Ralph Grajeda returns for his second season with the Vanguard University baseball program after focusing a major amount of time on facility improvements, recruiting, and establishing a new baseball era in his first full year at VUSC. In his debut season as both a collegiate head coach and leader of the Lions, Grajeda guided the Pride to a 19-28 overall record and 13-23 GSAC mark, a five game improvement from the 2008 season. The 2009 Lions produced three NAIA Scholar-Athletes, two players who continued their careers into the professional ranks and one player taken in the MLB Draft.
Having a limited time to recruit before the 2008-09 academic year started, Grajeda brought in 13 recruits, adding talent and depth to the VUSC baseball program. Among those added were outfielder Nick Akins, who was drafted in the 19th round of the 2009 Major League Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Josh Manzano, who hit .379 in conference play, good for sixth in the GSAC.
The Lions also saw several returners blossom under the first year head coach. 2009 senior Derek Craddock, raised his average by over .100, hitting at a .325 clip with 38 hits and 25 RBI. Junior infielder Keegan Freeman upped his 2008 average of .160 to a career-high .321 average with 50 hits, five home runs and 25 RBI. Junior Mike Anderson, who strictly pitched in 2008, hit for a .370 average in 73 at bats with three home runs and 20 RBI. Senior RHP Richard Jessup also performed well on the mound, and was signed by the Amarillo Dillas of the United League.
Overall, the 2009 Lions hit for a .289 average with 49 home runs and 63 stolen bases. The 2009 home run and stolen base totals rank number one in school history since Vanguard changed its name from Southern California College in 2000.
Grajeda brought an extensive baseball background to Vanguard University, as well as a track record of success, strong organization skills and recruiting connections, knowledge of the game, and a wide variety of baseball experience from the high school, junior college, and four-year college levels. Grajeda came to Vanguard from the very successful Riverside Community College baseball program where he was an assistant coach for the past two seasons.
Grajeda began as Assistant Coach and Associate Recruiting Coordinator in his first year at Riverside Community College, and became the Recruiting Coordinator in his second year under Head Coach Dennis Rogers. Also an Adjunct Physical Education Instructor, Grajeda was instrumental in assisting RCC win the California Community State Championship in 2007 and reach the State Championship game in 2008. During his two-year stint at Riverside, Grajeda was also a full-time instructor in Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology at Ramona High School.
Prior to RCC, VU's head coach was the Director of Athletics at JSerra Catholic High School for two years, and was the Head Baseball coach in his final year. Leading his team to a school record 19 wins and 10 losses, and a No. 5 ranking in Division V as a freelance school, Grajeda coached the 2006 Orange County Home Run leader, an OC All-Star, and sent two players into NCAA Division I universities to play baseball.
"We are excited for the 2010 season," Grajeda says with confidence. "I believe we have made significant strides in one year as a program. We are better on the mound and defensively. We are team full of upperclassmen and I believe that this will translate to a more consistent approach day in and day out. If we can diligently prepare daily and focus on the ?now', I believe we will turn some heads in the GSAC."
Grajeda's coaching resume' also includes productive stops at UC Davis, Saddleback Community College (SCC - 2004 State Champions), and two Orange County High Schools. In 2003, Grajeda worked for Head Coach Rex Peters at UC Davis as an assistant coach and recruiter, helping the Aggies win the 2003 Western Regional Championship and place fifth at the NCAA DII National Championships. A student of the game, Grajeda broke into coaching at the high school level in 1996 (Foothill High School, Servite High School). In addition to high school and collegiate experience, Grajeda has also been an associate scout for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers.
As a college catcher, Grajeda played two seasons at Saddleback College following his prep career at Tustin High School. Moving on to California State University San Bernardino, Grajeda helped lead the Coyotes to the 1991 Western Regional Championship and a fourth place finish at the NCAA Division III National Championships. Following a redshirt year, Grajeda transferred to Point Loma Nazarene and competed in the Golden State Athletic Conference. PLNU won the NAIA District Championship and took third place at the 1993 NAIA Baseball World Series.
Grajeda finished his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at CSU San Bernardino and earned his Master of Arts degree in Education at Azusa Pacific University with an emphasis in Physical Education. Grajeda completed his education by attaining his Single Subject Teaching Credential from National University in 2004. He attended Champions of Character training in the summer of 2008 and will become a Certified Champions of Character Instructor. Contact Coach Grajeda at his e-mail address ralph.grajeda@vanguard.edu or by phone at (714)556-3610, extension 2330.
