Gardiner heading off to Troy

The Saddleback baseball program was back in the news this week with the announcement that another member of the 2022 squad has committed to a four-year university.  Shortstop Lance Gardiner gives the Bobcats five commitments for the year.

Gardiner made a commitment to Troy University, located in Troy, Alabama.  The Trojans play an NCAA DI schedule within the Sun Belt Conference. 

Gardiner was a First Team All-Orange Empire Conference (OEC) selection this season after batting .419 in OEC play and .349 for the year.  He was consistent throughout, finishing fourth on the team in runs-scored (38), fourth in hits (53), third in doubles (13) and fourth in stolen bases (5). 

Gardiner was a warrior at Saddleback, playing through both pandemic-shortened seasons before finally getting an opportunity at a full season in 2022.  He ended up playing in 65 games, batting .328 with four home runs, 57 runs-scored and 52 RBI.

Gardiner came to Saddleback from neighboring Capistrano Valley High School where he lettered in baseball, soccer and football before graduating in 2019.

Gardiner is the fifth member of the 2022 squad to commit to a four-year university this season. 

2022 TEAM COMMITMENTS (in alphabetical order):