The athletic department has named baseball’s sophomore standout Zach Edgington the Male Athlete of the Year after fanning 101 batters and leading the Vaqueros in virtually every pitching category.

The six-foot-one left-hander from Belmont, Calif. couldn’t be tamed and amassed a 6-3 record with a 2.93 ERA. He was named Western State Conference co-pitcher of the year after striking out more opponents than any other pitcher in the WSC. Edgington also set a City College record with 21 strikeouts in a single game against Ventura College.

“It is something that will probably never happen to me again and I will remember it forever,” Edgington said. “It was awesome being on the mound at home and being able to perform like that in a big game.”

Edgington almost gave up baseball after high school, but decided to visit City College during spring break of his senior year. After throwing a bullpen session and chatting with head coach Teddy Warrecker, he decided that he would wear Vaquero red for the next two seasons.

“I said at the beginning of the year that Zach was a bona fide ace,” Warrecker said. “He has great work ethic and made great strides this season.”

The Vaqs finished their season 20-16, 10-10 and tied Cuesta for third place in the WSC North. The team came within a curveball of making the postseason.

“It was a long season filled with ups and downs,” Edgington said. “We had the ability to be playing in the playoffs right now, that’s how baseball is.”

During his two seasons Edgington will depart City College with an 11-5 record while striking out 150 batters in 130 innings pitched.

“Zach is like a stealth bomber, he is very quiet but gets the job done,” teammate Zack Chavez said. “He will always battle no matter what the outcome and I couldn’t asked for a better teammate for the last two years.”

The lefty is a San Francisco Giants fan and his favorite pitcher is Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Edgington credits his success to his pitching coach, Justin Aspergen, and his pre-game rituals.

“On game days, I would always eat a Turkey sandwich with Swiss Cheese and a Green Machine Naked Juice from 7-Eleven,” Edgington said. “I had the same routine of stretching and warming up before each of my starts. ”

Edgington has committed to play baseball for UCSB and the future Gaucho won’t have to travel far to pitch at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.

“I feel like I have had a really successful career at City College and my two years here have really been special. I am really thankful for them,” he said. “From the time I got to the park to the time I left, it’s all good memories. I will not ever forget the good times I had with the team.”

But Edgington won’t forget pitching at Pershing Park during the sun-filled afternoons in front of screaming Vaquero fans.

“My favorite place to pitch, without a doubt is Pershing Park,” Edgington said. “There is nothing like pitching at ‘The Persh.’ We have the best mound in the league and I would choose pitching there over any other field.”

This marks the second time in three years that City College Male Athlete of the Year has gone to a Vaquero pitcher. Bryce Uhrig won the award in 2008.

“I am just glad I could go out and help our team win some games this year,” Edgington said. “I love playing baseball and this award is a huge deal for me.”