Rams pitcher eyes bright future

By Aaron Turner
Staff Writer

Although only in his first season at the collegiate level, Rams pitcher Eric Lara has a bright future waiting for him. The freshman out of Balboa High School in San Francisco has already signed a letter of commitment to George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Lara, who was scouted by schools such as Purdue, Cal Poly, and the University of San Francisco, talked about why he ultimately went with George Washington University.

“They were the most serious about me,” he said. “They offered me the scholarship, so if they want me, then that’s where I’m going to go.”

Although the San Francisco-born student will be far from home, he appeared very happy to be joining George Washington’s program next season.

“I’m just excited. It was always my dream to play at a four-year school,” Lara said. “Plus, if they want to pay for it, then I’m going,” he added with a laugh.

Lara is also excited to be playing at a program that has had a handful of players reach the major leagues.

The signing is the earliest since Rams head coach John Vanoncini has been at City College. To him, it was just one of many for City College’s baseball program.

“We have 90 percent of our guys sign with four-year schools,” Vanoncini said. “So we work really hard to not only find places for guys to play, but also find a place that will fit the best with them.”

The George Washington Colonials, who play in college baseball’s Atlantic 10 Conference, will definitely provide stiff competition for Lara. George Washington University finished tied for seventh place in the conference last season with a 26-29 record overall.

Vanoncini also had plenty of praise for his freshman pitcher who he expects to be a key part of his pitching rotation.

“I think Eric is just going to get better and better each year,” he said. “I told the coach at George Washington that I think he will be even better than he will be here. Eric seems like he steps up his game when there is even stiffer competition, and he is still figuring out how good he can be.”