Reporter
When you hear the sound of the ball flying off the bat, you probably wouldn’t think that it was coming from one of the smallest guys on the team. Sophomore second baseman David Metzgar has been judged in his life over and over again for his size.
“Growing up I was always the smallest guy,” Metzgar said. “I would go to baseball camps and the coaches would always overlook me.”
In reality, Metzgar stands five feet seven inches tall. If you look up Metzgar’s height on gorunners.com you find that he is listed as five feet eight inches tall. Metzgar said he listed himself that height to make himself sound taller.
First-year assistant coach Bob Macaluso says Metzgar’s work ethic is off the charts.
“His make up,” Macaluso said, “That’s another reason he’s such a great player.”
Sophomore utility player Max Carter says Metzgar’s hard work has translated on the field.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I know,” Carter said. “His work ethic is by far the best out there.”
Macaluso says it’s Metzgar’s hitting that makes him such a special player.
“He’s got really good hand-eye coordination,” Macaluso said. “Overall he’s just a good hitter, he’s got bat speed that gives him the speed to hit. “He’s our best player.”
Macaluso compares Metzgar to Dustin Pedroia, the second baseman for the Boston Red Sox, because they’re both around the same size, they’re both second basemen, and they’re both very good hitters.
Metzgar says Pedroia is his favorite player because he’s a grinder.
As a person Macaluso thinks Metzgar is a great kid.
“He’s an outstanding person,” Macaluso said. “He doesn’t party.”
CSUB Baseball Coach Bill Kernen saw Metzgar’s talent and potential. Metzgar says the reason he is having a blast playing with this group of players is because like him they’re the players that were passed over by other schools, and they are proving people wrong now.
“I’m just having a blast playing with these guys because we’re all overlooked,” Metzgar said. “They’re the players no one wanted.”
Metzgar grew up with a very supportive and sports-loving family, in Lancaster, Calif. Metzgar started playing baseball when he was four years old. His father threw him out there. Metzgar’s sister played softball and was coached by their mother.
“We were always in sports,” Metzgar said.
Last year, Metzgar led the team in batting average, (.312), as a freshman. He has picked off where he left off from last year and has made some clutch hits to help his team win, like his game-winning single to beat Cal Poly, 5-4 on April 28.
As of May 11, Metzgar was batting .348, with 33 runs batted in, 1 home run, 70 hits and had played in all 50 games.
“He’s come up big so many times for us,” Carter said.
Metzgar credits hard work with his success from last year and this year.
“Day in and day out, just trying to help my team out,” Metzgar said. “I just continue to work. Just taking advantage of the free time I have, not taking breaks.” Carter said Metzgar is an even better person than he is player.
“He’s a really good teammate,” Carter said. “He’s one of the nicest guys on and off the field. It’s fun having him on the team. I love David. He’s one of my best friends. I look forward to seeing what happens in his baseball career.”
