Jose Cortez

Baseball isn't just a pastime for Pitzer junior Jose Cortez.

Last season, the Sagehens'
power-hitter led the nation with 66 RBIs. The organizational-studies major also was ranked third in the nation with 17 home runs, and was fifth in walks and slugging percentage. His .439 batting average - 39^th in the nation - was the icing on the cake. The Inland Valley Our

Jose Cortez (32)

Times recently named the 2001 First-Team All-American and West-Region First-Team catcher College Male Athlete of the Year. He also was named SCIAC Player of the Year in baseball at the close of last season.

Cortez was just as impressive as a freshman. He led the nation with a school-record 17 home runs, capturing the title of National Statistical Home Run Champion. He also was third in the nation in slugging percentage and fourth in RBIs. His batting average was .424. He was a Second-Team All-American and received First-Team All-West Region and All-Conference honors.

Cortez has been playing baseball since he was 9.

The graduate of Don Lugo High School in Chino, Calif., says baseball is a special part of his life: "Baseball is very important to me. I can't imagine not being able to play baseball.  I've been playing since age 9 and I am sure glad my mother decided baseball was the sport for me. If not, my life would have turned out completely differently. Baseball has given me the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people and has given me many friendships."

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