CdM’s Macklin headed to USC

Corona del Mar High senior Todd Macklin, a first-team All-Pacific

Coast League and All-Newport-Mesa Dream Team baseball performer last

spring, has verbally committed to continue his athletic and academic

career at USC.

Macklin, 6-2 with one save and a 2.03 ERA in 51 2/3 innings last

season, can sign a national letter of intent in November.

The left-hander, whose mound velocity has topped out at 88 mph

thus far, received the offer from USC after a strong performance in a

recent scout league game.

“[USC coaches] said they liked what they had seen over the summer,

so the offer was not like a complete shock,” he said. “But it was

definitely a surprise. It’s such a relief not to have to worry about

where I’m going to college.”

Macklin said he has recently improved his command and movement

after being tutored by Chuck Finley, a 17-year major league veteran

who lives in Newport Beach.

Macklin, who also hit .289 with four home runs, 21 RBIs and 29

runs to help CdM win the PCL and advance to the CIF Southern Section

Division IV quarterfinals, said he plans to major in business or

economics.

-- by Barry Faulkner