April 13, 2004
| Adam Sorgi |
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| Sport: Baseball |
Adam Sorgi is accustomed to achieving success wherever he plays. During the summer of 2003, Sorgi lead the Orange County Renegades to the 2003 Palomino World Series title. As a senior in high school, Sorgi hit .430 with 10 home runs. He led Capistrano Valley High School to the 2003 South Coast League Championship while earning All-South Coast League MVP honors. In 2000 and 2001, Sorgi's Capistrano Valley teams won Southern CIF titles.
Even as a child, Sorgi's teams were successful. Sorgi even had the opportunity to play in the 1997 Little League World Series.
Sorgi didn't just happen to be on any of these teams by luck. He has been a huge part of the success each of his teams has enjoyed. His Capistrano Valley teammates recognized Sorgi's leadership by voting him team captain for both his junior and senior seasons. Sorgi was also voted team MVP his senior year.
Sorgi enjoyed so much success over his high school career that MLB scouts took notice. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 49th round of the 2003 MLB First-Year Player Draft.
"It was an honor to be drafted by the Phillies," Sorgi said. "Playing Major League Baseball is a goal of mine. To be put on the map at such an early age was great."
Even though Sorgi was honored and excited about his prospective MLB career, he chose to continue his education before playing pro baseball.
"The benefits of having a college degree, especially from Stanford, are too overwhelming to pass up," Sorgi explained. "I'll get better at playing baseball, and I'll learn. The opportunity will still be there and if it's not then I'll have a Stanford degree."
Sorgi has always focused on his education as well as athletics. He graduated from high school with a 3.9 GPA. Intellect is an important part of life to Sorgi and a big reason why he chose to play baseball over other sports.
"I played a lot of sports growing up," Sorgi said. "I always liked the intelligent part of baseball. There are a lot of parts of the game that people don't understand."
With his impressive baseball background and intelligence, it is no surprise that Sorgi has had an impressive start to his career at Stanford. The freshman had an excellent fall practice session. He began this year as a reserve player but his natural skill brought him a chance to excel early in the season.
Sorgi has noticed many differences between college baseball and the levels of baseball he has participated in previously.
"The ball moves a lot quicker, not necessarily just the pitching but overall," Sorgi explained. "If you're not on your toes all the time then you're going to get left behind."
Sorgi has certainly been on his toes since the start of the season.
Sorgi's first appearance of the season came in the middle game of Stanford's opening series against Cal State Fullerton on January 31. Stanford was down by one run in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners on first and second and two outs. Stanford head coach Mark Marquess needed a pinch-hitter. He told Sorgi to grab a bat.
"I was pretty nervous stepping up to the plate that first time. You've been up to the plate 1000's of times before but you're never fully prepared," Sorgi said.
As it turned out, Sorgi had nothing to worry about. He stroked an RBI single to tie the game, propelling Stanford to an 8-7 comeback victory.
Sorgi has not looked back since his first appearance. His talent has earned him a platoon spot at shortstop for most of the season.
"It feels great to have the opportunity to play at Stanford," Sorgi said. "It's almost like a dream come true. I'm lucky to be where I am."
Luck may be one reason for Sorgi's success but natural ability is more likely the cause. Sorgi comes from an athletic family. His sister, Erica, was a top diver for Stanford.
"I'm definitely the second-best athlete in the family," laughed Sorgi. "She's the best competitor I know."
Sorgi also takes advantage of Erica's expertise when it comes to sports.
"I know I can turn to her if I'm in a tough situation," stated Sorgi. "She taught me at a young age to work, and she keeps my spirits up."
The rest of Sorgi's family also inspires him to excel. Sorgi's little sister, Tori, who is affected with downs syndrome, has taught Sorgi many things about life.
"Tori keeps things in perspective," Sorgi explained. "She has taught me more than you can ever teach in the classroom."
Sorgi also gives his parents, Edward and Anne, a lot of credit.
"My parents have always supported me," Sorgi said. "The biggest part of my life is my whole family."
Sorgi attributes much of his athletic success to his early coaches.
"Jim Gattis, Bob Zamora, and Jose Tolentino have taught me a lot," Sorgi said about the three men that combined to coach Sorgi from his little league days through high school, helping him develop the skills he now possesses. "Without my coaches, I would not have achieved everything I have."
While Sorgi enjoys his success, he never forgets to have fun. He and his teammates enjoy the camaraderie that comes with any team.
"On the field we're all business. We work hard - that's why we have success, but we have fun too," concluded Sorgi.
Judging from what Sorgi has already accomplished, he should enjoy both fun and success at Stanford for a long time to come.
By Janelle Kwietkauski