Former Bulldog To Compete as Outfielder for Pacifics

, the Pacfics invited San Rafael High graduate and baseball coach Steve Detwiler to spring training to compete for a starting outfield position.

The 24-year-old Forest Knolls resident, who grew up playing Little League baseball in West Marin and San Rafael, rose to notoriety for his heroics in the 2008 College World Series. There he helped the Fresno State University baseball team capture a National Championship.

The right fielder started in 71 games for the Bulldogs that season, hitting .269 with 12 home runs and 12 doubles.

In the College World Series title game against the University of Georgia, Detwiler went 4 for 4 with two home runs a double and all six RBIs. He also made the game-winning catch on the last out of the game, clinching Fresno State's 6-1 victory.

Detwiler was named to the CWS All-Tournament team, despite playing with a torn ligament in his left thumb since April of that year.

The next season, Detwiler played in 53 games, starting 43 as right fielder or designated hitter. He batted .222 with five home runs and 25 RBIs.

He was named a 2009 Preseason All-Western Athletic Conference outfielder. As a senior, he hit .235 with five homer and 25 RBIs while playing in 48 games (30 starts). As a freshman in '07, he hit .318 in 32 contests.

Detwiler was a three-sport standout at , playing basketball, football and baseball. He was the team captain and MVP for the Bulldogs baseball team in 2005 and '06.

In 2004 and '05, he was named to the All-Marin County Athletic League First-Team as a shortstop. Showing his versatility, Detwiler moved to the outfield in 2006 and was again named All-MCAL first-team. In 2005 Detwiler was a second-team All-MCAL selection at wide receiver for San Rafael's football team.

In 2006, Detwiler was selected by the Houston Astros in the 40th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Detwiler has played professionally in the CanAm League and the Pecos League. He currently is the assistant baseball coach for the San Rafael High varsity baseball team.

A press conference is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday at Detwiler’s Alma mater, San Rafael High.