California State University Northridge Athletics
Photo by: Paul Trafecanty
Matadors Add Ruiz and Medina to Baseball Staff
2/16/2023 3:35:00 PM | Baseball
NORTHRIDGE, Calif.---Head coach Eddie Cornejo has announced the additions of Jose Ruiz and Joshua Medina to the CSUN Baseball staff for the 2023 season. Ruiz, a former CSUN standout, joins the staff as a volunteer assistant coach while Medina, a former standout with Somona State, will serve as the team's director of player development.
A four-year letterwinner, Ruiz played in 131 career games with the Matadors from 2016-21. Ruiz would begin his career in a CSUN uniform before spending his sophomore season at El Camino College where he earned all-district honors. He then returned to the Matadors in 2019 where he wrapped up his final three years of college baseball. Known for his versatility, Ruiz played at catcher, left field, third base, second base and shortstop in his time with CSUN.
At the plate, Ruiz had his best offensive season during his senior campaign in 2021 where batted a career-best .321 with 43 hits, 31 runs, 24 RBI and 15 doubles. The right-handed hitting Ruiz also posted a .424 on-base percentage and .455 slugging percentage in helping CSUN finish in fourth place in The Big West during the COVID-shortened 40-game season.
Earlier this spring, Ruiz returned to El Camino College in a coaching capacity, serving as the team's assistant coach. Ruiz graduated from CSUN in 2021 with a degree in liberal studies.
"I'm excited to welcome back Jose Ruiz to the Valley," said Cornejo. "He was a utility player and a consistent middle of the order hitter during his time here. He didn't hesitate to jump onboard when he first learned about the opportunity to join us. He cares about this program having success."
Medina lettered four seasons at Division II Sonoma State during his playing career from 2018-22. Playing for longtime head coach John Goelz, Medina earned All-CCAA First Team and All-West Region First Team accolades in his senior season as a two-way player. Medina batted .337 at the plate with seven homers and 33 RBI while also posting a 2.16 ERA and six saves on the mound. He also was named a CCAA All-Star in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign when he registered a 1.42 ERA and .333 batting average.Â
Medina helped Sonoma State reach the postseason for the first time in eight seasons during the 2022 season. After his playing career, Medina served as infield and hitting coach for Sonoma State.
A Chatsworth native, Medina graduated from Sonoma State in 2022 with a degree in business management.
A four-year letterwinner, Ruiz played in 131 career games with the Matadors from 2016-21. Ruiz would begin his career in a CSUN uniform before spending his sophomore season at El Camino College where he earned all-district honors. He then returned to the Matadors in 2019 where he wrapped up his final three years of college baseball. Known for his versatility, Ruiz played at catcher, left field, third base, second base and shortstop in his time with CSUN.
At the plate, Ruiz had his best offensive season during his senior campaign in 2021 where batted a career-best .321 with 43 hits, 31 runs, 24 RBI and 15 doubles. The right-handed hitting Ruiz also posted a .424 on-base percentage and .455 slugging percentage in helping CSUN finish in fourth place in The Big West during the COVID-shortened 40-game season.
Earlier this spring, Ruiz returned to El Camino College in a coaching capacity, serving as the team's assistant coach. Ruiz graduated from CSUN in 2021 with a degree in liberal studies.
"I'm excited to welcome back Jose Ruiz to the Valley," said Cornejo. "He was a utility player and a consistent middle of the order hitter during his time here. He didn't hesitate to jump onboard when he first learned about the opportunity to join us. He cares about this program having success."
Medina lettered four seasons at Division II Sonoma State during his playing career from 2018-22. Playing for longtime head coach John Goelz, Medina earned All-CCAA First Team and All-West Region First Team accolades in his senior season as a two-way player. Medina batted .337 at the plate with seven homers and 33 RBI while also posting a 2.16 ERA and six saves on the mound. He also was named a CCAA All-Star in the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign when he registered a 1.42 ERA and .333 batting average.Â
Medina helped Sonoma State reach the postseason for the first time in eight seasons during the 2022 season. After his playing career, Medina served as infield and hitting coach for Sonoma State.
A Chatsworth native, Medina graduated from Sonoma State in 2022 with a degree in business management.
"Josh came highly recommended by several people throughout the Valley's baseball community," said Cornejo. "He played for coach Tom Meusborn at Chatsworth High School so he comes well-schooled in the game, how to work and how to put the team first."
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