TY HARPER

Steve Virgen

This year, Ty Harper will find out what life without baseball is

like. It will definitely be new ground.

For the majority of his life, Harper, a former Corona del Mar High

standout in baseball, has been, as they say, getting after it at the

ballpark. Throughout his childhood in Corona del Mar, Harper

developed his passion for the game. At CdM, he discovered the results

of teamwork and he renewed his awareness for the thrill of victory.

“Baseball is just a great game,” Harper said. “It’s more of a love

for me. It’s just great. It’s like when you love someone and you

can’t explain it.”

Harper said his love for the game was at an all-time high while at

CdM in 1999. When the Sea Kings won the CIF Southern Section Division

IV title, Harper called it one of the best moments he has had in

baseball.

CdM, the fourth seed in CIF Division IV, defeated No. 1 seed La

Quinta to reach the title game. Then the Sea Kings rallied from an

8-4 deficit with five runs in their last at-bat to win the CIF title

game over third-seeded El Segundo.

“Winning CIF really sticks out as a highlight for me, that’s for

sure,” Harper said. “Coming back in the bottom of the seventh inning

that was unbelievable. Just that whole year was great with all the

seniors on that team. We were supposed to win our whole lives. We

finally accomplished something together.”

Harper produced one of eight singles in the final inning, helping

lead the Sea Kings to victory. The championship seemed to be the

perfect ending to a brilliant stint at CdM for Harper.

He was a three-time All-CIF selection and was twice named the

Newport-Mesa District Player of the Year. He finished with school and

district career records for hits (132), home runs (24) and RBIs (99),

while posting a .514 career average. He also hit 12 home runs in

1999, which tied teammate Eric Wiethorn for the district’s

single-season record.

Aside from the statistics, Harper said the camaraderie on the team

is something he will always cherish. Much of the chemistry involved,

came about from Coach John Emme, Harper said.

“Since John has been at CdM, the program has been on the rise,”

Harper said. “He definitely had quite a group to take on when he got

us. Our class was the class of hell. Some teachers didn’t want to

take us on. John did real well in blending the different

personalities together. He did a really good job.”

Harper, who also played football at CdM, continued his baseball

career at the University of Alabama and then transferred to

Pepperdine, where he finished his eligibility last season. He earned

honorable mention All-West Coast Conference recognition, while

playing first base and designated hitter.

“That was a mistake if you ask me,” said Harper, the latest

honoree in the Daily Pilot Sports Hall of Fame. “But I want to move

on. Baseball at Pepperdine was great. I just wanted to go out and

prove myself last year. I wanted to make sure I ended on a good note.

I thought it was a good ending to a good college career.”

Harper will now concentrate on graduating and then decide if he

wants to get back into baseball.