USF Baseball Announces the Signing of Ten Recruits During the Early Signing Period

Dec. 4, 2003

Baseball Signs a "Winning" Class

University of San Francisco head baseball coach Nino Giarratano has announced the signing of one the school's deepest and most talented recruiting classes in recent years to begin the early signing period.

The fifth-year head coach inked 10 players to National Letters of Intent to play for the Dons. Giarratano commented that this class is full of "Baseball Players...young men that help Division-1 programs win conference championships."

"I truly believe this is a class of winners, of players and people that will succeed in college baseball. We've done what we try to do every year. We feel that USF has found the best possible people to help us continue to build this program. USF is a program on the rise. This class will be heard from on the Hilltop."

Giarratano received National Letters of intent from across the nation, up and down the west coast. Infielders Justin Motte (Johnson City, TN), Joey Railey (Pitsburg, CA), Mitchell Bialosky (RHP, Yorba Linda, CA), Pete Gundolff (El Dorado Hills, CA), Eric Walterhouse (Oakland, CA) become USF Dons. In the outfield USF adds Luke Sommer, a two-way player (LHP/OF) from Camby, Oregon. On the mound, the Dons welcome four pure pitchers: Brian Mitchell (Lancaster, College of the Canyons, CA), Jeff Gordon (Santa Clara, CA), Garrett Ozar (Oak Park, CA), Nick Delyon (Rocklin, CA).

Meet the Newest Dons:

Mitchell Bialosky (1B, 3B, RHP) Villa Park High School (Yorba Linda, CA)

Bialosky is a 6'4 215-pound powerful right handed-hitter who has emerged as one of the top hitters in Southern California. Over the past 3 months Bialosky has added nearly 25 pounds of muscle. His weight and his stock continue rising. In early November he was chosen to compete for the 2004 Orange County All-Star team as part of the Baseball Resource "So. Cal Cup." Last season he led Villa Park with a .410 batting average during league play and was voted first team All-Century League.

Once on the Hilltop Bialosky will definitely see time on the mound. Over the past few months the hard-throwing right-hander has proven to be a strong pitching prospect, with a fastball that sits at 90 MPH. In 57 innings of work over the past summer, Bialosky allowed 0 earned runs.

Coach Giarratano on Bialosky: " Mitchell will have an immediate impact on the middle of our line-up next year."

Nick Delyon (LHP) Rocklin High School (Rocklin, CA)

Delyon could turn out to be the surprise of this year's recruiting class. Two years ago Delyon was one of the best sophomores in Northern California, leading Rocklin High's pitching staff. Last year, slowed by arm troubles, the savvy left-hander pitched sparingly for Coach Murray. After time off Delyon has grown into an imposing figure on the mound.

This season, Delyon looks poised to improve on his season of two years ago. The 6'3 205-pound lefty has a knee-buckling curve ball and a fastball that he throws to both sides of the plate. Delyon should make a strong impact on the Hilltop next year. His left arm and competitive approach promise to baffle WCC hitters for years to come. He also joins a team that loses two senior left-handed pitchers.

Coach Giarratano on Delyon: " Nick is a great addition to the pitching staff. He will be one of the state's top left-handed pitchers at the peak of his health. When it's all said and done, Nick is going to surprise a lot of people."

Jeff Gordon (RHP) Wilcox High School (Santa Clara, CA)

Gordon is a local product from Santa Clara who combines a power approach on the mound with a great slider. The right-hander burst upon the prep scene last year, being named Pitcher of the Year for Coach David Currie at Wilcox High School. Gordon threw 69 innings, struck out 85, and posted a miniscule 1.02 ERA. Hitters batted a measly .166 off the hard-thrower. His season helped lead Wilcox to a runner-up finish in the CCS and a 29-8 overall record. During the playoffs, Gordon went 2-0 with a 0.61 ERA.

Individually, Gordon earned First Team All-League honors and was selected to play in the Junior State All-Star Showcase. Gordon also performed with the bat, leading his team in hitting with a .379 batting average and 30 RBI's.

Gordon looks to follow in the footsteps of another talented USF Don and South Bay Native, senior right-hander Kevin Rose.

Giarratano on Gordon: " Jeff has great pitchability with command of two quality pitches. He is a competitor and will contribute immediately."

Pete Gundolff (IF) Sierra College (El Dorado Hills, CA)

Gundolff is a versatile and talented left-handed hitter who will arrive at USF next fall after transfering from Sierra College in Rocklin, CA. While at Oak Ridge High School in 2003 Gundolff finished a fine prep career. As a junior his smooth swing netted .401 2 HR's. Slowed by a sore back his senior year, Gundolff still managed to hit .350 with 3 HR's.

More impressive than his high school numbers were Gundolff's recent stats against some of Northern California's best competition. Playing for the Folsom Flames this past summer, Gundolff batted .515, belted 9 HR's homeruns and drove in 33 runs. His strong summer performance earned Gundolff a spot in the Sacramento Summer Classic, a showcase for the area's best performers.

Gundolff is rare combination of versatility, speed and power. He can play up to 7 positions on the field, including catcher, shortstop and centerfield. He has the ability to hit right and left-handed pitching with power. His tenacity at the plate makes him a logical lead-off hitter but his pop leans most coaches to the middle of the order. This summer Gundolff led the Folsom Flames in the Father's Day Classic with two colossal shots to right field.

Giarratano on Gundolff: " We feel Peter Gundolff is one of the most competitive players we have ever signed at the University of San Francisco."

Brian Mitchell (RHP) College of the Canyons (Lancaster, CA)

Mitchell possesses the attributes of top pitchers at every level of baseball. At 6'4" 200 pounds, the deceptive right-hander brings many of the same physical and intangible qualities of former Don and current San Francisco Giant Jesse Foppert. Known for an impressive work ethic, Mitchell has added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame in the last 4 months.

On the mound Mitchell continues to improve at each level. As a senior at Lancaster High School, Mitchell put together an impressive 7-1 season with 57 strike outs and only 15 walks. In addition, his 5 complete games helped him earn 1st Team All-League Honors.

Two years removed from high school, Mitchell continues to blossom and put up numbers to reflect his development. This summer the Southern Californian Native spent the 2 months pitching for the Decatur Blues in the Central Illinois Collegiate League. The league, which is made up of players from across the country, became a proving ground for Mitchell. He posted a 2-1 record in 30 innings. More impressive, Mitchell struck out 27, while walking 9 and held opposing hitters to a .216 batting average.

This year Mitchell will bolster the pitching staff at College of the Canyons for head coach Chris Cota. Mitchell joins the Dons next fall with expectations of filling the void left by senior right-handers Kevin Rose and Greg Schwenn.

Coach Giarratano on Mitchell: " Brian Mitchell has a very high ceiling in our program. He will add great depth and versatility to our staff."

Justin Motte (SS) Science Hill High School (Johnson City, TN)

Justin Motte will make the trip to USF next fall from Johnson City, TN. The left-handed hitting short stop possesses the athleticism to compete next year for the spot that will be vacated by current Dons shortstop and senior Armand Gaerlan. Motte's 6'2" frame and smooth swing remind fans on the Hilltop of former Don and current Texas Ranger Dave Meliah. At shortstop the rangy Motte has smooth hands and a quick, clean arm.

Motte comes from a baseball family. The youngest of three boys, both of Justin's older brothers have pro experience. Motte will look to follow in the family tradition after helping USF on and off the field.

Giarratano on Motte: "Justin will make an immediate impact at shortstop and as a quality left-handed hitter. We look for Justin to be ready as a freshman."

Garrett Ozar (RHP) Oak Park High School (Oak Park, CA)

Garrett Ozar joins the Dons as one of most successful pitchers in Southern California. He brings with him 25 wins the past three years on the varsity level. A starter since his freshman year, the Oak Park High School right-hander continues to improve. As a Freshman Ozar went 6-1 and earned All Tri-Valley Honorable Mention. During his Sophomore year, he went 12-3 with 90 strikeouts. Last season Ozar became an All-Ventura County Team Selection.

Ozar's intangibles are more impressive than his numbers. The savvy right-hander boasts an understanding of how to set up hitters and has the confidence and ability to throw any pitch in any count. Ozar has worked with his father on changing speeds and creating a consistent and deceptive delivery. His work ethic, training routine, and knowledge of pitching make Ozar a candidate to log significant innings next season.

Giarratano on Ozar: "Garrett has command of four pitches. He will be a force in the WCC."

Joey Railey (IF) Deer Valley High School (Pittsubrg, CA)

Railey is a local product from Pittsburg, CA who joins the Dons after another successful year at Deer Valley High School. The Wolverines finished last season with a Central Coast Championship, due in large part to the play of Railey. The 5'9 185 wrestler and former football player hit above .420 for the second straight year. He added 4 home runs and became a steady short stop for Dennis Luquet's club. Railey's versatility and athleticism allow him to play 2B, 3B, SS and any position in the outfield.

Last summer Railey was selected to play in the North/South High School All-Star game, a collection of the best prep players in California. After finishing the American Legion season, Railey also played in the Legion All-Star Classic, despite competing throughout the summer with a broken finger. Railey's toughness has the USF Coaching staff excited about the future.

Giarratano on Railey: " Joey Railey brings an understanding of winning and competitiveness to our program. He is a great addition to help make this a top 25 recruiting class."

Luke Sommer (OF/LHP) Canby High School (Canby, OR)

Luke Sommer joins the Dons from Canby, Oregon. A strong two-way player, Sommer will impact the program as a left-handed pitcher and hitter. Sommer is as versatile as any of this year's signees, on and off the field. He is a 4-year varsity letterman, two-time All-League Selection in soccer and student body President at Canby High. Sommer is also an academic 4-year letterman.

On the diamond Sommer earned a place in the Northwest Championships as sophomore and junior. Last summer Luke played for the Seattle Mariners Area Code Team in Long Beach, California.

In the past year Sommer has blossomed as a baseball player. At 6'2, Sommer is beginning to find power in his stroke. During the spring of his senior year the lefty batted .383 with a double and a homerun. By the end of the summer he hit .421 with 14 doubles and 7 homeruns. On the mound, Sommer went a combined 10-4 in the spring and summer. More impressive was his control. He walked 1.8 hitters per nine innings while striking out 8.2.

Giarratano on Sommer: " Luke Sommer will be a great two way player for us in the West Coast Conference. Luke is very capable of making an impact with his arm and his bat."

Eric Walterhouse (IF/C/RHP) Bishop O'Dowd High School (Oakland, CA)

Walterhouse joins the Dons with the credentials, the potential and the reputation for being a team player. The right-handed hitter entered the line-up at Bishop O'dowd in Oakland as a freshman and has been terrorizing Northern California pitching ever since. Walterhouse has batted over .400 the past two years as a versatile position player for Coach Kaufman's club. Last season was his best in every offensive category, hitting .426 with 7 homeruns and 31 RBI's. To go along with his strong offensive numbers, Walterhouse has the ability to play multiple positions. He earned All-League Honors as an outfielder as a junior, but can also play the infield, as well as play behind the plate. Walterhouse can also more than hold his own on the mound. Although he did not pitch last season, the right-hander went 7-2 with 1.92 ERA as a sophomore.

Walterhouse comes from a baseball family. His father played at professionally after finishing at the University of Michigan. Starting next season, the University of San Francisco will look to young Eric to provide pop in the middle of the order. With the departure of senior Bay Area Natives Joe Jacobitz (San Francisco) and Armand Gaerlan (Hayward), the Dons will look to Oakland for offensive punch.

Coach Giarratano on Walterhouse: "Eric will be a quality Division-I hitter upon his arrival to the Hilltop. He comes from a great tradition."