. Casanova led the Big West in doubles (18) and finished second in hits (77) and batting average (.345). Along with his impressive offense, Casanova also provided stellar defense as a catcher by throwing out 47 percent of would-be base stealers.
After he was selected in the 13th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Minnesota Twins, Casanova appeared in 96 games while racking up 87 hits and 40 RBI. Casanova would be released by the Twins but he has continued his professional career with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League this year. Casanova has batted .277 with 41 hits, 23 runs and 17 RBI in 46 games in 2021.
Miles Williams (2013-15), West Virginia Power (Independent League)
Outfielder Miles Williams proved to be a middle-of-the-order threat over his three seasons with the Matadors. Originally from Windsor, Calif., Williams played in 104 games, registering 85 hits, 57 RBI and 15 home runs. As a sophomore, Williams led the Matadors in RBI (25), runs (31) and home runs (6). His last season at CSUN would be an injured-shortened campaign but Williams managed to post new career highs in home runs (8) and RBI (27) in 24 games.
Williams was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 15th round where he would spend three seasons. Since 2016, Williams has played professional baseball for numerous independent league teams across the country. He hit a combined 24 home runs with two teams during the 2018 season including 20 with the Sonoma Stompers. This season, Williams has played in 45 combined games for three teams, most recently for the West Virginia Power.
#UniteTheValley
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Jerry Keel (2012-15), El Paso Chihuahuas - Triple-A (San Diego Padres)A 6-6 left-handed hurler from Palmdale, Jerry Keel enjoyed one of the most impressive Matador careers over the past 20 seasons. The all-time leader in innings pitched (370.1) and games started (57), Keel struck out 269 batters and posted a 2.75 ERA, which rank fourth and eighth in CSUN history, respectively. Keel earned Freshman All-American status and was named the 2012 Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year after posting a 6-3 record and a 2.07 ERA.
After being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft, Keel has spent the past six years in the team's organization where he has advanced as high as the Triple-A ranks. Keel has won 39 career games to go with 511 strikeouts over 634 innings. He earned his first chance to play at the Triple-A ranks in 2018 for the El Paso Chihuahuas and has spent parts of the 2019 and 2021 seasons at El Paso. Keel was also a Padres Spring Training non-roster invitee during his career. This season, Keel has played at the Double-A and Triple-A ranks and has registered 48 strikeouts in 60 innings.
Conner O'Neil (2015-17), Brooklyn Cyclones - High A (New York Mets)Perhaps the top Matador closers in team history, Conner O'Neil was a three-year letterwinner where he set a new single-season and career save record. His debut season saw the right-hander post a new save mark with 12 while registering an impressive 1.89 ERA. He broke the career save mark in 2016 and eventually finished with 29 saves in 78 games. A two-time All-Big West selection, O'Neil produced a career 2.53 ERA and 197 strikeouts, which rank eighth and 10th in team history, respectively.
Originally from Kennewick, Wash., O'Neil was drafted twice while with the Matadors, first by the Detroit Tigers in 2016 and then in the seventh round by the New York Mets in 2017. Over the last four years, O'Neil has played for the St. Lucie Mets (Low-A) and the Brooklyn Cyclones (High-A). O'Neil saved seven games in 2019 while pitching for St. Lucie. After recovering from an injury in 2020, O'Neil returned to the field with the Cyclones this year where he has made eight appearances and struck out 13.
Kenny Rosenberg (2014-16), Montgomery Biscuits - Double-A (Tampa Bay Rays)Originally from Mill Valley, Calif., Kenny Rosenberg spent three years with the Matadors. He joined CSUN in 2014 where he was used as a relief pitcher before an injury forced him to the sidelines in 2015. Rosenberg returned to the mound in 2016 and had a breakout season. He led the Big West in strikeouts with 118 while posting a 6-1 record and a 3.21 ERA. His 118 strikeouts were the eighth-most for a single season in team history and the most by a pitcher in 14 years.
Rosenberg would be drafted in the eighth round of the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Over the past five years, Rosenberg has racked up 30 career wins and a 4.00 ERA with 404 strikeouts. He moved up to the Double-A ranks beginning in 2019 before making an appearance with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. Rosenberg posted 11 combined victories and a 3.43 ERA for the 2019 season. He was a Rays Spring Training non-roster invitee earlier this year. Injuries delayed his start to the 2021 season but Rosenberg has returned to the field and Triple-A Durham.
Hayden Shenefield (2018), Daytona Tortugas - Low-A (Cincinnati Reds)A Woodland Hills native, right-handed pitcher Hayden Shenefield completed a unique journey through college baseball. Shenefield spent four years at San Diego State but did not make the baseball team. After earning his degree, Shenefield won a state title and MVP honors at Grossmont College. With a year left of college eligibility, Shenefield moved to CSUN. He posted a 3.86 ERA and 35 strikeouts over 32 innings with the Matadors but his best work came in Big West play when he tossed 16.2 shutout innings. He earned All-Big West Second Team honors following the season.
After going undrafted, Shenefield continued his baseball career in independent leagues. In 2019, he spent time with the Windy City Thunderbolts and the Cleburne Railroaders before having a stellar shortened season with the New Jersey Jackals in 2020 where he posted a 1.71 ERA. Following two seasons in independent leagues, Shenefield was signed by the Cincinnati Reds to a minor league contract on May 31. He is currently assigned to the Daytona Tortugas, the Low-A affiliate of the club, and has made three appearances this season.
Justin Toerner (2015-18), Springfield Cardinals - Double-A (St. Louis Cardinals)A Matador mainstay in center field for four seasons, Justin Toerner racked up 214 hits, 95 RBI and 11 home runs in 219 games. The Temecula native is fourth in team history in triples (13) and games played while he is seventh in walks (105). Perhaps his best season came as a senior, which saw him post career highs in runs (34), RBI (31), walks (28) and home runs (6). He earned All-Big West Second Team honors in his final season, helping CSUN post its best conference finish in 16 years.
Toerner was selected in the 28th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He has spent the past three years in the Cardinals' organization, playing in 224 career games and totaling 202 hits, 132 runs, 82 RBI and 17 home runs. He was promoted to Double-A Springfield in 2019 and received a call-up to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds for the first time this season. Earlier this year, Toerner also received a Spring Training non-roster invitation with the St. Louis Cardinals. Toerner has competed in 54 games and produced 39 hits and five homers this season.
Joe Ryan (2015-17), St. Paul Saints - Triple-A (Minnesota Twins)
Joining CSUN out of San Anselmo, Calif., Joe Ryan spent three seasons with the Matadors where he made an impact as a starting and relief pitcher. Ryan made 29 career appearances including 11 starts and posted a career 3.39 ERA and 74 strikeouts. As a freshman, Ryan dazzled on the mound by posting a 1.48 ERA and 3-0 record. Although injuries slowed him over his last two seasons, Ryan managed to rack up 42 strikeouts over his final 46.2 innings with CSUN.After being drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Ryan has moved up the ranks at a rapid pace. He received his first call-up to Triple-A Durham this season where he has registered a 3.63 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 57 innings. Ryan was named to the U.S. National Team roster earlier this year and earned a spot on the Olympic Team this summer. Earlier this month, Ryan was traded to the Minnesota Twins and was assigned to the team's Triple-A squad. Over his career, Ryan has posted a 15-8 record with a 2.70 ERA.
Trevor Casanova (2018), Washington Wild Things (Independent League)Originally from Redondo Beach, Calif., Trevor Casanova completed a winding road to CSUN, which included stops at three community colleges and a period where he stopped playing baseball entirely. A junior college All-American, Casanova spent one season with the Matadors where he earned All-Big West honors and was named a Johnny Bench Award semifinalist. Casanova led the Big West in doubles (18) and finished second in hits (77) and batting average (.345). Along with his impressive offense, Casanova also provided stellar defense as a catcher by throwing out 47 percent of would-be base stealers.
After he was selected in the 13th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Minnesota Twins, Casanova appeared in 96 games while racking up 87 hits and 40 RBI. Casanova would be released by the Twins but he has continued his professional career with the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League this year. Casanova has batted .277 with 41 hits, 23 runs and 17 RBI in 46 games in 2021.
Miles Williams (2013-15), West Virginia Power (Independent League)Outfielder Miles Williams proved to be a middle-of-the-order threat over his three seasons with the Matadors. Originally from Windsor, Calif., Williams played in 104 games, registering 85 hits, 57 RBI and 15 home runs. As a sophomore, Williams led the Matadors in RBI (25), runs (31) and home runs (6). His last season at CSUN would be an injured-shortened campaign but Williams managed to post new career highs in home runs (8) and RBI (27) in 24 games.
Williams was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 15th round where he would spend three seasons. Since 2016, Williams has played professional baseball for numerous independent league teams across the country. He hit a combined 24 home runs with two teams during the 2018 season including 20 with the Sonoma Stompers. This season, Williams has played in 45 combined games for three teams, most recently for the West Virginia Power.
#UniteTheValley
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