Sluggin' Sam

Some of you who check this blog might recognize the name Sam DiMatteo. He is an outfielder who was a standout player at California University, last playing for the Vulcans in 2010.

DiMatteo, who is from Monaca, still holds Cal's career records for hits and doubles, and is second all-time in home runs and RBI.

For several years, DiMatteo has been trying to make a career out playing professional baseball. He had a brief spring training stay with the Washington Nationals, played in the independent Pecos League and was in spring training with the Traverse City Beach Bums a year or two ago.

DiMatteo is still giving it the ole college try and is playing again in the Pecos League with the Trinidad (Colo.) Triggers. He is tied for the league lead in home runs (10), is fourth in RBI (42) and is second in batting average (.425) through 29 games.

Trinidad is 19-12 and in first place in the North Division.