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Hilmars Jacob Ahid signs with CSU Monterey Bay
Hilmar signing pic
Hilmar Highs Jacob Ahid signs his letter of intent to play for CSU Monterey Bay where he will join the baseball team as a left-handed pitcher. - photo by Photo Contributed

Hilmar High’s Jacob Ahid has been a small-town, valley boy all his life. He’s developed as a baseball player from child to adolescent, but for the next step in his baseball career Ahid will be leaving Hilmar and heading to Seaside where he will become the newest addition to California State University, Monterey Bay.

On Friday, Ahid sealed his fate as a future Otter when he inked his letter of intent for CSU Monterey Bay where he will join the baseball team as a left-handed pitcher.

“I had other options, but when I went to the school I just fell in love with it,” Ahid said. “Monterey’s my favorite city to go to, I love the weather there and the place in general.”

A three-year varsity starter with a strong left arm, Ahid was recruited by several schools such as CSU Stanislaus and CSU East Bay as well as Modesto Junior College, Merced Junior College and San Joaquin Delta College. In the end, however, meeting head coach Walt White was enough to sway Ahid’s decision towards the Otters.

“I really like the coach’s attitude and his intelligence for the game. From what I’ve seen, he’s really all about the kids. He’s experienced and a very, very positive and upbeat guy,” Ahid said. “He made me feel comfortable and he made me want to go there.”

Ahid will join a CSU Monterey Team that is currently in the midst of a winning season with an overall record of 28-18 and only three games remaining on their regular season schedule. Sitting at 23-13 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association as of Friday, the Otters are expected to be contenders in the upcoming CCAA Championship Tournament with their brand of defensive baseball.

Ahid’s role as a freshman has yet to be determined, but the Hilmar senior is confident he’ll find his place once he steps onto campus in the fall. As for his career as a Yellowjacket, Ahid will pitch in the final game of the season against Riverbank on Tuesday where he hopes to bid farewell to his beloved town with a win.

“I really love this school, I love this program, I love this town and I’m going to miss it, but I’m on to bigger and better things,” Ahid said.