Freshman third baseman makes season debut

Brett Shweky // Staff Writer

Freshman Javier Valdes made his first career debut on Friday, February 17, as the FIU Panthers took on the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

In his first career start, Valdes contributed in a multitude of ways for the Panthers. The third baseman saw three at bats, getting an RBI with one and scoring a run with another.

Valdes said that the game was just an ordinary day, as the Panthers defeated the Gamecocks 5-0 on Friday.

“The game was just another day,” said the third baseman. “I went out there, got my work done and did whatever it meant to get the win tonight.”

Before attending FIU, Valdes was a star for the Gulliver Prep High School Raiders. During his duration, he was able to help lead the Raiders to a district and regional championship. Valdes was also named team MVP during his senior season.

During his recruitment, Valdes was being highly sought after by the cross-town rival Miami Hurricanes. Valdes said FIU was a better fit for him and feels the team has a chance to transcend and become an elite baseball program.

“Staying close to home was definitely one of the biggest contributing factors for me attending FIU,” said Valdes. “I feel that this program has a chance to rise in the upcoming years, and there is no reason why this team cannot become a top divisional program.”  

The third baseman had his best game of the series, Sunday, Feb. 19, as he contributed four hits out of five at bats with an RBI in the loss against the Gamecocks.

Head Coach Mervyl Melendez said the first series was a good start for the freshman third baseman.

“Javi did a good job at being himself and letting the game come to him,” said Coach Melendez. “In the other games, I felt he was trying to hook the ball too much. This time around he was more patient at the plate, and swung at better pitches today.”

The team will be back in action Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m to take on the University of Miami Hurricanes at FIU Baseball Stadium.