When J.J. Altobelli committed to Oregon out of sunny Newport Beach, Calif. the baseball program was in its first season after being reinstated as a major division 1 program. Five years later, Altobelli left Eugene establishing not only himself but the program as a household name.

Altobelli leaves Eugene with a wealth of experience as an all Pac-12 player and Brooks Wallace Award Shortstop of the year finalist. Altobelli also guided Oregon to hosting two regional tournaments in the past five years and a national seed in last years tournament.

Altobelli was drafted in the 18th round of this past draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and hopes to defy the odds by making it to the big leagues. While only 11 percent of players drafted between the 11th and 20th rounds makes the major leagues, if there’s a player to do it it’s Altobelli.

Alexandria King has the story.