By Christian Ulrich, May 10, 2022
CPP pitcher Will Rudy tossed eight shutout innings and allowed only two hits against Stanislaus State on April 14, earning him his third CCAA Pitcher of the Week award for the week of April 11-April 17 and a 9-0 victory for the Broncos.
Rudy continued his dominance with his fifth win in a row against Cal State San Marcos on April 22. Rudy recorded five strikeouts while only giving up one run in six innings. The Broncos would go on to win with a final score of 9-2.
Rudy’s journey as a baseball player began at two years old as he was growing up in Irvine, California. He asserted that sports had a big impact early on in his childhood. Rudy and his father watched just about every sport together; his life revolved around sports then and does to this day.
Rudy, a kinesiology major, emphasized his dream of playing professionally one day. Should things change, Rudy has aspirations to become a physical therapist.
Having played for many years, Rudy explained he learns from the guidance passed on to him by all of his coaches and that it all continues to be vital to his success.
“Each and every coach in my life has played a part in developing myself, and I can’t thank them enough,” said Rudy. “They taught me what it is to have a competitive spirit. They have helped me so much. They do a great job here at CPP, and I enjoy being around them every day.”
Rudy reflected on how things have come together for him this year and as the season progresses.
“This season, the thing that has clicked for me is gaining confidence and just trusting in my ability on the mound,” said Rudy. “This confidence has taken my talents to a whole new level and given me a different perspective on the game.”
Rudy also credits his coaching staff for guiding him in the right direction and for helping him adapt in high pressure situations. Jenzen Torres, pitching coach for the men’s baseball team, works with Rudy every day and spoke on Rudy’s improvement this year’s season.
“When he was up in Sonoma this year, that was as dominant of an outing as I have been a part of,” said Torres. “Tim Holdgrafer threw a no-hitter for us back in 2019. To me, Rudy has had a few outings this season that have been more dominant than that.”
That night against Sonoma State, Rudy threw a one-hit complete game shutout.
Rudy described himself as more of a quiet person, yet his actions on and off the field speak louder than words.
“He is as good as a teammate as you can have; he gets along with everyone,” said Torres.
“I notice that the guys respect him for how he goes about his business; he is such an easygoing kid. For me as a coach, to see him grow with confidence as a player is cool to see.”
Torres added that Rudy has mastered his routine, Rudy’s preparation in-between starts has remained consistent since the beginning of the season.
“I don’t really like to get in the zone,” said Rudy. “I’m more of a relaxed guy in general, and I treat every game the same. I just want to go out and compete and being as relaxed as possible calms me down when I’m up there on the mound during my start.”
Torres added that Rudy’s ability to be ultra-focused has set him apart from others. Before every game, Torres meets with head coach Randy Betten to discuss how his starter threw in the bullpen. Torres remembers telling Betten a few times this year after watching Rudy throw, “It’s going to be a long night for the other team.”
Featured graphic by Carlos Leano