Former Freshman All-American embraces new role

By Lisell Waterman/Staff Writer

 

Javier Valdes is relishing his new role on the baseball team, making the transition from infielder to catcher and enjoying the involvement his new position brings.

“I’m excited. I feel like there’s a lot of high expectations,” said Valdes.

Valdes will share the catcher position alongside freshman Jose Garcia.

“We both have worked extremely hard this fall,” said the sophomore catcher. “We’re ready for this.”

During Valdes’ first year as a Panther he was awarded Freshman All-American by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. The sophomore recorded a batting average of .286 in 53 games, a slugging percentage of .427 with 192 at bats, 11 doubles and a triple his freshman season.

“I didn’t think I was going to get it honestly,” said the catcher. “Hard-work really paid off.”

The catcher had a .378 OBP (on-base percentage) last season, with a .945 FLD (fielding percentage). Valdes’ plan for this season is to hit a higher average and play defensively better.

“My strongest feature is my hitting,” said Valdes. “I bring my energy and constructive criticism to the team.”

Valdes graduated from Gulliver Preparatory High School in Miami, Fl. His senior year he hit .410 with seven home runs and 60 RBIs, which earned him team MVP. He led the Raiders to district and regional championship games.

“I came to FIU because I wanted to be close to my family,” the catcher stated. “I wanted them to be able to watch me play.”

The catcher has been playing baseball since he was four years old. His father was an independent baseball player, inspiring Valdes to carry it on.

The catcher believes the atmosphere and speed of the game are the biggest differences between high school and college ball.

Head coach Mervyl Melendez believes that Valdes will excel under his new position because of the many qualities the sophomore possesses.

“We feel really good about Javier catching, what he brings to the table is what you want from a catcher. His passion and his energy, he loves playing the game,” said the second-year head coach.

Melendez elaborated on how Valdes is ready to accept his new role

“He wants to be involved. He’s not shying away from being the guy, and because of this we feel great about him catching,” said Melendez. “He’s very smart even though he’s young, one of those guys when in the groove, he’s hard to pitch to. He understands hitting. That’s what you want.”

The FIU baseball team will be back in action at 7 p.m., at the FIU Baseball Stadium, on Friday, Feb. 23, against Grambling State University.