Ethan Katz is no salesman, but he seems to have perfected his pitch.

Once in awhile an athlete comes around who has the motivation and skill to make a glaring difference for his team. And this season, the Sacramento State baseball program is lucky enough to have one of these athletes.

Hornet coaches and supporters are buying into the junior transfer’s dedication and skill.

With a record of 6-1 this season and a 2.95 ERA, Katz is on the way to a great career. It was always apparent considering his performances at University High School in Los Angeles, where Katz received All-City, League MVP and All-League honors. Katz went on to play for East Los Angeles Junior College where he again shined and was picked up by Sac State.

He has matured into 6 feet and 5 inches of pure dedication to pitching. Katz currently has the best earned run average on the team and is considered the team’s ace.

But if you ask this 210-pound right-handed pitcher, he’ll just tell you, “I’m doing my thing.”

Katz may have only three different pitches in his arsenal, but he uses each of them to their full potential. His main weapon of choice is his fastball that zooms at speeds of up to 91-92 mph. For college, this is extraordinary speed, especially with the accuracy and precision he produces with every windup.

“When he’s on he’s on, especially when he spots his fastball, he’s unstoppable,” said Buddy Morales, Katz’s catcher. “Even when he doesn’t have his best stuff … he still can find a way out.”

An important quality that coaches look for in pitchers is their ability to take control on the mound and to show accuracy, both of which Katz masters.

“He has a good arm and knows how to pitch,” head coach John Smith said. “Every time he goes out on the mound, we know we have a good chance of winning.”

Katz usually runs five miles after the game and is the first pitcher to be running poles, from foul pole to foul pole, before the game.

“His work ethic is off the chart,” Smith said. “It is what enables him to go into the 8th or 9th inning almost every appearance he makes. He can pitch 30-40 pitches more than the average pitcher.”

Katz just loves to play baseball and is optimistic about his future in the game.

“It feels good to be out here, I’ve worked hard to get here and it is really paying off,” Katz said. “Whoever wants to give me a chance to play in the pros would make a dream come true. I just pitch my game and I’m not concerned how people label me, I’ll prove who I am.”