1993 TIMES BASEBALL: All-Ventura County Team

Ryan Briggs (SIMI VALLEY)

Briggs, also all-county in basketball, made a successful transition from point guard to shortstop. The Pioneers’ leadoff hitter sparked the county’s leading offense. He was equally sharp on defense.

Ricardo Garcia (HUENEME)

Garcia shouldered the load as Hueneme stormed down the stretch to finish third in the Channel League and squeeze into the playoffs. Garcia started the final six games of the season for the Vikings.

Louie Garza (FILLMORE)

The Tri-Valley League player of the year did a bit of everything for the Flashes. He led the league in stolen bases and tied for the league lead in victories. He was also a defensive standout in center field.

Ryan Hankins (SIMI VALLEY)

The power-hitting junior was a scary sight for pitchers. In April, “Hank” was selected most valuable player of the Upper Deck tournament at Cal State Fullerton while leading the Pioneers to the title.

Clint Harris (THOUSAND OAKS)

Harris displayed toughness, playing despite a dislocated right shoulder and a severe cut on his left heel. Despite being riddled with injuries, Harris was second in the Marmonte League in hitting.

Richard Hernandez (MOORPARK)

Hernandez, a three-sport standout, was selected co-player of the year in the Frontier League. The smooth-fielding shortstop and crafty pitcher helped Moorpark to a share of the league title.

Brandon Knight (BUENA)

Knight, also all-county as a junior, was among the county’s most versatile players. In addition to being a standout pitcher, he led the Bulldogs in batting and showed speed on the basepaths.

Jack Kocur (ROYAL)

Kocur, All-Southern Section in water polo, proved his versatility by joining the baseball team after not playing the sport since his freshman year. Kocur led the injury-ravaged Highlanders in RBIs.

David Lamb (NEWBURY PARK)

A slick-fielding shortstop with a powerful arm, Lamb also was a dangerous No. 3 hitter for the Panthers, who finished second in the Marmonte League. He was a second-round draft choice.

Trevor Leppard (SIMI VALLEY)

Leppard was dominant in his first season as a starter. He led the Marmonte League in strikeouts and helped form the county’s best rotation. He had a career-high 14 strikeouts against Royal.

Jamal Nichols (THOUSAND OAKS)

Keeping Nichols off base was a priority for opponents. Consider it a double if Nichols, the fastest player in the county, made it to first. Nichols also hit with power and showed great range.

Gary Paul (BUENA)

Paul has been among the county’s best hitters the past two seasons. Although Buena finished a disappointing fourth in the Channel League, Paul, a late-round draft choice, was a standout at the plate.

Britten Pond (SIMI VALLEY)

The 5-foot-7 Pond is not physically imposing but he was mighty big at the plate. He began the season sizzling and never let up, leading the county in hitting. Pond also posted impressive power totals.

Keith Smith (NEWBURY PARK)

Known for his leadership as an all-county quarterback, Smith convinced Coach Gary Fabricius that he could pitch--then backed it up. Smith also was a leadoff hitter and displayed a strong arm.

Gene Strojek (ROYAL)

Strojek, who underwent off-season knee surgery, rivaled Kocur in offensive output while establishing himself as one of the Marmonte League’s best hitters. Strojek improved markedly from last season.

Derek Swafford (VENTURA)

Swafford is one of the county’s best athletes. A standout tailback and defensive back, Swafford also was all-county in football. A third-round draft choice, he has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Aaron Whitley (SIMI VALLEY)

Whitley, one of the county’s best left-handed hitters, also provided speed for a team known for its pitching and power. Batting in the No. 2 spot, Whitley was among county leaders in runs scored.

Andy Wilson (THOUSAND OAKS)

The speedy, multitalented Wilson was a team leader for Thousand Oaks. The diminutive outfielder displayed an aggressive style that was reflected in his team-high doubles total and many stolen bases.