Cypress’ Friedman Named Orange Empire’s Top Player

Jason Friedman, a sophomore outfielder from Cypress College, was selected the most valuable player of the Orange Empire Conference by a vote of the conference baseball coaches, it was announced Wednesday.

Friedman, a left-handed hitter, batted .389 with 10 home runs. He led the conference with 65 RBIs, 20 doubles and 77 hits. Friedman, from Cypress High School, also had the hit that clinched the victory that gave Cypress the conference title.

He capped a five-run, ninth-inning rally with a two-run home run as Cypress defeated Fullerton, 6-4, Saturday.

Cypress’ Scott Pickler was selected coach of the year. Here is the first team:

Pitchers: Jack Bailey (Rancho Santiago), Will Barber (Fullerton), Dennis Burbank (Cypress), Todd Bush (Saddleback), Mike Garcia (Riverside), Jeff Patterson (Cypress) and Ryan Thibault (Orange Coast).

Catcher: Terry Tewell (Cypress).

Infielders: Conrad Colby (Rancho Santiago), Marty Cordova (Orange Coast), Mitch Kaylor (Cypress), Craig Paquette (Golden West) and Tim Reynolds (Rancho Santiago).

Outfielders: Robert Bailey (Fullerton), Jason Friedman (Cypress), Steve Gill (Cypress) and Jason Young (Orange Coast).

Utility: Eddie Pierce (Orange Coast).

Designated Hitter: Scott Talanoa (Orange Coast).