The need to go from extreme perseverance to extreme performance describes the career trajectory of Alberto Rios at Stanford University so far. Earlier this season in Rios, a level of work that was considered highly improbable was rewarded with the extraordinary honor of the Pac-12 Player of the Year award.
On Tuesday morning, the conference announced its 2023 winners, with Rios, a young left fielder who went 0-for-7 combined in his first two seasons, the most deserving recipient of the personal best honor.
“It’s been an amazing trip, to say the least,” Rios said in a Monday morning telephone interview. “I’m kind of on cloud nine.”
Heading into this week’s Pac-12 tournament in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rios leads the conference in batting average (.400, 3rd), on-base percentage (.504, 3rd), and slugging percentage (.742, 3rd). Ranked in the top 3. 2nd) and RBI (63, 2nd). The number of home runs is 16, which is 5th place.
Stanford head coach David Esker said Rios was “the glue of our team.” He’s the glue guy who became Player of the Year. That’s kind of amazing. ”
Stanford ranks fourth in the nation with a 37-14 record, is the regular-season Pac-12 winner, and is seeking its third consecutive College World Series appearance. Cardinal’s success directly translated into a lack of opportunities for Rios.
“For the past two years, we’ve had two World Series teams,” Esquel said. “Sometimes when you play with that type of talent on a program you have to wait your turn and he did it. rice field.”
One of those examples is Rios’ roommate and best friend, first baseman Carter Graham. As a freshman in 2021, Graham went 1-for-11. 331 with 22 homers and 79 RBIs in his second season.
“Last year I didn’t have a chance[to play]for Rios, but I felt like everything I did was helping him,” said Graham, who is batting .323 with 14 HRs and 62 RBIs this season. said. .
Rios said: “I saw what[Graham]did last year… and I thought, ‘If he can do it, I can do it too.'”
Rios spent the past two years skeptical about whether he would have a chance at Stanford, and the idea of entering a transfer portal crossed his mind, but that doubt and the idea of a transfer didn’t last long.
WHO: Cal (24-26 before Tuesday’s game) vs. Stanford (37-14)
what: 1st round
when: Wednesday 7pm
where: Scottsdale, Arizona.
tv set: Pac-12 network
Season series: 4-1, Stanford. The Bears won 8-4 in a non-conference game at the Sunken Diamond on February 21. The Cardinals then swept the Pac-12 Series three games at Evans Diamond in early April, before going 6-5 in a non-conference game at Sunken Diamond on April 25. .
“Being around this group of players and the culture that we have, we weren’t going to give it up for the world, whether we played or not,” Rios said. “I thought if I had the chance to wear a Stanford on my chest, it would be one of my dreams come true.”
Graham helped Rios stay on the bench and maintain a positive outlook.
Rios “didn’t have to yell at him that often,” Graham said, but “I certainly spoke to him a few times and made sure he was as much a part (of the team) as we were. “There were times when I needed to be understood,” he said. Everyone was. ”
“Just having[Graham]by my side and having that friendship was so special and strong that I will never forget it,” Rios said.
Right-handed hitter Rios came to Stanford as a shortstop from St. John Bosco Bellflower College (Los Angeles County). He was converted to catcher and has been left fielder since the beginning of the season.
“If you can play both difficult positions, you can track baseball,” Rios said of his move to the outfield. “There were some tweaks, but nothing really big,” Rios said of his incredible at-bat performance this season.
On March 5, in the Cardinal’s 24-9 victory over California State University Bakersfield, Rios had a very productive afternoon, hitting 5-for-7, hitting two homers and hitting a school-record 11 RBIs. . If Rios hadn’t cemented his starter role by March 5, it was concrete after that date.
“You have to perform and be consistent,” Esquel said. You can get through tough times, but we are with you. ”
Remaining in Rios was of great benefit to Esquel and the Cardinals. Rios will go on a 15-game hitting streak in Wednesday night’s opening match of the Pac-12 tournament at Stanford against Cal. His 15-game hitting streak includes 4-for-5, 2 homers, and 5 RBIs in an 8-6 win at Arizona State on May 5, as well as 5-for-6, 3 homers, and 9 RBIs. was recorded. RBI in the afternoon in a 21-20 loss against Arizona on May 14th.
That number would be amazing to any hitter, especially one who went two college seasons without hitting a single shot. Rios reflected on how dramatically his own career had changed.
“I think it’s just a flurry of surprises and just gratitude,” Rios said. “There are a lot of emotions that go with it, but one of the biggest things I do is be grateful for the moment, to be grateful for the opportunities that I have.”
Please contact Steve Kroner: skroner@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @SteveKronerSF
