Consistent is the word describes UCSD baseball player Jeff Riddle best.
The sophomore out of Burlingame High School in Northern California has played baseball for over 12 years and has always been an asset to his squad, no matter what role he assumes.
“”Jeff has always been willing to play any position, as long as he gets a bat in his hand,”” brother and teammate Garret Riddle said. “”He is probably the only guy on the team with a catcher’s, outfielder’s, infielder’s and first baseman’s glove in his bag.””
No matter what position he plays, Riddle can always hit. In 92 at-bats this year, he is batting .380; of his 35 hits, he has seven doubles, a triple and three home runs.
“”Jeff has added the big left-handed bat that we needed in the middle of our lineup,”” said Triton first baseman Chad Addison. “”He hits the ball well to all fields and takes advantage of our left-handed hitting-friendly ballpark.””
Teammate Matt Smith agreed.
“”Jeff has had a huge impact in our offensive production,”” Smith said. “”He has been extremely consistent and has been driving in runs when we need them most. He hits the ball hard every time … That sets a tone for everyone in the lineup.””
Batting fourth in the lineup, Riddle does exactly what his position dictates: He cleans up. This year he has scored 13 runs and leads the team with 20 RBIs. He doesn’t intend to stop there.
“”Jeff carries a presence up to the plate that lets everyone know he will get the job done — he has that necessary arrogance that rubs off on everyone else.”” Addison said. “”Despite the fact that Jeff mostly DHs, his presence is felt in our lineup as our most dangerous hitter to opposing pitchers.””
Triton head coach Dan O’Brien concurs and recognizes Riddle’s strength and ability as an all-around player.
“”Like many of the guys on our team, Jeff is a hard worker, but what separates him from the rest is his mentality toward the game,”” O’Brien said. “”Jeff believes that he is better than any pitcher that he faces and doesn’t believe that anyone can get him out. His confidence when he approaches the plate is what singles him out as an outstanding hitter.””
Riddle’s performance on the field exemplifies the sort of player that every team desires.
“”Jeff extends a sort of quiet leadership,”” O’Brien said. “”He leads the team by example because he plays the game the way it is supposed to be played.””
Though his main role is designated hitter, Riddle also plays catcher and when he does, he performs at the top of his game.
“”The catcher is the general on the field and he has to be a leader. He controls the tempo of the game and has control over virtually every pitch,”” Smith said. “”Jeff — when he does get a chance to catch — definitely takes charge and establishes a sense of control on the game. He is one of the most focused players that I have ever played with.””
Smith also commented on Riddle’s attitude and humor outisde of the game.
“”Jeff is kind of the silent guy in the back with a big-ass smile plastered on his face. We call Jeff the ‘golden boy’ because there is nothing that he could do wrong,”” Smith said. “”All around, Jeff is a great guy, a good friend and awesome teammate.””
Garret Riddle has a unique view of his brother.
“”My brother has this amazing ability to eat more food than a small country, which is a whole other thing in itself,”” he said.
Riddle gives O’Brien optimism about the rest of the season.
“”The entire team is swinging the bat well, and with … Jeff’s consistent hitting, we will be successful for the rest of the season as long as we execute correctly,”” O’Brien said. “”Our solid defense behind our pitching staff pushes over toward our offense, and that contributes to our strength as a team.””.
