July 30, 2008

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Joe Gardner, a right handed pitcher who will join the UC Santa Barbara baseball team for the 2009 season, has been selected co-Player of the Year in the Alaska Summer Baseball League, it was announced this week.

Gardner, who will arrive at UCSB after two years at Ohlone College, pitched for the Peninsula Oilers in Kenai, Alaska. He completed the regular season with a perfect 6-0 record and a sparkling 0.92 earned run average. He made 10 appearances for the Oilers, including nine starts, hurled 48.2 innings and allowed just 33 hits. In addition to his selection as co-Player of the Year, he was named to the Alaska League All-Star First Team.

"We are very excited at the opportunity to have Joe as a member of our pitching staff next year," said Gaucho head coach Bob Brontsema. "He had a great summer season and I believe that he will be a major part of our team beginning next year."

Gardner helped Peninsula to a 28-16 overall record. The Oilers have qualified for the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kan., and will begin play on Aug. 3.