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Sonoma State Next College Stop For OHS Alum Rodin
rodin pitcher
A former Oakdale Mustang, Vito Rodin – shown here in action during the 2017 OHS campaign – has signed with Sonoma State University and will be playing baseball there after spending last season with Modesto Junior College. Leader File Photo

Vito Rodin, a 2017 Oakdale High School graduate, will be heading to Sonoma State this fall to continue his baseball career. A pitcher, Rodin most recently played at Modesto Junior College and saw action as a reliever.

“Vito was a pivotal piece to our team. He filled a huge hole for as a set-up man,” said Pirates assistant coach Nate Gregory, who previously coached at OHS.

Rodin pitched 28.0 innings with an earned run average of 1.61 with 26 strikeouts and finished with a record of 4-0 for the Pirates.

“I remember my first appearance,” said Rodin. “It was at Los Medanos (Pittsburg, CA) and we were in a jam early. I was called in and got an early out. The next batter hit a sac bunt and the runner scored. We were down 1-0 but I never doubted my teammates and we ended up winning the game 5-3.”

Rodin is a six foot-two inch right hander who began playing baseball as a youngster for Oakdale Baseball Association (now known as Oakdale Baseball Softball Association). Rodin transferred from Skyline College in San Bruno to play for the Pirates.

“There was a great opportunity for me at Modesto. Obviously I knew Coach Gregory from Oakdale. I knew some of my teammates but I wanted to play in the best conference,” Rodin said of joining the MJC team, which plays in the Big 8. “To me the Big 8 is the best conference for baseball, at least in California.”

He entered the season with uncertainty as he was not sure what his role would be.

“I really was not sure when I was going to play or if I was going to play. When the opportunity came early in the season I took it.”

During the Pirates playoff series, a representative from Sonoma State saw Rodin warm up and made an impression.

“I never got to pitch in the playoffs but they saw me during warm-ups. In May I went to their campus and they had me throw in the bullpen,” explained Rodin. “I was relaxed and calm. It was the best session I ever had.”

That day Sonoma State offered Rodin a spot on their team. He thought it over and ultimately decided to join the team.

“I’m so proud of Vito. I’ve known him since he was eight years old. He is family. He is a tremendous, selfless, willing and supportive teammate,” offered Gregory. “I support his decision and I am very proud of him.”