Vanguard University

The athlete:  Derek joins the VU Lions from Tesoro High School in Las Flores, California…2005 graduate who played for Coach Rick Brail at THS…was a three-time All-Sea View League selection…second-team All-CIF choice…had a 21-game hitting streak in high school…bats left…throws left…has played baseball since he was four years old…good size…strong athlete…has command as a pitcher…smooth stroke at the plate…keeps things simple…brings first base skills and talent to develop for the future…will compete to make an impact as a freshman.

The person:  Derek was born on June 1, 1987 in Mission Viejo, California to his parents Michael and Teresa Craddock…has one older brother…will major in Pastoral Leadership Studies at Vanguard…likes to eat ribs…sports hero is Roy Hobbs…likes to watch “Everybody Loves Raymond” on television…loves the color blue and the number 8…enjoys reading the Bible…roots for the Kansas City Royals…likes spending time at Lake Tahoe…hobbies include snowboarding and running…believes that sin is the biggest problem in the world…loves that his VU team gets along so well…has learned that life is hard…competing in athletics has taught him how to get through life and to have fun…wants to become a Missionary.

His thoughts:  I wanted to play baseball at a Christian school.  I love how people openly talk about God on campus.

Coach Mallernee’s comments:  Derek is going to give us depth as a pitcher and hitter this year.  He has a great upside at both positions.