Central Valley's Raul Godinez, and Ceres High's Alan Marquez and Jimmy Bates will showcase their talent at the 25th Annual Modesto Sunrise Rotary Baseball Classic this Saturday at John Thurman Field.
“They’re very excited,” Bulldogs head coach John Bussard said. “They’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
Godinez, Marquez and Bates will suit up for the East team, which features players from Central Valley, Ceres High, Central Catholic, Beyer, Enochs, Gregori, Modesto Christian, Hughson and Oakdale.
They’ll play for legendary head coach Mike Glines of Central Catholic.
The West squad will feature players from Patterson, Modesto High, Johansen, Grace Davis, Downey, Turlock, Pitman, Riverbank, Orestimba and Big Valley Christian. Turlock’s Mark de la Motte will manage the team.
“It’s a huge honor,” Marquez said. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity. Last year, I went to watch (2013 Ceres High baseball standouts) Jimbo Pernetti, Brandon Arevalos and Haydon Turpin. I’m going to try to have fun and be competitive at the same time.”
Alan and Jimmy helped guide the Bulldogs to a share of the Western Athletic Conference title this past season. Ceres High and Central Catholic posted identical 11-1 records.
“Everybody fed off each other,” Marquez said.
Marquez had a breakout year during his final season with the Bulldogs.
He was voted Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player.
Alan posted a league-best 5-0 record at pitcher. He ranked second in ERA (1.98) and third in strikeouts (25).
He also led the WAC in batting average (.594), slugging percentage (.750) and on-base percentage (.698).
Marquez collected one triple, three doubles, eight RBIs and 11 runs.
“I had an awesome year,” Alan said. “All my hard work paid off.”
Bates and Godinez both earned first-team, all-conference honors.
Jimmy, a third baseman, batted .378 with two triples, two doubles, 10 RBIs, 13 runs and one stolen base.
Raul, an infielder/pitcher, batted .486 with two doubles, eight RBIs, six runs and three stolen bases.
Godinez compiled a 2-3 record with a 3.82 ERA and league-leading 41 strikeouts on the mound.
Raul propelled the Hawks to a fourth-place finish in the WAC standings (6-6).
“I didn’t know Raul made the all-star team,” Marquez said. “That’s pretty cool. I’ve always been good friends with both of them (Godinez and Bates). Jimmy and I have played baseball together since we were eight or nine. Raul was my teammate with the Blaze during the summer. It’s going to be fun.”
The all-star game will be staged at the home of the Modesto Nuts, the Single-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.
The contest will get underway at 7:05 p.m.
