Infielder Will Transfer to Fullerton

FULLERTON —  Kris Didion, who made the freshman All-American team as a second-baseman this season at Tulane, is planning to transfer to Cal State Fullerton, Titan assistant coach Rick Vanderhook said.

Vanderhook said Didion confirmed his plans in a conversation Thursday. Didion, who played in high school at Riverside Poly, hit .337 with six home runs and 45 runs batted in at Tulane.

“When he signed with Tulane, he felt like he wanted to leave the area, but his feelings have changed now and he wants to come back,” Vanderhook said.

Didion would be a leading candidate to take over at second base if Joe Fraser, the regular at the position in 1995, signs a pro contract as expected.

“Kris is a really good right-handed hitter,” Vanderhook said. “He’s strong, and is a solid all-around player.”

Didion also has experience at third base, but College World Series all-star Tony Martinez will be back at that position. Shortstop Jack Jones also returns from the national championship team.

Freshman C.J. Ankrum, primarily the designated hitter this year, is expected to replace senior D.C. Olsen at first base. Olsen has signed with the Montreal Expos.

“It looks like we’re going to be in good shape again with position players,” said associate head coach George Horton. “The pitching will be the question, just the way it was this year.”

The Titans’ top pitcher, junior Ted Silva, signed with the Texas Rangers this week, and another starter, junior Jon Ward, is expected to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals. Senior pitcher Tim Dixon signed with the Expos this week.