Arizona Baseball: 3B Nick Quintana is a preseason All-American
Still weeks until the official start of the 2019 Arizona Baseball season, and third baseman Nick Quintana was named a preseason all-American.
It’s almost baseball time again! Action will soon return to the baseball diamond in Tucson, and with things heating up, Wildcat third baseman Nick Quintana is already drawing early praise.
On Tuesday, Quintana was named to the 3rd-team preseason all-American list by Perfect Game USA. Shocked? You shouldn’t be!
Arizona Wildcats
Unless you have not paid attention at all in the last two years, Quintana has been one of the steady pieces for the Wildcats the past couple seasons. The distinction is certainly a well-deserved one!
Originally hailing from Arbor View High School in Las Vegas, NV, Quintana’s arrival to Tucson perhaps came as a bit of a surprise.
Following a stellar, senior season, Quintana was drafted in the 11th round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out, as instead he decided to enroll in school. Coincidentally, former Wildcat Bobby Dalbec signed with the Red Sox after being drafted in the 10th round that year.
Instead, Quintana came to Tucson and has been a steady presence in the Wildcats’ line-up since.
As a freshman, he hit a remarkable .293 from the plate, with six homeruns, 38 RBI’s, 17 doubles and 42 runs scored. This past year, he was even better!
Quintana finished the 2018 season, with a .313 batting average, hitting 14 homeruns, 55 RBI’s, 17 doubles and 49 runs scored.
However, what has not happened, was him playing in the College World Series. Following his freshman year, the Wildcats were eliminated after three games while playing in the Lubbock NCAA Regional.
Last year, the Wildcats just barely missed the postseason. However in 2019, they should have a strong group once again, but the road will be daunting. The Wildcats will replace some solid talent and will play in a competitive Pac-12.
There’s no doubt Nick will have an integral role with this team, as they hope to make another deep run and potentially contend for a college world series!
Check out some of Nick’s highlights from last season:
light. More. On Arizona Baseball
At Zona Zealots, we’re proud of Nick and him being recognized for his stellar play and hard work. We know it’s going to be a big year for him! Bear Down, Arizona!