Titan baseball is back again. The four-time national championship team has new additions to the roster and one of those new faces is six-foot freshman Christian Colon.
Colon was recently named one of the top five freshman baseball players in the nation by CSTV.com college baseball editor Doug Kroll. He is currently slated to be the starting shortstop for the Titans after beating out junior Joe Scott, who started at the position last year.
"He's a great guy and he's still going to be out there for us. He'll be playing second base," Colon said of teammate Scott. "Were like a family. We all do what's needed."
When asked about Colon starting at shortstop, Head Coach Dave Serrano said he worked really hard for the position.
"Myself, the rest of the coaching staff and the players believe that he deserves to be out there and has earned his spot," Serrano said.
Colon's talent extends beyond great defense; he can hit too. In his senior year at Canyon High School in Anaheim, Colon's batting average was above .400.
"Anything that we get from him offensively will just be an added bonus to what he has already been showing," Serrano said.
Serrano also said he has a lot of confidence in his young player.
"He is well beyond his years as a player. He is going to be a foundation player for Titan baseball for the next few years," Serrano said. "I am very impressed with his savvy as a player. He has the mannerisms of an experienced collegiate player. You don't find that in many freshmen."
Colon was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 10th round, but turned the opportunity down and decided to play at Cal State Fullerton. He said he thought that going to school was the better option for him at this time in his life.
"I wanted to come here to improve my skills as a player and gain more experience," Colon said. "It was a great feeling knowing that I could do it -- that I was drafted -- but school is where I feel I need to be," Colon said.
Serrano said he doesn't think turning down the option to play professional baseball will affect his chances in the draft for the future.
"I think that his experience in college can only help him," Serrano said.
Colon was born on May 14, 1989, in Capey, Puerto Rico to parents Elfrin and Lucy Colon where he started playing baseball at the young age of four.
"My dad was who got me started in baseball. I've been playing ever since I was four and now it's just part of my life," Colon said.
In high school, Colon moved a lot and played on three different teams in four years, according to his profile on CSUF's Official Athletic Web site. His first high school was Midway High School in Waco, Texas. He was on varsity his freshman year and was named the team's best defensive player. He then moved to West Jordan, Utah his sophomore year where he played varsity at Taylorsville High School and was named the team's most valuable player. During his junior year he moved to Corona, Calif. and played the remaining two years of high school for Canyon High School.
"Meeting new friends in school was the hardest part about moving in high school. Playing baseball was easier and helped me," Colon said.
Colon has also become friends with many students at CSUF, including his teammate, freshman Gary Brown.
"He has soft hands, which is really good for the infield," Brown said of Colon. "He's a smart player and is quick to know what play is right for the situation."
Colon, a criminal justice major, said he is enjoying his freshman year at CSUF.
"I love it here. I love everything about the school and this program. That's why I came here," Colon said.
Colon said he has high hopes for the Titans this season, including "winning it all, winning the College World Series." He said he believes the coaching staff is doing a great job in getting them ready for the season.
"They are hungry to get out there and get something done. They are hungry to win," Colon said of his coaches.
Colon said his dream for the future, beyond playing for the Titans, is to play professional baseball. He would like to stay and play in California for a team like the Angels, but Colon said it doesn't matter where he plays, just as long as he does.
The Titans start off the 2008 season Friday in Fort Worth, Texas for a three-game run with Texas Christian University. They return for their first home game against Loyola Marymount at 6:00 p.m Tuesday.
