“This is a great day for Darius, the Vines family, and CSUB Baseball,” he said Jeremy Beard, Bakersfield’s Head Coach. “Just a few years ago, Darius was forced to pick himself up from a difficult stage in his student-athlete career. He was able to use our program as a great steppingstone to propel him to this day. It was an unlikely story at the time and he’s made the most of his opportunities.”
A native of Oxnard, Calif., Vines spent his first two collegiate seasons at Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz. The right-handed pitcher then transferred to CSUB ahead of the 2019 season where he enjoyed a standout year, gaining considerable attention from MLB scouts. His 98 strikeouts that year still stand as third-most in a single season in the Bakersfield history books.
Following the 2019 season, Vines became the highest `Runner MLB Draft pick in program history when he was selected in the seventh round by the Braves. Vines has been extremely productive in the minor league ranks He worked his way to becoming an important enough prospect for the Braves to keep around at the tail end of the 2022 season.
With the announcement of Vines’ contract selection, there have now been three `Runners in program history to earn spots on an MLB team roster. Vines joins two other former CSUB pitchers, Austin Davis (Philadelphia Phillies) and Mickey Jannis (Balitmore Orioles), with the distinction.
The Bakersfield baseball team is enjoying a fantastic Fall Ball season in which the `Runners recently bested the USC Trojans in a game at Hardt Field. Fans should stay on the lookout for the release of the 2023 CSUB Baseball schedule in the near future while Season Ticket deposits can be made today by visiting GoRunners.com/Tickets or by calling 661-654-BLUE.