News Summary

Two talented high school juniors, Luke Shoemaker and Cole McGillicuddy, have made significant commitments to NCAA Division I baseball programs. Luke, a promising left-handed pitcher from Soquel, is headed to UCSB, while Aptos pitcher Cole has committed to UC Berkeley. Both athletes are demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication as they prepare for their collegiate baseball careers, with dreams of playing professionally in the future.

Exciting Commitments from Local Young Baseball Stars

In the heart of California, two high school juniors are making waves in the baseball world with their recent commitments to NCAA Division I programs. Luke Shoemaker and Cole McGillicuddy are ready to take their talents to the next level, showing promise and dedication that signals a bright future for both young athletes.

Luke Shoemaker: A Rising Star on the Mound

Standing tall at 6-foot-3, left-handed pitcher Luke Shoemaker from Soquel has officially committed to the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). With aspirations set for the 2027-28 season, Luke has made it clear that UCSB is the perfect fit for him. He’s been professionally guided by former MLB player and World Series champion, Mark Eichhorn, and is currently playing travel baseball with NorCal U.

Having showcased his talent at various baseball camps, including ones at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UCSB, and Stanford, it was a UCSB camp in mid-August that led to a life-changing scholarship offer. Luke has been quite impressed by UCSB’s reputation, especially in terms of player development under Coach Andrew Checketts.

Training hard at Paradigm Sport in Santa Cruz, he benefits from the tutelage of former minor league players, including Kevin Eichhorn. His pitching skills are undeniably impressive, featuring a fastball hover in the 87-88 mph range, a curveball generating a whopping 3,200 RPM, and an evolving change-up. Recently, he’s been experimenting with a new technique known as the kick change, showcasing his willingness to innovate.

Luke’s determination is evident in his training routine. With a goal to gain weight and increase strength, he has upped his caloric intake and hit the gym four days a week, adding an impressive 30 pounds to his frame since last season (he now weighs 175 pounds). During his sophomore season, his stats were equally impressive, boasting a 6-0 record, a 1.44 ERA over 34 innings, and striking out 39 batters.

Cole McGillicuddy: Balancing Family Tradition and Athletic Drive

On the other side of the diamond, we have Cole McGillicuddy, a 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher from Aptos who has committed to the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) for the same season. Growing up in a family with deep roots in Cal – with alumni spanning generations including his great grandfather, great uncle, grandmother, and aunt – Cole feels a strong connection to his new team. The proximity of his family who live in Oakland adds even more excitement to his commitment.

Similar to Luke, Cole also attended a Cal baseball camp, where he impressed the coaching staff enough to secure his place in the program. He trains at Rossy’s Training in Scotts Valley and can throw a fastball that clocks in at an athletic 88 mph. His pitching repertoire includes a curveball at 3,150 RPM and an 82 mph change-up. Continuous improvement is his game plan, as he focuses on gaining weight and refining his pitching mechanics.

As for his academic interests, Cole is still mulling over his major, leaning towards either math or health science. Last season, he shined on the field, finishing with a 3.33 ERA over 33 2/3 innings while striking out an impressive 42 batters.

Dreams of Professional Baseball

Both Shoemaker and McGillicuddy share an infectious passion for baseball and an eye on the future – specifically, dreams of playing professionally. Luke has ambitions to pitch in college for three years before entering the MLB draft. The local baseball community is buzzing with pride, especially with the recent trend of SCCAL champion Knights producing multiple Division I commitments, including prominent names like Jake Escalante and Hudson Summerrill.

Cole’s high school coach has already dubbed him a player ready for the next level, praising his dedication, talent, and strong attitude towards the game. As both athletes prepare for this thrilling transition to collegiate baseball, their futures are looking brighter than ever, both on and off the mound!

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