Former Liberty baseball player thrives at Bishop Gorman

By Jared Harmon

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008 | 3:03 p.m.

Bishop Gorman senior baseball player RJ Santigate can take comfort that his future is secure after signing with Long Beach State on Nov. 12.

The former Liberty shortstop transferred to Bishop Gorman after his freshman year and was converted to a third baseman. Last year he batted .286 with 20 runs and nine RBIs in 31 games as Gorman won its third consecutive state championship.

"Long Beach showed the most interest in me, and my dad always told me to go where they want you the most," Santigate said. "They're a great team and they've had a lot of success with the players who have come out of the left side of their infield."

The 6-foot-3, 195 pound Santigate hopes his future coaches can teach him the same things they passed on to former Long Beach players like Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies and this year's American League Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Gorman coach Chris Sheff said Santigate should be a good fit for Long Beach State and has all the tools to become a standout.

"RJ has a bright future and should really progress at the next level," Sheff said. "He's got a big frame and he's still growing and learning. He runs the bases well, he's strong defensively and with his frame and swing, he should develop some real power."

Santigate said his path to Division-I baseball began with his move to Gorman. He said his time with the Gaels has helped him develop physically, but the biggest change has been his mental approach.

"It's hard to say where I'd be if I never came to Gorman, but it definitely didn't hurt," Santigate said. "It was tough to leave my friends behind, but just being on this team brings a lot of attention from scouts. I feel like I've become a stronger person mentally, too. I got the field time I needed, but I also matured here."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].