On the field, a Laney College baseball player throws the ball in mid-air. Laney’s baseball team found success on and off the field, as many of its athletes were recognized for their academic success.

Bases covered

Laney athletes score high on the field and in class

In community college sports, it’s not always about the Ws and the Ls.
It’s also about the GPAs.
This year, the Laney College baseball team has seven players who made the All-State Academic Team.
The team recognizes student-athletes who demonstrated academic excellence.
The Eagles have five pitchers named to the All-Academic team, whose GPAs are listed below in parentheses:

Ben Clegg (3.59)
John Punla (3.50)
Rory D’Alleva-Keane (3.55)
Peter Fosbery (3.80)
Christian Marquez (3.52)

Other players honored are:

Ryan Myers (3.74)
Brennan Machine (3.58)

Myers is a first baseman, and Machine is a utility player.
“It’s all about commitment,” head coach Francisco Zapata said. “Work on the field, work in the classroom.”
It’s what we are about here at Laney. These guys put in the work.”

Baseball season ends

The Laney College baseball season ended on the weekend of May 6–7 when visiting Chabot College swept the Eagles 14–2 and 8–1 in the first round of the Northern California Regional.
Laney was the Bay Valley Conference champion, finishing with a 20–4 record and was 26–12 overall.
It was the Eagles first BVC title since 2012 and their first appearance in the Regional since 2013.

Laney Sports Information Director Scott Strain contributed to this story.