Freshman outfielder Rhys Hoskins was given The State Hornet’s spring semester Male Freshman Athlete award because of the impact he has had on Sacramento State’s baseball team. 

He leads the team in all offensive categories with a .365 batting average, eight home runs and 43 RBIs. 

Hoskins batting average ranks second in the Western Athletic Conference.

 “Honestly, it is an honor,” Hoskins said. “It is a good thing to feel about with all the hard work I’ve put in with the coaches and teammates. It is paying off a little bit.”

 Hoskins graduated from Jesuit High School and was a multi-sport athlete, but said he preferred baseball because of his love for the mental challenges of the game.

 “The mental side of the game is so much more than the physical side,” Hoskins said. “There are so many mental things that go in every pitch.”

 After seeing success in high school including being named to the all-Delta River League first team his junior season, Hoskins came to Sac State and showed right away the impact he could make.

 Hoskins’ best performance came when the Hornets traveled down south to Louisiana Tech.  Hoskins belted two home runs and drove in three RBIs in the series finale against the Bulldogs. 

This season, he has also finished with two games where he has driven in five RBIs.

 Hoskins said he gives credit to his coaches who showed him the dedication needed to be put forward during the fall semester.

 “The coaches prepared me to be the best as I could,” Hoskins said. “Things are just going the right way. I can’t really explain it.”

 Second-year head coach Reggie Christiansen said Hoskins’ bat has been a big impact with the team’s success so far.

 “He has had big numbers, but also has allowed guys to hit in spots they are more accustomed to,” Christiansen said. “They are going to pitch more aggressively to guys hitting in front of him because they don’t want to get to Rhys.” 

Even his teammates can see not only his bat is making a difference, but just his presence as well, both on and off the field. 

“He is one of the hardest workers on the team,” said teammate and close friend Scotty Burcham. “He is a great guy in the clubhouse and just goes with the flow.” 

After 44 Division I games in his young college career, Hoskins knows there are things he still needs to learn.

 “I want to be a student of the game,” Hoskins said. “Learning more about the game will help me on the field as a player.”

Additional Comments about Rhys Hoskins

Hitting coach Tommy Nicholson

“You never expect a guy to be batting around .400 with eight home runs right off the bat like that. That’s what his potential is and he has room to get even better.”

Head coach Reggie Christiansen

“He wants to win. Winning is what is most important. At the end of the day if he is 4-4 and we lose, he is not happy about it.” 

Ryan Kuhn can be reached at [email protected].