Sandia left-hander Apodaca to play for hometown Lobos

He has 90 mph fastball and batted .457 last year

Ricky Apodaca had to scan the horizon before appreciating the view from his own backyard.

A senior left-handed pitcher/outfielder at Sandia High School, Apodaca attended the Dream Series Baseball Camp in Tempe, Ariz., last weekend. The showcase event pitted him against top players from around the country under the watchful eyes of college coaches and professional scouts.

Apodaca said he enjoyed the experience but it also changed his outlook. Tuesday night he committed to play baseball at the University of New Mexico.

“I had other schools interested in me,” Apodaca said, “but I started to realize UNM could bring more to the table. They’re interested in me as a two-way player, I’ll get to play as a freshman instead of redshirting and I can stay home. I know that’s a cliché, but I like the idea of staying home where my family can watch me play.”

Apodaca had an offer from Arizona and numerous junior colleges pursuing him but decided not to delay his decision any longer. Sandia coach Chris Eaton said UNM had been recruiting Apodaca for “a long time,” and Eaton urged his talented left-hander to consider playing for his hometown university. Eaton’s brother, Michael Eaton, played for the Lobos as a graduate transfer in 2016.

“I was pushing for UNM,” Chris Eaton said. “I like seeing the best players in the state stay home and Ricky’s one of them. Besides, I think it’s a good fit.”

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting on unsigned players but Ray Birmingham confirmed UNM is recruiting Apodaca.

The 6-foot, 175-pound lefty has a 90 mph fastball and a quality slider, Eaton said. Apodaca also hit .457 for the Matadors last season and played right field when he wasn’t pitching. He earned secondteam All-State honors but Eaton believes Apodaca’s best days are ahead of him.

“Ricky has a big arm and he runs well,” Eaton said. “He’s a hard worker, too, and has gotten stronger every year. I think this will be his season to shine and he’ll be a big addition for UNM.”

Apodaca became the third member of New Mexico’s current senior class to commit to the Lobos. Goddard infielder/RHP Cameron Stevenson and Hobbs right-handed pitcher Tyrin Pacheco gave commitments last summer.

Apodaca also joins a growing list of Matadors who have joined the Lobos in recent seasons, including outfielder Danny Collier and pitchers Taylor Duree, Carson Schneider and Drew Gillespie.