WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — River City High School pitcher Freddy Rodriguez throws a mean fastball and has put up some eye-popping numbers this season. But his most impressive numbers might not be on the mound but in his GPA instead.
Rodriguez has thrown fastballs clocked at 93 mph, and with his 6'3" stature, he imposes fear in any opposing batters.
"My goal by the end of the season was to break the records at River City and lead us to the playoffs," Rodriguez said.
It's safe to say he accomplished those goals. Rodriguez established a new single-season strikeout record, in addition to becoming the school's all-time leader in career strikeouts. He also pitched a no-hitter and a perfect game this season.
Rodriguez also took the Raiders to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, not including the year impacted by COVID-19.
His success on the field is only surpassed by his success in the classroom.
"My G.P.A. right now is a 4.0," Rodriguez said. "I keep myself out of the in-crowd and focus on my goals. I don't party or do any of that stuff."
His head coach, Robert Martinez, sings his praises.
"He has everything. He has the size, he has the athletic ability, (and) he has the mindset to do it," Martinez said. "He's a very hard worker on the field and off the field. He's a great example to the other players. He comes out here and he gets the job done."
Rodriguez had multiple Division 1 programs bidding for his talents. In the end, he decided on Cal Poly.
"As soon as I stepped on the campus after visiting other places, I knew my decision right away," he said.
Rodriguez plans to major in kinesiology at Cal Poly.
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