By Karen Pegueros
One regular summer weekend, filled with loads of baseball, Jake McLean, junior, hit a home run. The baseball prodigy was at a tournament held at UNLV July 23-30 when he was noticed. This past Thursday, the shining star signed to his future college.
“It was a great feeling knowing that a D1 college really wanted me. It really made me feel like all my hard work was paying off,” McLean said. “I think I’ll perform really well and be a big help to the team.”
McLean trains everyday with his own trainer at Cappy’s Cage. He has always loved baseball, and started playing when he was only four years old.
“It’s very satisfying. He’s worked very hard, and I am very happy for him and his family. He’s a very good player,” Coach Santigate said. “He’ll do very well at UNLV. He keeps getting better and better each year. One day possibly he’ll have a chance to be a professional player.”
After the game, McLean received a call from the head coach Stan Stolte. Although UNR, Pepperdine, and Utah Valley also made some offers, the centerfielder chose to stay closer to home.
“They gave me the best offer. Staying in my hometown means I can get a lot of support from my family and friends, and I have a great relationship with the coaches,” McLean said. “I love Vegas, and this is where I feel I should be.”
