June 15, 2010
TEMPE, Ariz. -
2010 College World Series Media Guide 
| CWS Central
Leading Off:
Pac-10 Champion Arizona State will make its 22nd all-time appearance in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. This is the second consecutive trip to the CWS for Arizona State, the first back-to-back berths since 1993 and 1994. It is the fourth trip to Omaha since 2005.
National Seed:
Arizona State was named the #1 Overall Seed in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. The Sun Devils earned a national Top Eight seed for the fourth straight season and sixth time since the NCAA began using the format in 1999. This is the first time Arizona State will be the #1 national seed. They have twice been #5 (2007, 2009), #7 (2000, 2004) and #3 once (2008).
Arizona State and the College World Series:
The Sun Devils will appear in their 22nd College World Series, third most in college baseball history. The Devils are 61-36 all-time in Omaha with five national titles, five second place finishes and six third place finishes.
Back Home In Omaha:
ASU Head Coach Tim Esmay is very familiar with Rosenblatt Stadium, making six prior appearances as both a player and coach. Esmay was a member of the 1987 Arizona State squad that played in the College World Series, teaming with current assistant coach Mike Benjamin to form the ASU middle infield (Esmay at 2nd and Benjamin at short). Esmay was also an assistant coach on five different teams that advanced to the CWS (1988, 1994, 2005, 2007 and 2009).
Maggi-Cal Super Regional:
The Sun Devils and Arkansas Razorbacks played a Super Regional for the ages, as both games went 12 innings to decide the winner. Arizona State used a Deven Marrero walk-off single in the bottom of the 12th to win Game One 7-6. Game Two looked all but over in the bottom of the ninth, as the designated home team Arkansas was down to its final strike, trailing 5-4 in the ninth. But a homer by Brett Eibner tied it, setting up Drew Maggi to add his name to Sun Devil baseball lore. With two gone and a man on in the top of the 12th, Maggi, who was 0-5 on the night entering the at bat, blasted a rocket off the scoreboard in left center for a two-run homer and a 7-5 ASU lead. Jordan Swagerty, who gave up the homer in the ninth, then put away the Razorbacks in the bottom of the 12th to get the win and send the Sun Devils to Omaha.
Back To The `Blatt:
15 members of the 2010 Sun Devils will be returning to the College World Series, led by Raoul Torrez, who will be making his third appearance in Omaha. The senior co-captain saw action in two games in 2007 and three last year. Jake Borup and Brandon Magee made the trip last year but did not appear in a game.
First Timers:
11 members of the active roster will be making their first trip to the College World Series. Also making their first trips to Omaha are assistant coaches Travis Jewett and Ken Knutson. Jewett is in his ninth year as an assistant coach, first at ASU. He previously coached at Washington State and Gonzaga. Knutson is in his first season at Arizona State after spending the past 17 years as Head Coach at Washington. During his tenure with the Huskies, Knutson went to the NCAA Tournament six times, twice falling one win shy of a CWS berth. All told, Knutson has been involved in college baseball for over 30 years as both a player and coach, and finally has a trip to Omaha and the College World Series.
Walk It Out:
Senior Kole Calhoun walked into the ASU record books in Game One of the Tempe Super Regional against Arkansas. Calhoun walked five times in that game, tying the single game school record. Alvin Davis (1982) and Fred Nelson (1967) also walked five times in a game.
Home Cooking:
Arizona State has been a dominant team at home over the past several seasons. In the last two seasons alone, ASU is 72-7 at home, including a 36-3 mark in 2010. Kole Calhoun especially loved hitting at Packard, as he homered in seven straight home games, a streak that ended in Game Two of the Super Regional. Calhoun hit 13 of his 17 home runs at home. The Sun Devils averaged 3,507
2010 vs. 2009:
Consider this: Arizona State's top pitcher from the 2009 team that finished #3 in the country is currently in the starting rotation for the Cincinnati Reds (Mike Leake). The #2 starter and Omaha star (Josh Spence) missed the entire 2010 season with an injury. ASU's top two hitters in 2009 (Jason Kipnis and Carlos Ramirez) are both playing minor league baseball and the Sun Devils entered 2010 with a brand new coaching staff. The result? A 52-8 record, the #1 National Seed and a 22nd trip to the College World Series.
Zack Mac-Three:
Zack MacPhee's triple on May 23rd against Oregon State gave him 14 on the season, passing Alan Bannister for the Arizona State single season record. Bannister, a 2010 College Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee, set the previous record of 13 in 1971, when college baseball still used wood bats.
Save Me!:
With his two saves at Stanford, Jordan Swagerty has taken over the top spot in the Arizona State record books for the most saves in a single season. The previous record was 12, held by Doug Nurnberg (1965) and Kevin Dukes (1981).
Mitch Lambson, My College Roommate:
Sophomore lefty bullpen ace Mitchell Lambson has been outstanding once again for the Sun Devils. Lambson has made a Pac-10 high 37 appearances this year, compiling an 8-2 record with three saves. Even more impressive, Lambson has totaled 13 holds (entering with lead of four runs or less) and overall has pitched 19 times where he has entered the game with a lead and kept it, but did not receive a win or a save. Lambson threw the final five innings of Game One against Arkansas, earning the win in the 7-6 victory in 12 innings. It was his longest relief outing of the season.
Historical Start To A Season:
The 24 straight wins to open the 2010 campaign is the best start in school history. The previous record was set by the 1961 team, who began the year 21-0. The 24-game winning streak also set the mark for the second longest winning streak in school history. The school record for longest winning streak is 32, set in 1972.
Historical Start To A Coaching Career:
With Arizona State's 24-game winning streak to start the 2010 season, Head Coach Tim Esmay set a new standard for wins to start a career as Arizona State's head baseball coach. Jim Brock held the previous record for best start by a first year coach, going 12-0 to begin his ASU coaching career in 1972. Pat Murphy won the first five games of his first season in 1995. Bobby Winkles began his career 0-1-1 in 1959, the first year of varsity baseball at Arizona State. Esmay also became the first coach in the modern era of Pac-10 play to win a conference title in his first season as head coach.
All-Americans:
Four Sun Devils were named Louisville Slugger All-Americans by Collegiate Baseball, led by First Teamer Zack MacPhee. Seth Blair earned Second Team honors, while Jordan Swagerty and Riccio Torrez were named to the Third Team. Both Brady Rodgers and Deven Marrero were named Freshman All-Americans by Collegiate Baseball and the NCBWA. Rodgers earned First Team honors from the NCBWA, while Marrero was named to the Second Team.
Pac-10 Awards Show:
For a record-setting fourth consecutive season, the Pac-10 Player of the Year has come from Arizona State. Sophomore second baseman Zack MacPhee was named the 2010 Pac-10 Player of the Year, following the following Brett Wallace (2007 and 2008) and Jason Kipnis (2009). Junior pitcher Seth Blair was named the 2010 Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, becoming the third straight Sun Devil to win, also a Pac-10 record. Head Coach Tim Esmay was named the 2010 Pac-10 Coach of the Year, the fourth straight season the winner has come from ASU. Seven Sun Devils were named First Team All-Pac-10: MacPhee, Blair, SS/LF Drew Maggi, OF Kole Calhoun, 1B Riccio Torrez, LHP Mitchell Lambson and RHP Jordan Swagerty. It is the second straight season Lambson has earned First Team honors. Blair, Riccio Torrez, Maggi, MacPhee, Calhoun and Swagerty were all honorable mention choices last year. Eight Devils earned Honorable Mention: C Austin Barnes, RHP Jake Borup, RHP Merrill Kelly, SS Deven Marrero, RHP Brady Rodgers, OF Johnny Ruettiger, 3B Raoul Torrez and DH Zach Wilson. This is the third straight season Raoul Torrez has earned honorable mention.
Academic All-Pac-10:
Three Sun Devils earned Academic All-Pac-10 honors, led by sophomore 1B Riccio Torrez, who was named to the First Team. Junior RHP Seth Blair and junior OF Matt Newman were each named to the Second Team. Blair was a First Team choice in 2009, while Newman repeats as a member of the Second Team.
Stopper of the Year Finalist:
Sophomore closer Jordan Swagerty has been named one of five finalists for the 2010 Stopper of the Year Award. Swagerty, the only finalist from the Pac-10, has a school record 14 saves this season, most in the Pac-10 Conference.
Golden Spike Semifinalist:
Sophomore 2B Zack MacPhee was named one of 30 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award. This is the fourth straight season Arizona State has had a semifinalist.
Sun Devil Grads:
Seniors Kole Calhoun, Raoul Torrez and Josh Spence all earned their BIS degrees from Arizona State on Saturday. The three traveled with the team to Tucson on Friday, then drove back to Tempe on Saturday morning to participate in graduation ceremonies. They then drove back to Tucson, making it in time for batting practice. To cap off the day, Calhoun hit his 10th home run of the season during a 12-4 victory.
College World Series Legends:
Four former Sun Devil greats were named to the College World Series Legends Team, named to honor the final year of the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. Eddie Bane, Sal Bando, Bob Horner and Barry Bonds all represent Arizona State on the 28-man team. The four ASU greats ties Texas for most players on the team. Bando (1965) and Horner (1977) both won the Most Outstanding Player award at the College World Series. Bane pitched in the CWS in 1972 and 1973, Bando appeared in 1964 and 1965, Bonds in 1983 and 1984 and Horner went to the College World Series in 1976, 1977 and 1978.
Double Up:
The Sun Devils were in a twin-killing mood in the series finale against Washington, turning five double plays against the Huskies to tie the school record. ASU had turned five double plays four other times (2008, 1999, 1989 and 1985).
50-Win Threshold:
For the 48th straight season and 50th overall, Arizona State baseball has surpassed the 30 win total. For the fourth straight year and 31st time overall, the Sun Devils have topped the 40-win mark. This is the 18th time in school history and the second straight year that ASU has won 50 games.
All-Tempe Regional Team:
Six Sun Devils were named to the All-Tempe Regional Team, led by Most Outstanding Player Kole Calhoun. Calhoun was joined by Zack MacPhee, Deven Marrero, Riccio Torrez, Seth Blair and Merrill Kelly.
92nd Major Leaguer:
On Sunday April 11, former Sun Devil pitcher Mike Leake made his Major League Debut for the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the 92nd Arizona State baseball player to play in the Major Leagues. Leake, who was the 8th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft, became the 21st player since Major League Baseball began the draft in 1965 to make his big league debut without playing in the Minor Leagues. Leake is the first player to accomplish the feat since Xavier Nady in 2000, and the first pitcher since Darren Dreifort in 1994. He also becomes the third Sun Devil to do it, joining Eddie Bane (1973) and Bob Horner (1978).
We (Still) Like Ike:
On Monday April 19, former Sun Devil infielder/pitcher Ike Davis made his Major League Debut for the New York Mets, becoming the 93rd Arizona State baseball player to play in the Major Leagues. Davis, who was the 18th pick in the 2008 MLB Draft, becomes the second Sun Devil to make his Major League debut in 2010, joining Mike Leake. Davis was a three-time All-Pac-10 First Team selection and a Unanimous First Team All-American in 2008. Davis was 2-4 with an RBI in his debut.
Swipe Here:
Sophomore Drew Maggi has been a stolen base machine in 2010, stealing 35 bases. Maggi stole four in the win over Washington State on April 10 to tie the school record for stolen bases in a game. Maggi becomes only the ninth player in school history to steal 20+ bases in back-to-back seasons.
Sun Devils with 20+ Stolen Bases in Consecutive Seasons
John Ruedy- 25 in 1963, 31 in 1964
Gary Atwell- 21 in 1972, 21 in 1973
Ken Landreaux- 24 in 1975, 34 in 1976
Kevin Romine- 27 in 1981, 59 in 1982
Oddibe McDowell- 36 in 1983, 36 in 1984
Mike Kelly- 20 in 1990, 23 in 1991
Willie Bloomquist- 33 in 1998, 32 in 1999
Jason Kipnis- 24 in 2008, 27 in 2009
Drew Maggi- 21 in 2009, 35 in 2010
Criminal Duo:
Sophomores Drew Maggi and Riccio Torrez have each stolen 20+ bases in 2010, becoming the 15th set of teammates in school history to steal 20 or more bags in the same season.
Teammates with 20+ Stolen Bases in Same Season
1964- John Ruedy (31) and Jack Handley (26)
1969- Roger Detter (26), Paul Ray Powell (20) and Lenny Randle (20)
1972- Alan Bannister (28), Bump Wills (26) and Gary Atwell (21)
1973- Gary Atwell (21) and Dennis Kendrick (20)
1975- Ken Landreaux (24) and Bob Pate (20)
1981- Lemmie Miller (34), Ricky Nelson (27), Kevin Romine (27) and Donnie Hill (22)
1982- Kevin Romine (59), Doug Baker (24) and Mike Pagel (20)
1983- Oddibe McDowell (36) and Steve Moses (20)
1984- Oddibe McDowell (36) and Barry Bonds (30)
1987- Mike Benjamin (30) and John Finn (23)
1990- Fernando Vina (20) and Mike Kelly (20)
1998- Willie Bloomquist (33), Mikel Moreno (27) and Andrew Beinbrink (20)
1999- Jay Sitzman (33) and Willie Bloomquist (32)
2009- Jason Kipnis (27) and Drew Maggi (21)
2010- Drew Maggi (35) and Riccio Torrez (20)
Rare Occurrence:
The 1-0 win over Oregon on April 1 was a rare occurrence indeed. The last time the Sun Devils were involved in a 1-0 ballgame was back in 2000, when they beat the Oregon State Beavers 1-0 on April 7.
Team Captains:
The 2010 Sun Devils are led by two team captains in the College World Series. Senior Raoul Torrez is in his second season as a captain after serving with Mike Leake as co-captain last season. Joining Torrez will be senior Kole Calhoun. Torrez is in his fourth year with the program, while Calhoun is in his second.
Turn His Swag On:
On March 21 against Houston, Jordan Swagerty proved his worth to the Sun Devils yet again. The ASU closer had spent the first 8.2 innings behind the plate as the starting catcher, but when the Devils needed the door slammed on the Cougars, Swagerty was ready. He shed his catcher's gear, grabbed his glove and closed the door on the Cougars, picking up his seventh save of the season. It marked the first time since 2006 that an ASU player caught and pitched in the same inning. The last Sun Devil to do it was CJ Retherford, who did it against Prairie View A&M in the 2006 NCAA Tournament in Houston. Just for good measure, Swagerty did it again against USC on April 17, catching the first 8.2 innings before retiring the last batter and earning the save.
Award Semifinalists:
Seth Blair has been named a semifinalist for the Pitcher of the Year Award, while Drew Maggi has been named a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award (outstanding shortstop). Zack MacPhee has been named a semifinalist for the Howser Award.
Man vs. Food Visits Packard:
Hit Travel Channel show Man vs. Food made a stop in Phoenix, and one of the spots they visited was Packard Stadium. Host Adam Richman threw out the first pitch for the Friday night game vs. Houston, then filmed a segment for the show on the field on Saturday. Assistant Coach Ken Knutson made a special guest appearance in the episode, which is scheduled to air sometime in June.
Quality Time With A Hall of Famer:
Several Sun Devils got a thrill in Surprise, as they got a chance to meet Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Ryan, who is President of the Texas Rangers, was signing autographs for fans as the Devils took the field. He was in front of ASU's dugout, and several Sun Devils were able to shake his hand, pose for a photo or get an autograph before going out for pre-game stretching.
Players of the Week:
Sophomore Zack MacPhee was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week, The NCBWA's National Hitter of the Week and a Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball following opening weekend against Northern Illinois. It was the third straight season a Sun Devil has been named the Pac-10 Player of the Week following opening weekend. MacPhee also earned the award following the San Diego and Washington State games. Sophomore Jake Borup was named the Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week and a Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball following the Cal series. It was the first weekly honor of Borup's career. Drew Maggi was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week following the Oregon series, the first conference honor of his career. Riccio Torrez was the Pac-10 Player of the Week after the USF/UCLA week. Brady Rodgers was the Pac-10 Pitcher of the Week after the Arizona game. Kole Calhoun was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week and a Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week following the Oregon State series.
Another ASU Hall of Famer:
Alan Bannister will become the sixth Sun Devil in the College Baseball Hall of Fame during Fourth of July weekend in Lubbock, Texas. Bannister was a member of the 8-man 2010 Hall of Fame class that was announced by the College Baseball Foundation. Bannister played three seasons at ASU from 1970 to 1972, earning First Team All-American honors in 1971 and 1972. The shortstop was a career .355 hitter and was the #1 pick in the 1973 January MLB Draft. He played 12 seasons in the Majors.
Triple The Fun:
On March 9, 1963, the Sun Devils hit six triples in a 12-0 win over Utah State, setting a school record. That record stood for 47 years, until ASU tied it on February 20 during the second game of the doubleheader with Northern Illinois. In ASU's 26-1 win in seven innings, the Devils collected six three-baggers, tying the school record. The NCAA record is seven, set in 1976 and tied in 1992. ASU had not had more than four triples in a game since 1975. The six triples also tied the Pac-10 record, set in 1945. So far in 2010, ASU has tripled 36 times. The school record is 58, set in 1970.
Family Ties:
Arizona State baseball has become a true family affair in recent years. Junior OF Matt Newman has Maroon and Gold in his blood, as his father, Randy, was a pitcher for the Sun Devils in 1981 and 1982, winning 15 career games and the 1981 National Championship. Last season, Matt and Randy joined a select list as a father-son combo who both played in the College World Series...Sophomore OF Johnny Ruettiger is the nephew of Rudy Ruettiger, the former Notre Dame football player who had a movie about his life made...Senior Danny Duffy is the brother of former Sun Devil and Major Leaguer Chris Duffy, who played for ASU in 2001...Freshman catcher Kyle Arnsberg is the son of former Major Leaguer and current Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg...Freshman shortstop Deven Marrero is the cousin of Chris Marrero, a rising star in the Washington Nationals' system.
Brotherly Love:
Last season, the Sun Devils boasted a set of brothers who started next to each other in the infield, marking the first time in school history that brothers started next to each other on the diamond. In Omaha, when Raoul Torrez manned the hot corner for the Devils and his brother Riccio handled first base, they became the first brother duo since 2004 to start a game in the College World Series. The Torrez brothers are the fifth set of brothers to suit up for the same Sun Devil team. They are joined this season by Drew and Beau Maggi, who become the sixth brother tandem to play for ASU. Drew enters his sophomore season, while his brother Beau begins his freshman year. The other Sun Devil brothers to play on the same teams are Kevin and Pat Dukes (1980-81), Dale and Larry Eiler (1976-78), John and Tom Sain (1973) and Brett and Greg Bordes (2005-06).
The Mayor of Omaha:
Kole Calhoun had a memorable trip to Omaha for the 2009 College World Series, earning All-CWS honors thanks to his .563 average over the four games. Calhoun drove in 11 runs, slugged 1.250 and hit three home runs, including a grand slam. He became only the fourth Sun Devil to ever hit a grand slam at the College World Series, joining Sal Bando (1965), Bob Horner (1978) and Michael Collins (1998). Calhoun quickly became a fan favorite at Rosenblatt Stadium, collecting his own cheering section in left field. Calhoun will look for re-election in 2010, this time in right field.
School Ties:
Many players on the ASU roster are quite familiar with one another. The Sun Devils have five student-athletes who all attended Brophy Prep in Phoenix. Raoul and Riccio Torrez, Drew and Beau Maggi and Matt Newman all played on the Brophy baseball team. Josh Spence, Jimmy Patterson and Xorge Carrillo all played for Central Arizona in 2008, while Patterson and Carrillo also played together at McClintock High School in Tempe, along with Daniel Milner. Josh Moody and Zack MacPhee both played at Sandra Day O'Connor in Phoenix.
Double Duty:
Sophomore OF Brandon Magee is no stranger to ASU athletics, playing linebacker for the Sun Devil football team. Magee joins Mike Jones as recent Sun Devils who played both football and baseball. Jones played football from 2005 to 2008, while splitting time with baseball from 2006 to 2008. Magee recorded 34 tackles in 2009, including seven for loss with two QB sacks. He also intercepted a pass while playing in all 12 games. Magee collected his first career hit against UC Riverside in Surprise.
1,000 Times Yes:
With its 8-0 win over Northern Illinois on February 19, Arizona State recorded its 1,000th victory at Packard Stadium. Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark has been the home field of the Sun Devils since 1974, with the exception of the 2002 season when ASU played at Hohokam Park in Mesa during Packard renovations. ASU has compiled a home record of 1,035-272-1 at Packard Stadium.
Pac-10 Picks:
The Sun Devils were picked to win the Pac-10 Championship by the Pac-10 coaches for the second straight year, proving the coaches correct when they captured the 2010 crown. ASU received seven of the nine first place votes. This was the third time in school history Arizona State has been picked to win the conference, joining 2007 and 2009.
Leader of the Pac:
Since the 2000 season, the Arizona State Sun Devils have been the most consistent program in the Pac-10 conference. Since 2000, ASU leads the Pac-10 in wins (485), conference wins (177), NCAA Tournament appearances (11), Top 25 finishes (10), All-Americans (33), draft picks (80) and First Team All-Pac-10 players (54). The Devils have won four Pac-10 titles since 2000, including 2010.
Feeling The Draft:
Ten members of the Sun Devils were drafted during the 2010 MLB Draft, led by junior RHP Seth Blair who was the 46th overall choice by the St. Louis Cardinals in the Compensation A Round of the draft. Entering the 2010 season, 22 members of the Sun Devils had previously been drafted, including three who had been drafted twice before. Arizona State has had 368 players drafted since the draft began in 1965, most in the NCAA. ASU has 15 draft eligible players on its roster, including Andy Workman, who missed the season with an injury, and Danny Duffy, who had to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules.
I Would Walk 500 Miles...:
Arizona State will travel 1,467 miles from Tempe, Arizona to Omaha, Nebraska, the happiest 1,467 miles ever traveled. The weather in Omaha is expected to be in the mid to upper 80's with around 60% humidity and a chance of thunderstorms. In Tempe, temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees.