Fresno State Athletics
Baseball Rounds Out Fall Signing Class
11/22/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 22, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State baseball coach Mike Batesole has announced the signing of infielder Matt Gardner, right-handed pitchers Kevin Flynt and Jarle Brooks, outfielder Richard Robnett and utility players Alex Massari and Josh Cowles to national letters of intent to begin playing for the Bulldogs in the 2004 season.
A senior at Granada (Livermore, Calif.) High School, Gardner is a two-sport athlete playing both baseball and basketball. Last season he earned all-league honors in baseball, hitting a career high .302 while posting a 3-1 record with a 3.09 ERA on the mound.
"Matt can swing a great bat and is getting bigger and stronger," Batesole said. "His greatest strength is his bat and defensive prowess. He is going to be a good college player."
Flynt is slated to be the No. 1 starter for West Hills (Coalinga, Calif.) Community College this season.
"Kevin throws anywhere from 87-90 and has reached 92 on occasion, "Batesole said. "He has three solid pitches in a fastball, slurve and a change up."
Originally from the state of Washington, the 6'4" Brooks is currently attending Porterville (Calif.) Junior College.
"Jarle throws between 87-91 and can top out at 92," Batesole said. "He has very good movement on his fastball and has an 85-87 cutter to compliment his other pitches."
Robnett is entering his sophomore season as the starting center fielder at Santa Barbara Junior College.
"Defensively, Richard can really go get the ball," Batesole said. "He is a lead off type guy with good power that can make things happen."
Entering his senior season at Quartz Hill (Calif.) High School, Massari is a three-time participant in the Junior National Olympic Tournament. Last year he help lead QHHS to the league title with his offense and defense, hitting .350 with 23 RBIs while sporting a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage. For his efforts, Massari was second team All-Valley and All-Golden League.
"Alex is an outstanding athlete who plays center field, third base, second base and can also catch," Batesole said. "He has good baseball instincts, plays the game hard and will be a very good college player."
As a junior at Redlands (Calif.) East Valley High School, Cowles hit at a .475 clip with eight home runs and 21 RBIs. His offensive prowess continued in international and summer league competition where he earned MVP honors for the Australian Goodwill Series and the championship game of the Brea Tournament as a member of the California Aces.
"Josh throws between 88-91 with a good slider," Batesole said. "He is a good athlete who has the potential to be drafted as a pitcher or catcher."
