BEN ORNELAS, the slugging centerfielder for state community college runnerup Cypress College, has attracted the interest of two blue-chip 4-year schools. North Carolina, an NCAA finalist, and Lewis-Clark State, the NAIA champion, have emerged from a larger group, all seeking the switch-hitter's services.
His parents VEDA and ERIC ORNELAS said today that Ben will make a decision any day between the two.
"He hasn't seen the campus in North Carolina," said Veda Ornelas. "He gets a trip back to see it and that's what they're working out now. Both schools have accepted him." Ben is not playing this summer while he sorts out his decision.
Ben batted .318 as a sophomore for Cypress and caught fire in the championship series going 6-for-16 (.375) with four doubles and three RBI in four games. In his freshman year Ornelas batted .360.
He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the late rounds a year ago but chose not to sign. He was not drafted this year, at least partially at his own request, his parents said. "He told them he wouldn't sign. He'd be returning to school."
If Ornelas chooses Lewis-Clark State he will join Lompocan ISAAC SIMMONS who batted .367 for the Warriors in spot duty last season.
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Elsewhere in baseball Locker Room Washington Correspondent BARRY MARKS quoted RYAN CHURCH Sunday morning on his 33 doubles this season. Church wants to reach 50. "That's my goal - 10 a month. I want seven more this month and 10 in September," Church said. No sooner had Marks sent his post than Church banged #34 off Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals. Church's total ranks fourth in the National League. Church's base hit in two at-bats Sunday lifted his batting average to .262. He will appear in California over the next four days as the Nats play in San Francisco Monday through Thursday. The first three games are night games (7:15 p.m.), while Thursday is a 12:30 p.m. start. Next weekend they play in Arizona. They appear at Dodger Stadium August 27-29.
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