OJC’s Aaron Sandoval Signs with Division I College
Otero Junior College sophomore Aaron Sandoval has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next year at Lipscomb University, a NCAA Division I college located in Nashville, Tenn.
Sandoval, from Albuquerque, N.M. is the OJC Rattlers’ shortstop. He received All Region athletic honors in 2010 and was named the Defensive Player of the Conference in 2010. During the 2010 season, Sandoval was a 320 hitter, had a 289 defense with only 13 errors.
According to Chris Carrillo, head coach of the Rattlers, Sandoval is the first OJC player to his knowledge that has ever signed on the early signing date for a Division I school.
“Aaron has been a role model on our team these past two seasons,” said Carrillo. “He is an excellent student, team captain and definitely a team leader. He’s been extremely easy to coach and we’re going to have a hard time replacing him after this season is over.”
Sandoval was contacted by the coaching staff at Lipscomb University after attending the Sophomore Showcase in Peoria, Ariz. in October of this year.
“I think the coaching staff at Lipscomb saw right away what a great defensive player Aaron is,” said Carrillo. “Their initial indication is that they are looking for him to be a starter for them and to become an important asset to their team.”
Sandoval grew up in Albuquerque, N.M. and attended Sandia High School.
“I’ve always loved baseball,” said Sandoval. “From the time I was very young my dad worked with me and then in high school, my coach Al Foster helped me to develop some good foundational skills. I choose to come to OJC because of the coaching staff. They have taught me a lot and helped me to grow as a player and as a person. I’ve also really enjoyed the academics at OJC and feel very well prepared to move on, both to play baseball and to finish my bachelor’s degree,” said Sandoval.
While Sandoval is looking forward to putting on a uniform for the Lipscomb Bisons, he said he is also excited about the upcoming season for the OJC Rattlers.
“I really like to hit as well as play shortstop, so I’m hoping to have a 400-500 season at bat and take the error stat down to about two for the season,” said Sandoval.
“He’s going to get lots of chances,” said Coach Chris Carrillo, “and I know that if anyone can attain those stats, Aaron can.”
Aaron Sandoval, center, signs a letter of intent to play shortstop for Lipscomb University, a Division I school located in Nashville, Tenn. Looking on is Chris Carrillo, on left, head coach of the OJC Baseball team and Travis Richter, assistant coach.
The OJC Rattlers will begin their 2011 season on January 29, 2011 on the road against NM Military Institute in Roswell, N.M. The team’s first home game will be on February 12 against Luna Community College. The OJC Rattlers play all their home games at the 22nd Street Baseball Field in La Junta.
Meet the 2011 Rattler's Baseball Team
2011 Rattlers Baseball Team
Front: l-r
Zack Mang, Las Alamos, NM; Michael Rosario, Miami, FL; Greg Mendoza, Miami, FL; Mike Paolucci, La Junta; Tino Martinelli, Arvada; Jeremy Trujillo, Pueblo; Jake Gonzalez, Arvada; Jarren Donato, Westminster; Trevor Juth, Longmont; Brad Zemmer, Fowler; Chris Shine, Arvada; Aaron Sandoval, Albuquerque, NM.
Middle Row: l-r
Dillon Hancock, San Diego, CA; Leandro Perez Nunez, Dominican Republic; Angel Sanchez, Hobbs, NM; Gregory Fierro, Lamar; Tim Hill, San Diego, CA; Kyle Clemens, Colorado Springs; Kaden Koch, Westminster; Christian Lujan, Denver; Dylan James, Las Cruces, NM; Matthew Lopez, Arvada; Jordan Carlini, Raton, NM.
Back Row: l-r
Aaron Sandoval, Las Cruces, NM; Kellen Quintana, Bernalillo, NM; Evan Medina, Denver; Moses Molina, Spring, TX; Chris Lee, Las Cruces, NM; Zach Villani, Longmont; Kenan Gooden, Eads; Michael Molina, Spring, TX; Drew Wold, Aurora; Chris Ramsey, Westminster; Michael Webber, Katy, TX; Justin Murray, Farmington, NM.
