Former Rogers State Baseball All-American Chris Miguel was named to the Heartland Conference 20th Anniversary Baseball Team, announced the league office on Tuesday.
“It’s truly been an honor to have been part of the Rogers State Baseball program and to be named to the Heartland Conference 20th Anniversary Baseball Team,” said Miguel. “It’s been an overwhelming experience to have been named to this team and I’m blessed to represent RSU. I’m thankful for the support of my coaches, teammates, athletic training staff, and athletic department for making all of this possible.”
The 20th Anniversary Heartland Conference Baseball Team includes 19 players and is part of the Heartland’s 20th Anniversary celebration.
“I’m so happy for Chris, his family, and the entire RSU Hillcat family for receiving this well-deserved recognition,” said Head Coach Chris Klimas. “Chris was an outstanding player and an even better person, and I’m just so thankful to see him enshrined as one of the best to have ever played in the Heartland Conference.”
Miguel was the first RSU baseball player to earn First Team All-America honors for the Hillcats in the baseball program’s history.
“Chris was a huge part of a great recruiting and leadership class that came to us on the heels of a 19-win season in 2015. Chris and that entire class took it as a personal challenge to put RSU Baseball on the map at the NCAA level, and I’ll always be thankful for what they did to help restore this proud program.”
During his senior season in 2017, Miguel was named the Heartland Conference Player of the Year before being named All-American. Starting 49 games, Miguel hit .400 with 72 hits, nine home runs and 51 RBIs.
In his two years at Rogers State, Miguel hit .350 with 121 careers hits, 18 home runs and 91 RBIs. He also had 51 career walks and 17 stolen bases.
“Coach Klimas instilled school/community pride within all of us as a team since we stepped foot on campus, and we took that out on to the field with us every game,” said Miguel. “I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great program and competitive conference. Thank you RSU Hillcat family and the NCAA for everything that you’ve done for me and continue to do for athletes after me. You’ve all made my college baseball career a memorable one.”
Following his time at Rogers State, Miguel has remained in the game, serving as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco, California.
