Cesar Valero commits to number one ranked OSU

Tuesday May 23, 2017
By Dustin Saracini
OKOTOKS, Alta. - The Okotoks Dawgs Academy continued their prestigious track record of preparing elite players for the college level this past weekend.

On May 21, 15-year-old Cesar Valero (2B/SS/OF) verbally committed to the No. 1 ranked team in the NCAA, the division one and Pac-12 champion Oregon State University Beavers (45-4).

“When I visited, I had the chance to meet all the coaches -- some of the players -- and I sensed a big family atmosphere,” Valero said.

“Without a doubt, I would say that this is a big part of their success as a team.”

Before committing to OSU, Valero had four division one NCAA college teams tracking him.

The 6’1”, 185-pound utility man has been a member of the Dawgs Academy for three years and has developed his game as a promising young prospect.

“I have had the chance to train in the Dominican Republic and Florida with different coaches and tough training programs,” he explained.

“Thanks to the high-end training and coaching I have received within the Dawgs program I was able to be at the same level as the kids in Florida and in the Dominican. Seeing the places other players train and comparing it with what we have at the Dawgs program, I’ve realized that it’s truly a blessing to be here. The coaches at the Dawgs program shape you mentally and physically to get you to the next level. I am very thankful for having the opportunity to practice and grow as a man at the Dawgs program.”

When he was just 13-years-old, Valero made his Tournament-12 debut at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, scorching a single off a 88-90 MPH fastball. He was the youngest player inside the building and has made the trip every year since. At the 2017 Perfect Game showcase, he earned a grade of nine (out of ten), projected as a player to “watch closely.” He describes his game as defensively versatile, who is equally as good with a bat in his hand.

“On the field I try to keep my head up whether I strikeout or hit a double, make an error or a nice play,” he said.

“I always smile on the field because there’s nothing better to do than play baseball.”

Valero came to Canada with his mother, Maria Sanchez and his father, also named Cesar, from Maracaibo, Venz. 10 years ago. His family moved back and forth between Calgary and Fort McMurray before settling in the former.