Baseball: Anteaters recruiting class ranks No. 8

UC IRVINE - The UC Irvine baseball team, in its first season since

1992, ranks No. 8 among the nation’s best recruiting classes, according

to Baseball America.

The Anteaters, who open their season at home, Jan. 25, against the

University of San Diego, feature pitcher/first baseman Brett Smith of

Sonora High and Chatsworth High’s second baseman Gregg Wallis, UCI’s

first player to commit, as well as a load of junior college stars.

Pitchers Paul French (Sacramento City) and Sean Tracey (Citrus College)

headline a cast of recruits put together by Coach John Savage, the former

USC pitching coach, and his staff.

Baseball America magazine recognized Notre Dame as the nation’s top

incoming recruiting class for the 2002 season. The Fighting Irish edged

Pacific-10 Conference powers Stanford and USC for the top spot.