SPRINGFIELD, Oh. - When the Champion City Kings take the field for their inaugural season in late May, they will have four players from Tony Gwynn's San Diego State Aztecs. Pitchers Aaron Cross, Zack Oakley, and Marcus Reyes, along with infielder Tanner Reibenspies have signed with the club for the 2014 summer season.

Cross, a freshman from Rialto, Calif., was a standout left-hander in high school and played for the Baseball Performance Academy Team DeMarini at the 2013 WWBA 17 and Under National Championship. He is expected to be a regular out of the Aztecs' bullpen this Spring.

 

"Aaron's competitiveness on the mound is second to none," said Kings manager Brett Neffendorf. "He put up some incredible numbers in high school out of the top program on the west coast and has already proven at SDSU he can contribute in any role as a freshman."

 

Oakley, a sophomore from Live Oak, Calif., is another relief pitcher for the Aztecs. The right-hander tossed 13.1 innings out of the bullpen last season and allowed opponents to hit just .216. Last summer, Oakley pitched for the Quincy Gems of the Prospect League.

 

"Zack will bring a lot to the table as an impact arm out of our pen this summer," said Neffendorf. "With the ability to pitch in many different capacities and experience pitching in the Prospect League last summer, I expect Zack to be a leader for our pitching staff."

 

Reyes, a Vista, Calif., native is a left-handed freshman and is expected to be utilized this Spring as a situational reliever by the Aztecs. In high school, Reyes was named as a 2013 Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason High School Underclassmen All-America Honorable Mention.

 

"As a guy that will attack the zone with four pitches, he has the ability to play many roles for us," Neffendorf said. "Whether it's coming out of the pen to face lefties or getting a spot start, Reyes will be a key factor to our success."

 

Reibenspies is a redshirt sophomore who spent time at shortstop, second base, and third base for the Aztecs during his freshman season in 2012. That summer, the Simi Valley, Calif., native played for the Brockton (Mass.) Rox of the Futures Collegiate League and hit .235 with four doubles, a home run, 11 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 43 games.

 

"What I love about Tanner is his willingness to help a team in whatever way he is asked, said Neffendorf. "Over the course of 60 games you will see Tanner play every position in the infield and outfield."

 

 

The Champion City Kings are a member of the collegiate wood-bat Prospect League. Home games are played at Carleton Davidson Stadium in Springfield. Advertising and team information is available at www.championcitykings.com or by emailing info@championcitykings.com.