After the baseball season, four Delta baseball players are transferring to 4-year programs to try and to continue their baseball careers.
Third-baseman Mateo Garcia is transferring to Santa Clara University, first-baseman Grant MacArthur is transferring to the University of Connecticut, right-handed pitcher Erick Diez is transferring to Long Beach State, and right-handed pitcher Luke Giotta is transferring to Cal Berkeley.
Garcia was a great hitter in 2022 having a batting average of .343 and leading the conference in triples with 4, MacArthur was more of a power hitter in 2022 batting .357 with 13 home runs, Diez is a 6-foot pitcher whose fastball ranges from 90-94 miles per hour (MPH), his slider runs at 80 MPH with exceptional movement, and his changeup is 86 MPH, Giotta is 6 foot 3 inches tall, his fastball is 90-92 MPH, his changeup is also 86 MPH, and he has a unique pitch a knuckleball which runs at 81 MPH with good movement.
MacArthur enjoyed playing at Delta.
“I have loved my time at Delta. Coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because I have met great people and friends. I have grown up on the West Coast and lived here my whole life and I’m excited for change for the East Coast.”
MacArthur is excited about competitive baseball, “Obviously the weather will be one of my biggest changes, and adapting to the cold might be difficult but it’s something I’m looking forward to and the baseball will be some of the most competitive I have ever played.”
Diez feels Delta was a great step in his baseball career.
“The coaches, players, and just everything about the program has been great. They have definitely prepared me to play at the next level. Our lifting and conditioning program has gotten me stronger.”
Diez feels coaches helped him with pitching, “Delta has helped me by fixing my mechanics as a pitcher and I’m very excited to return to Long Beach.”
Giotta also praises Delta’s Baseball program.
“Delta College has been amazing. I’m a transfer student and have absolutely loved my time here. Delta is a great JUCO, (junior college) it builds strong individuals with grit and passion for their sport and schoolwork.”
Giotta respects students who go to Junior College, “JUCO isn’t easy, it’s a grind anyone will tell you but it makes your next school a walk in the park because athletes are catered to and it teaches you how to take care of yourself and be a better man.”
Garcia couldn’t be reached for comment.
The transfers praise Coach Reed Peters and his approach to the game as a former professional player himself.
“I have played for a lot of coaches but Coach Peters has been one of the most influential coaches I have ever had and he loves the game,” said MacArthur. “He’s consistently out at the field trying to get every one of us better.”
Diez agreed.
“Coach Peters is a great coach. He’s helped me with my mental game and how to overcome things when I’m up pitching and his mental game class has taught me to be mentally stronger. He keeps us in check and pushes us to our goals whether that’s moving onto the next level or going to a state championship”.
Giotta adds: “Coach Peters is special, no one can replicate the dynamic he has on the baseball field. He has the respect from everyone and doesn’t need to yell for people to listen.
His ability to be friendly and stern is something you won’t find anywhere else. Coach Peter’s experience with pro ball is what gives him the knowledge to lead teams to state.”
The 2023-2024 baseball season started on Jan. 26 and will continue through the spring.
