Fresno State Athletics
Recruiting Class Ranked No. 10
9/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Sept. 24, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - The recent recruiting class Fresno State coach Mike Batesole signed for 2009 has been recognized by Collegiate Baseball as No. 10 in the nation. This is the highest ranked recruiting class in Batesole's era and also the highest in school history.
"We are excited to have another top ranked recruiting class," said Batesole. "We feel that we were able to recruit some of the top athletes in California who also have the character to succeed both on and off the field in our program. We focused on the top local talent, with 12 of our recruits from San Joaquin Valley High Schools or Community Colleges."
After losing 12 players to graduation and the Major League draft, Batesole added 23 freshmen and transfers to the 2009 roster. This class includes the most drafted players to come on campus. After losing some key positions and a majority of the pitching staff, the coaches focused on recruiting pitchers.
The top four recruits for Fresno State include Josh Poytress (Fowler High School), Derek Benny (Roseville High School), Charlie Robertson (Bella Vista High School), and Terrance Buchanan (Mt. Carmel High School).
"Highlighting this class were four recruits drafted by professional organizations, the most we've had in an incoming class," said Batesole. "Three of the four draftees and 12 of 23 total incoming recruits are pitchers, as we aimed to rebuild the bulk of the pitching staff from the 2008 National Championship team, most of which were lost to graduation and the professional draft."
Left hander Poytress was drafted in the 16th round to the Houston Astros. He was named one of the top pitching prospects in the 2007 Area Code games. Poytress earned all-state honors in 2007 and 2008.
Right hander Derek Benny was drafted in the 45th round to the Oakland Athletics. He was a two time all-league selection and Rawlings preseason All-American.
Right hander Charlie Robertson was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 29th round. He is the brother of Tyler Robertson, who was drafted in the third round to Minnesota in 2006. Robertson is a two time All-Sacramento Metro Area Selection, two time all-league, conference Player of the Year in 2007, and all-state in 2008.
Shortstop Terrance Buchanan was drafted in the 48th round to the Kansas City Royals. He earned all-league and All-CIF honors in 2008.
"We believe that this group will help secure the future of our program, allowing us to continue to compete at the national Level," said Batesole.
Batesole was recognized twice in 2008 with national Coach of the Year Honors. Both Collegiate Baseball Magazine and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association honored Batesole.
Fellow WAC opponent Hawaii was ranked at No. 37 out of 40 teams.
Collegiate Baseball Recruiting Rankings
1. Arizona State
2. Oregon
3. Vanderbilt
4. Arkansas
5. Georgia
6. UCLA
7. Miami Fla.
8. Florida State
9. Clemson
10. Fresno State
11. Texas
12. Oregon State
13. South Carolina
14. Cal. St. Fullerton
15. Wichita St.
16. USC
17. Rice
18. Florida
19. Kentucky
20. Louisiana St.
