Oregon baseball’s Kevin Minjares’ journey to Oregon was complicated and a bit lucky. Minjares is starting his first year at Oregon this season — as a senior. The 5-foot 6, 152-pound shortstop is doing what many thought he couldn’t — playing collegiate baseball.
“It didn’t feel real at first,” Minjares said. “It was a long road … I don’t regret any step I’ve taken.” @@name checked@@
A graduate of Camarillo High School in Camarillo, Calif., Minjares earned two defensive player of the year awards and hit .375 in his senior season. In baseball however, the ball doesn’t always drop your way. The talented middle infielder had scouts visit him but he never got what he desired: an offer.
The high energy middle infielder was never alone. His older brother, Michael Minjares, fought by Kevin’s side because he had gone through nearly exactly what Kevin did.
No one expected Kevin to play collegiate baseball, but there was at least one person who knew he had it in him: Michael. Michael, who shares a similar body size to Kevin, played at Gonzaga out of high school and knew that if he could do it, so could Kevin.
“The harder you work the better off you’re going to become as a person, a player and a student,” Michael said. “That’s something I’ve always relayed to Kevin.”
Kevin then committed himself to Oxnard Junior College, the same junior college where Michael transferred to after Gonzaga. In two years Kevin was awarded a Gold Glove and batted .293 and .288, respectively. Yet Kevin had a quality that every successful team needs: energy.
“I’m not going to give half effort because I don’t have room for error,” Kevin said. “I have to give everything I have.”
Being shorter, Minjares always knew he was at a disadvantage but he never quit. And then, the ball finally dropped for Kevin. His high effort, high energy play caught Oregon assistant coach Mark Wasikowski’s eye. @@name checked@@
“Kevin is just a little squash by a guy. He’s tiny,” Wasikowski said. “But the energy was something when you watched him play … he plays like a big man.”
Minjares got some extra help from current Duck Scott Heineman, who put in the good word to Wasikowski. Then, after a sophomore showcase, Minjares got his number called. @@name checked@@
“It didn’t feel real at first,” Minjares said. “I’ll never forget that day.”
Minjares continues to be grateful for his friend and roommate Heineman for his help.
“I tell Scott every day and tease him here and there that I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you,” Minjares said.
Minjares had made it, finally.
His older bother, whom he refers to as a second dad, was as proud as anyone.
“I’m super proud as an older brother to have been able to walk him through the steps,” Michael said. “Whether you’re in the game or not, I’m going to support you no matter what.”
Follow Andrew Bantly on Twitter @abant3