Nick Vincent, a San Diego Padres’ relief pitcher who hails from Ramona, and three amateur athletes from local schools were among the Stars of the Month named by the San Diego Hall of Champions.
Vincent, 28, graduated from Ramona High and Palomar College. He gave up no runs in 14 appearances over 12.2 innings while walking just two and striking out 14. He allowed seven hits, which added up to an opponents’ batting average of .163. He went 1-0, with a win against the Colorado Rockies.
Joining Vincent among the pro athletes honored were Adrian Gonzalez, who grew up in Chula Vista and graduated from Eastlake High School, who helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to 1st place in the National League West, and Wynton Bernard, once of Rancho Bernardo, who became the Most Valuable Player in the Midwest League as part of the West Michigan Whitecaps.
Local high school and college athletes who were honored include San Diego State’s Gunn Yang, who became the first local golfer to win the U.S. Amateur title since star Phil Mickelson. Drew Finley of Rancho Bernardo High School, the winning pitcher in The Perfect Game, a talent showcase for aspiring pro ballplayers, and UCSD’s Troy Cruz, a member of the the Santa Barbara Foresters, which won the National Baseball Congress World Series title.
The Hall of Champions is located in Balboa Park and honors local athletes, while maintaining exhibits commemorating local popular sports and notable achievements.
