CUMMINS ON BALESTRERI: "He is in a fight with Clint Cleland to be our starting shortstop. He can play several infield positions and he handles the bat pretty well. He'll probably hit either second or ninth because he is can find creative ways to get on base. He has a good arm and is a solid defensive player for us."
AS A JUNIOR IN 2000: finished fifth in the WCC in assisted putouts with 155...committed just four fielding errors in the final 19 games of the season...registered a career-high three RBI against New Mexico State...recorded two RBI against San Francisco, CS-Northridge and Loyola Marymount...recorded home runs against Northridge and Stanford...recorded solid 3-for-5 outing against Oregon State with a stolen base...went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI against LMU.
AT THE COLLEGE OF SAN MATEO: Starting shortstop as a freshman and a sophomore...hit .363 with 18 stolen bases in 1998 and .320 with three homers and 31 steals over two seasons...two-time All-League performer.
HIGH SCHOLL INFORMATION: Prepped at Serra High School in Burlingame, Calif....played shortstop and second base for head coach Pete Jensen...led the Padres to four consecutive West Catholic Athletic League championships.
PERSONAL DATA: Born August 31, 1979 in Redwood City, Calif...parents are Robert and Diana Balestreri...lists "Field of Dreams" as his favorite movie...fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
Balestreri Career Statistics
YearG-GSAvg.ABRH2B3BHRRBIBBSOSB-A200049-44.2431522237502221424-4Total49-44.2431522237502221424-4
