SAFE AT HOME - Enterprise-Record

COLLEGE BASEBALL

SAFE AT HOME

Eastern Athletic League MVP Jaden Neugebauer signs with Chico State

Former Chico High baseball player Jaden Neugebauer, front and center, sits in front of his former teammates and head coach, Brian Thomas, at Neugebauer’s signing ceremony with Chico State on Monday at Chico High in Chico. JUSTIN COUCHOT — ENTERPRISE-RECORD

Former Chico High baseball player Jaden Neugebauer, center, sits alongside his parents, girlfriend and brothers at a signing ceremony on Monday at Chico High in Chico. JUSTIN COUCHOT — ENTERPRISE-RECORD

Chico High’s Jaden Neugebauer hits a ball to center field in the first inning of the first game of the Panthers’ doubleheader against Enterprise on March 25 in Chico. BEN MOTA — ALL AXIS SPORTS, FILE

Image

By Justin Couchot

jcouchot@chicoer.com

CHICO >> One month ago Chico High’s Jaden Neugebauer was announced as the Eastern Athletic League’s Most Valuable player. Three weeks ago, he was named All-Section MVP.

On Monday, Neugebauer announced his plans remain in Chico post-graduation, signing his letter of intent continue his academic and baseball career with NCAA Division II Chico State.

“Just knowing the competitive level that I want to play at, junior college not taking away at all, but just being at the Division II level is another level and I can’t wait to play at that level,” said Neugebauer, who had been weighing junior college offers before the Wildcats put an offer on the table. “I think I’m ready and I hope I can prove to that level … Hopefully I can take my skills and my talents and help the team in whatever way that is, and figure out my role with the team. The next level is going to be a lot harder so I’m going to have to be ready for that. I’m pretty competitive so I’m going to take in all that and try and do my best and prove to the coaches that I can do it.”

Neugebauer, who played several different positions for the Panthers throughout his four-year varsity career, said the Wildcats are recruiting him in a utility role on defense, but will begin at shortstop.

“I talked to the coach and shortstop and third base is where they want to try me first,” Neugebauer said. “Obviously the outfield is always something I can do and I told them that, so he said if he ever needed me in centerfield or something like that he knows he can throw me out there. He was pretty confident in telling me that I could play all over in the field, but he said first you’re going to start at shortstop because that’s where he’s watched me. He told me we’ll move on from there to see where I improve the most.”

Finding a spot on defense shouldn’t be a problem if Neugebauer puts up numbers at the plate like he did with the Panthers. He hit .300 or higher in each of his four seasons (.438 both his freshman and senior seasons). As a senior season he had 31 runs batted in, 38 runs scored, 11 doubles, three triples and one home run. He stole seven bases (after stealing 22 his junior season, 15 his sophomore season and 12 as a freshman).

Neugebauer also discussed the decision to play baseball instead of football, where he also excelled in three seasons on the varsity team as a Panther.

He said the love on the diamond began at an early age growing up in Orland Little League before coming to Chico and playing for the Chico Aces and later on the Lohse Baseball Academy. He thanked all his coaches along the journey, including his two high school coaches — Brian Thomas and Fred Ludwig.

Neugebauer grew up watching Chico Heat games at Nettleton Stadium, his future home, and talked about his excitement for the atmosphere of playing under the lights across Warner Street from where he played his high school games at Skip McDonald Field.

Thomas, who spent 14 seasons as an assistant at Butte College before coming to Chico High and also pitched for the Wildcats in the early 2000s, called Neugebauer’s signing special on a lot of levels.

“It’s my first signing that I’ve been a part of since I’ve been at the program, so I’ll never forget that aspect,” Thomas said. “Even more so, he’s going to my alma mater. I played under Coach (Dave Taylor), I have so many great memories of those two years that I would never trade for anything. What’s really cool is he’s going to share some of those same stories and experiences. (Taylor) is so great. My relationship with him has grown since I’ve played, he’s somebody I stay in touch with, and you got to be good enough to play there.

“If they’re ready, which Jaden is, and (Taylor) sees that, then absolutely let’s do that and make the right decision. If a guy needs a couple years, then Butte is at the forefront to get guys developed and move forward.”

When asked about what makes Neugebauer ready for the next level, Thomas talked about how Neugebauer never was uncomfortable in the batter’s box even as arms got stronger.

“You look at Division II and a school that’s traditionally always in the hunt, that’s going to be tough to break in terms of the starting lineup. You look at the tools and they match,” Thomas said.

Thomas added that Neugebauer has gap-to-gap power, which he said will continue to develop more, plus excellent speed out of the left side of the batter’s box.

“You start putting those factors on the table and he’s a guy that’s ready,” Thomas said. “It’s one thing to put it on paper, and it’s another thing when you’re between the lines. I truly feel that he’s ready, Coach (Taylor) feels that he’s ready, and now it’s a question of is he going to go out there and perform.”

In addition to Neugebauer’s work in the field, running the bases and at the plate, he also contributed on the mound for the Panthers. He pitched in 11 games his senior season and had a 6-0 record, with a 2.70 earned run average and 58 strikeouts in 44 innings. Thomas sees the potential for Neugebauer to potentially receive time helping out the Wildcats on the mound as well.

“I know at that level the arms are really dialed in and good, but he’s someone that could develop even more on the mound and be a guy on that side of the ball as well,” Thomas said. “Hopefully he has the opportunity to pitch at that level as well.”