At the bottom of the eighth, senior Nick Cook stepped up to the plate. The score was tied, 1-1. Cook saw the pitch, and swung away. The ball flew over the outfield wall for a home run. Cook and the Titans celebrated their walk-off win against La Costa Canyon on April 23.
Cook has been playing baseball for 13 years and hit nine home runs, the seventh-most in the state. Cook had a batting average of .297, on base percentage of .458, a team-high 31 RBI’s, and an astounding .659 slugging average.
Cook’s growth as a player has really impressed his coaching staff.
“He has gotten a lot bigger and stronger, impressing college coaches. His knowledge of the game has improved significantly. He is our team leader. He has become a man among boys,” coach Robert Parry said.
With his incredible season, Cook has garnered some serious attention from some notable college baseball programs, including Baylor, Fresno State, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Irvine. He recently committed to Long Beach State to play Division 1 baseball.
“I chose Long Beach because they gave me the best opportunity to continue my baseball career, with a strong reputation of putting guys in the pros,” Cook said.
Cook plans on majoring in business and finance with a minor in real estate at Long Beach. One of his goals is to play baseball professionally.
Junior Ryan Kroepel is a longtime teammate and friend of Cook’s. They have been playing baseball together ever since little league.
“Nick has been a great leader this year and always finds a way to pick us up when we are down,” Kroepel said.