The 2015 baseball season is coming to a close for Bakersfield College. In spite of a mere inconsistent season that has dealt with many ups and downs, certain players managed to make an impact and prove that they would do whatever is needed of them to rack up some wins on a consistent basis. With the Renegades falling just short of the playoffs, some guys will reflect back and wish things had gone different, but these two guys can pat themselves on the back for the work they’ve put in since last June and move on and continue to improve toward their next campaign.
Hanz Harker: As a freshman, centerfielder Hanz Harker has remarkably been a key piece in the Renegades’ batting rotation since the start of the season. In his debut back on Jan. 30 against El Camino, Harker finished 3-for-5 with two runs and a double. It was the start of what has now become almost a normal at-bat routine for Harker.
Harker graduated from Liberty HS in 2014 where he played both baseball and football for the Patriots. With baseball, Hanz was a two-year varsity starter appearing in 62 total games and holding a batting average of .314 to go along with 48 hits, 43 runs and 29 RBIs in 153 at-bats.
On the gridiron, Harker played receiver for the Pats where he totaled 27 receptions for 508 yards and five touchdowns in two seasons.
“Playing football really showed me what it was like to be a good teammate and having a bond with teammates like they were my brothers,” Harker said.
Although Harker wanted to pursue both sports upon his arrival at BC, baseball – his love since the age of three – kept him on the diamond instead.
“It ended up being a great decision for me. Coach P [Painton] is a great coach and [he] has really helped me progress as a player,” Harker said.
Hanz also credits his father, Nick Harker, who attends his games regularly on his progression. “My dad is the biggest influence I have in my life,” Harker said. “He always tells me to play and work hard on a daily basis.”
Prior to Tuesday’s matchup against Canyons, Harker has started in all 33 games this season averaging team highs in nearly every hitting category and he’s among the state’s best in a few categories such as; 16 doubles (3rd in state), 49 hits (17th in state), 34 runs (20th in state), .477 on base percentage (21st in state), and a .377 batting average (30th in state).
With only two games remaining, Harker knows this isn’t where he wants things to end same time next season.
“During the offseason it’s going to be a lot of grinding… you can expect me to come out and work hard every day. I would like to end it with going to the playoffs and getting a state championship,” Harker stated.
Allan Winans: The Bakersfield-born and bred sophomore righthand pitcher may be finishing up his last week in a Renegade uniform and in a Bakersfield ballpark, but this is just the beginning of what’s to come for Allan Winans.
Signing his letter of intent to play baseball at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC back on Nov. 12, Winans is excited about getting the opportunity to continue his playing career at the NCAA Divison-1 level.
“It’s an awesome feeling and I felt comfortable with [Campbell],” Winans said. “They have a winning attitude as they have had many 40 plus wins seasons.”
Winans, a graduate of Frontier HS in 2013, was a standout pitcher for the Titans.
As a senior, Allan was selected to First Team All-Area and the Southwest Yosemite League’s Most Valuable Pitcher posting an ERA of 1.98 and 92 strikeouts in 12 starts leading the Titans to a 9-3 record with him getting the start.
Although he generated interest from other schools, Winans knew Bakersfield College would be the right fit.
“I knew BC would definitely prepare me,” Winans said. “Tim Painton is an outstanding coach as well and it’s a school where my family could still watch me play.”
During his freshman season, Winans pitched in more innings than any other Renegade pitcher at just over 79 and despite having an ERA of 4.07, Winans was selected to the Western State Conference-South All Second Team.
“It was a tough year as a whole…but I learned a lot from it,” Winans said.
The team wound up with nearly an identical record as this year’s team – putting them outside of the playoff picture.
“It’s tough…we lost a lot of close games this year,” Winans stated on missing the postseason again.
Winans was part of those close games as five of his losses on the mound were by an average of 2.4 runs.
Going into Tuesday, Winans has pitched in 86 innings (4th in state) and is tied for fourth in the state in strikeouts (75).
On what Winans will most about playing baseball for BC: “I’m going to miss the walk-offs, the clubhouse, the bus rides…my last two years, 600 days were spent here – more than I’ve spent time at my house – but I’m finally where I want to be and I’m more prepared than ever for what is next.”