Etiwanda baseball standout Matt Bardowell just wrapped up his freshman season but he already knows where he wants to play in college – USC. He made a verbal commitment to that school today.
He says is twas his dream school all along so he didn’t need to wait to see what other offers night roll in.
“One of the first games, maybe the first game my dad ever took me to was USC,” he said. “I have loved the school all along. It also really seemed like the perfect fit so when I got the offer I wanted to jump on it.”
Bardwell was a versatile player for the CIF Division 2 champion Eagles, pitching and playing first base. He said USC will take him as a two-way player although he likes to pitch because he can be “in control of the game.”
Bardowell started this season as a freshman, hitting .381 with 20 RBI, 21 runs scored, five doubles, two triples and four home runs. On the mound he went 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA in six appearances.
Bardowell has been to the school on an “unofficial” visit and also made trips to San Jose State, San Diego, San Diego State, Arizona State and Arizona,
He plans to pursue dental school ,which also factored into his decision.
“They have a very good dental school so that was important to me too. Not just baseball,” he said, “It was a good fit all the way around.”
