There’s so much to like about Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, Calif.) senior outfielder Mitch Haniger it’s hard to know where to begin.
* There’s his power.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hand slugger is tied for fourth in California with 12 home runs to go along with 49 runs, 24 RBI, 10 doubles and two triples. He’s hitting .377.
“I guess that’s my biggest strength as a hitter,” he said.
Haniger is tied for fourth in California with 12 home runs.
Photo by Chris Talley
* His genes.
Haniger’s brother is Georgia Tech senior Jason Haniger (6-3, 220), considered one of college baseball’s top catchers. The 19th-round pick of the Pirates in last year’s amateur draft has been the biggest influence on Mitch’s prep career.
“He has helped me with my approach and is always great to talk to about hitting,” Mitch said. ”He’s obviously someone who really understands the game.”
* His toughness and athleticism.
He set a league record for receptions (42 in league, 75 overall for 789 yards and five touchdowns) in one of the top football and baseball leagues in California, if not the nation, the West Catholic Athletic League.
* His confidence, especially in teammates. Before the season began he predicted the Monarchs would win the Central Coast Section championship.
“As long as we keep improving and stay on top of our game I think we should win the Section,” he said. “We have a great pitching staff this year and our offense can hit and play small ball.”
All of the above has led Haniger to look like a prophet.
The Monarchs (24-11) play WCAL-rival Serra-San Mateo (29-6), for the CCS title Saturday at 7 p.m. at San Jose Municipal Stadium.
A victory would help erase a 1-0 loss to another WCAL squad Valley Christian (San Jose) in last year’s finals. Mitty defeated yet another WCAL member St. Francis 14-7 in a semifinal contest on Wednesday.
Haniger is always hustling somewhere.
Photo by Chris Talley
Haniger lists seven teammates who can play at the next level: first baseman/pitcher Alex Balog, shortstop James Roberts, utility man Scott Masik, infielder Scott Fleury, first baseman/pitcher Brett Fuller, pitcher Tyler Davis and catcher Colton Goularte.
Haniger, a third-year starter, will play next season at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He is ranked the 73rd best senior in the country by MaxPreps Baseball Editor Kevin Askeland.
Last summer in played in some of the top all-star games and showcases in the country. Those he played at and his impressions include:
The North South All-Star Game: “It was very memorable because we played at Santa Clara University’s field and met other players from other teams.”
Area Code Games: “It was great to play against all the nation’s top prospects and challenge yourself against the best high school players (in the country).”
USA Baseball/MLB Tournament of Stars in North Carolina: “This was one of the best baseball experiences of my career and it was great to live with a host family.”
Of all the pitchers he faced, the one he remembers most was Norco (Calif.) senior Matt Hobgood, the nation's No. 6 recruit.
Haniger said the key to his own success has been working out regularly at the gym, taking extra swings and eating right.
As far as advice: “Keep working at accomplishing your goals and just never give up,” he said. “If you can’t be first, trying your best to be second.”
He always wants to be the best when major league scouts are around. Haniger said he doesn’t really get nervous.
“I play better when I know someone is watching,” he said. “I feel I have to prove to them that I am a great player. I enjoy the pressure.”
Haniger, who has stolen seven bases, was a record-setting receiver on the football team.
Photo by Chris Talley
E-mail Mitch Stephens at mstephens@maxpreps.com.
