By: Sam Boender
GOLDEN, Colo. – Colorado School of Mines Head Baseball Coach
Robby Bales announced his incoming class for the 2024 season, featuring 13 new Orediggers coming to Golden.
Bales' class of newcomers includes 10 true freshmen, two junior college transfers, and one NCAA Division I graduate transfer. He signed four players from Colorado, three from California, and two from Texas with Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania represented as well. Positionally, Bales put an emphasis on pitching and the infield with six arms, three utility players and three pure infielders.
Below is a snapshot of the newest Orediggers:
| Evan Harbach |
6-4 |
200 |
RHP |
Argyle, Texas / Argyle HS |
| Canon Humphreys |
5-11 |
180 |
INF |
Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Clark College |
| Jacob Johnson |
6-1 |
175 |
INF |
Danville, Calif. / Monte Vista HS |
| Jackson Kay |
6-2 |
200 |
UTL |
Albuquerque, N.M. / La Cueva HS |
| Colin Kim |
5-9 |
170 |
UTL |
Golden, Colo. / D'Evelyn HS |
| Nick Lacson |
6-1 |
195 |
RHP |
Tower Lakes, Ill. / Barrington HS |
| Peter Lynch |
6-1 |
170 |
RHP |
Tarzana, Calif. / Calabasas HS |
| Seaver Newby |
6-7 |
215 |
RHP |
Southlake, Texas / Carroll HS |
| Henry Novicki |
6-4 |
175 |
UTL |
Wapwallopen, Pa. / Bucknell |
| Tyler Stull |
5-11 |
180 |
INF |
Chino Hills, Calif. / Chino Hills HS |
| Casey Thibault |
6-4 |
225 |
RHP |
Fountain, Colo. / Trinidad State JC |
| Carter Van Horn |
6-3 |
200 |
RHP |
Waukee, Iowa / Northwest HS |
| Cruz Zamudio |
5-10 |
170 |
C |
Firestone, Colo. / Frederick HS |
Evan Harbach – RHP – 6-4 – 200
Argyle, Texas – Argyle HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three varsity letters as a pitcher for Argyle High School in Texas … Claimed Academic All-District honors … Played club ball for the Dallas Tigers … Graduated in the top-10 of his class and was a Commended National Merit Scholar … Plans to major in computer science at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Evan is a hard-throwing righty from Texas. We are very excited he decided to be an Oredigger. Evan's stuff is electric and we look forward to watching him develop in our program."
Canon Humphreys – INF – 5-11 – 180
Highlands Ranch, Colo. – Clark College (Mountain Vista HS)
CLARK COLLEGE (2022-23): Started his collegiate career at Clark College of the NJCAA in Vancouver, Wash. … As a freshman in 2022, appeared in 27 games with 15 starts … Hit .258 with eight runs on 16 hits including two doubles with 11 RBI … Also walked three times, was hit twice and stole three bases … Sophomore season saw him hit .329 in 45 games and 43 starts … Scored 28 runs on 51 hits with three doubles and one triple along with 27 RBI … Total junior college career numbers include a .309 batting average with 36 runs, 67 hits, five doubles, one triple, 38 RBI, 21 walks, and 11 stolen bases.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played baseball at Mountain Vista High School in Colorado and earned one varsity letter playing on the infield … As a senior, batted .381 with a .474 on-base percentage in 20 games on the way to the 5A state title … Tabbed Second-Team All-Continental League for his efforts … Graduated summa cum laude … plans to major in engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Canon is a stellar defensive infielder who comes from a great junior college program at Clark. Not only is he good in the field, but Canon has also shown the ability to handle the bat and will be a key piece of our infield moving forward."
Jacob Johnson – INF – 6-1 – 175
Danville, Calif. – Monte Vista HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned two varsity letters playing infield for the baseball team at Monte Vista High School in California … Smacked four home runs in a single season at the division 1 level in Northern California which put him on the top-20 best hitter list in the EBAL … Earned Perfect Game All-Tournament honors for hitting every year of high school … Ranked top-200 in the nation at third base by Perfect Game and #17 in the state of California … Grabbed Rawlings Preseason Underclassman recognition in 2022 and 2023 … In the classroom, worked his way onto the Principal's Honor Roll all four year of high school … Plans to major in business engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Jacob is a stud. His athleticism and ability to hit the ball are going to be exciting to watch."
Jackson Kay – UTL – 6-2 – 200
Albuquerque, N.M. – La Cueva HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Lined up in the outfield, at the infield corners, and on the mound for the baseball team at La Cueva High School in New Mexico … Claimed two varsity letters on the diamond … Posted a .422 batting average while racking up 14 RBI and three home runs … On the mound, produced 12 innings of work resulting in 18 strikeouts compared to just six hits and allowed only five earned runs … Helped La Cueva win the 2021 New Mexico 5A State Championship … Named to the 2022 District 2-5A All-Academic team … Played club ball for the Albuquerque Baseball Academy where he hit .330 with five home runs and 36 RBI … Was a two-time Academic Letterman … Member of the Science National Honor Society and Math National Honor Society … Plans to major in mechanical engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Jackson is our latest addition from Albuquerque and he is going to do big things in our program. He is a hard-throwing righty with tremendous upside and pitch ability."
Colin Kim – UTL – 5-9 – 175
Golden, Colo. – D'Evelyn HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-sport athlete out of Golden, Colo., competing at D'Evelyn High School in baseball and soccer, totaling five varsity letters … Lined up on the mound and at middle infield on the diamond … Played striker and midfielder on the pitch … As a junior, batted .494 and slugged .807 for a 1.418 OPS thanks to 41 hits including 10 doubles, two triples and four home runs while hitting .583 in league play … Was a CHSSA Second-Team All-State baseball player in 2022 and First-Team All-Stater according to the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches' Association … Earned two all-conference nods in his career with one to the first team and one to the second … Also earned Honorable Mention All-Conference as a soccer player … Other accolades include D'Evelyn High School Team MVP in 2022 and Athlete of the Month in May of 2022 … Member of the National Honor Society, graduating in the top-10 percent of his class … Four-time Jefferson Country Athletic Honor Roll member, and appeared on the D'Evelyn Honor Roll all eight semesters … Also a five-time CHSSA Academic All-State honoree … Plans to major in mechanical engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Colin is an athletic infielder from just down the road at D'Evelyn High School. His versatility and athleticism will impact our program in a very positive way."
Nick Lacson – RHP – 6-1 – 195
Tower Lakes, Ill. – Barrington HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Racked up three varsity letters playing baseball at Barrington High School in Illinois … Posted a 1.35 ERA across 20.2 innings of work while striking out 33 batters and walking eight … Held opposing hitters to a .176 average … Named all-conference as a sophomore … Member of the National Honor Society and also studied the Chinese language for 12 years … Part of PE leaders as well … Plans to major in engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Nick is a solid pitcher with proven ability to thrown multiple pitches for strikes. He has also proven his overall ability to compete on the mound, and we're excited Nick is an Oredigger."
Peter Lynch – RHP – 6-1 – 170
Tarzana, Calif. – Calabasas HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Took the mound as a right-handed pitcher for Calabasas High School in California … Earned three varsity letters in three years of prep action … Posted a 0.92 ERA in 2022 thanks to 28 strikeouts across 50 innings of work … His 2022 season led to First-Team All-Marmonte League and First-Team All-Ventura County … Played club ball for TB SoCal … Honored with the Hispanic Recognition Award … Plans to major in computer science at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Peter is a right-handed pitcher with excellent command and off-speed arsenal. We are very excited to watch Peter develop in our program."
Seaver Newby – RHP – 6-7 – 215
Southlake, Texas – Carroll HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three varsity letters as a right-handed pitcher for Southlake Carroll High School in Texas … Produced a 1.20 ERA across 19 innings on the mound … Helped his team win the 2022 State 6A Championship … Played club ball for UBC National and helped the squad become a Connie Mack World Series Qualifier … Member of the National Honor Society … Also a Success Scholar … Plans to major in petroleum engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Seaver is a top-notch arm from an outstanding program at Southlake Carroll. His abilities give him the opportunity to step in right away and log big innings for us this spring."
Henry Novicki – UTL – 6-4 – 175
Wapwallopen, Pa. – Bucknell (Berwick Area HS)
BUCKNELL (2020-23): Started his collegiate career at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania … Across four seasons at the plate he batted .216 with 21 runs on 30 hits including eight doubles and four home runs along with 22 RBI… Drew 28 walks, was hit four times and stole a base as well … Also came out of the bullpen three times for the Bison, earning one win with a total of 3.0 innings which featured just four runs on three hits and one strikeout … Top collegiate season so far was his sophomore year in 2021 when he racked up 16 runs on 21 hits with four doubles and a team-high three home runs leading to 11 RBI while committing zero errors at first base … Was 5-of-15 with a home run, two doubles, and five RBI during the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season … Earned Deans List distinction while at Bucknell and appeared on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll … Graduated from Buckneell with his bachelor's degree in environmental engineering.
HIGH SCHOOL: Earned letters in baseball, rifle, and golf during senior year at Berwick Area High School ... was named captain in senior year while being selected to the Wyoming Valley Conference First Team, a Wyoming Valley All-Star, and was a four-year starter ... was ranked as a top-20 shooter in Northeast Pa. for rifle ... hit .370 with 20 RBIs, five doubles, two triples, and two home runs ... played club ball for the GSA Gatorz, ranked second in the state of Pennsylvania in 2018 ... was named a Perfect Game Pre-Season All-American in 2018 … Voted an All Star Game starter in his senior season … Also competed in basketball during his prep career … Academic accomplishments included membership in the National Honor Society, Distinguished Honor Roll, STEM Program Student, AP Capstone, and completion of 11 AP classes … Reached the rank of Eagle Scout as part of the Boy Scouts of America … Plans to focus on natural resource and energy policy while at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Henry is a graduate transfer from NCAA Division I Bucknell. He will immediately add maturity and competitiveness to our roster. Henry's Swiss-Army-knife abilities will be a crucial piece of our roster for the next two years."
Tyler Stull – INF – 5-11 – 180
Chino Hills, Calif. – Chino Hills HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-sport prep athlete, playing football and baseball at Chino Hills High School in California … Totaled six varsity letters across the two sports, lining up on the infield on the diamond and at free safety on the gridiron … Hit .460 as a sophomore … Named First-Team All-Baseline League and Team MVP … Played club ball for both the SoCal Giants and the GBG Renegades … Earned Scholar Athlete recognition … Plans to major in mechanical engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Tyler comes to Mines from one of the best club organizations in the country in the SoCal Giants. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills, and should make an impact in our lineup very quickly."
Casey Thibault – RHP – 6-4 – 225
Fountain, Colo. – Trinidad State JC (Fountain Fort Carson HS)
TRINIDAD STATE JC (2022-23): Started his collegiate career at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado … Pitched two seasons for the Trojans, making 18 appearances with a 4-3 record and a 7.53 ERA thanks to 43 strikeouts compared to 26 walks across 43.0 innings of work … Top collegiate season to date was 2023 when he went 3-3 in 13 appearances, totaling 36.1 innings of work with 35 strikeouts and 21 walks … Graduated cum laude from Trinidad State.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played third base and pitched at Fountain Fort Carson in Colorado … Earned three varsity letters in his prep career … Named First-Team All-Conference and posted a 2.56 ERA … Other accolades include Presidential Honor Roll all four years, Trojan of the Year, and the Kindness Award … Brother Garrett also attends Mines and plays on the club baseball team … Plans to major in engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Casey is our second junior college transfer. He earned a starting role at Trinidad State JC last year and is battle-tested. We expect Casey to log big innings right away."
Carter Van Horn – RHP – 6-3 – 200
Waukee, Iowa – Northwest HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Competed in baseball and basketball during his prep career at Northwest High School in Waukee, Iowa … Totaled three varsity letters across the two sports … As a junior, posted a 4.45 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP thanks to 29 strikeouts in 22.0 innings on the mound … Also hit .355 with a .457 OBP thanks to 38 hits and 20 RBI at the plate … Stole 14 bases as well … Named CIML Iowa Second-Team All-Conference in baseball … Claimed CIML Iowa Academic All-Conference in baseball and basketball … Played club ball for the Iowa Sticks … Named to the DMACC Presidents' List thanks to a 4.0 GPA in classes through the local community college … Appeared on the Honor Roll as well … Plans to major in civil engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Carter is an athletic, strong kid with a very high ceiling on the mound. His development into a fulltime pitcher will be exciting to watch."
Cruz Zamudio – C – 5-10 – 170
Firestone, Colo. – Frederick HS
HIGH SCHOOL: Two-sport athlete at Frederick High School in Colorado, playing both baseball and basketball during his prep career … Lined up at catcher and in the outfield on the diamond, while playing running back on the gridiron … Hit .485 with eight doubles and eight triples leading to a 1.475 OPS while slugging .882 with a .593 OBP … Named 4A All-Longspeak Conference, All-Area, and Honorable Mention All-State in baseball … Football accolades including 4A All-Longspeak Conference, All-Area, and Second-Team All-State … Totaled eight varsity letters in four years … Academically was an AP Scholar, four-time Academic All-State honoree, Boettcher semifinalist, and a winner of the Mines Medal Scholarship … Plans to major in mechanical engineering at Mines.
COACH'S COMMENT: "Cruz is an A-plus kid from Frederick High School who is fast, athletic, and smart. We are very excited that he chose to be an Oredigger."
Fans can keep up with Mines baseball on Twitter at @OrediggersBSB. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.
