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By Kendall Flynn
Cronkite News
PHOENIX – MLB prospects in the Arizona Fall League went back to school over the weekend to relive their days of playing college baseball or, for some, experience competing on a college stage for the first time.
The Mesa Solar Sox (9-6) prevailed 14-10 over the Peoria Javelinas (4-11) Friday at GCU Ballpark as part of the AFL’s long-time partnership with Grand Canyon University that allows the Lopes to host games on campus. For GCU players who are set to participate in the MLB Desert Invitational in February 2025, hosting a Fall League offers the chance to see the growth that is possible for them to achieve in a college career.
For Xavier Isaac, ranked as MLB’s 36th-best prospect, playing at GCU was a first-time experience. The Tampa Bay Rays drafted him out of Forsyth High School in Kernersville, N.C. in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. At No. 29, he was the highest-selected first baseman in that draft.
“It’s actually my first time playing on a college field, so I kind of liked it,” Isaac said. “It was a little bit better than the Fall League, too, music-wise and fan-wise. So, I had fun.”
Andrew Pintar, a 2022 Arizona Diamondbacks draft pick from Brigham Young University who suited up for the Javelinas, shared Isaac’s excitement about playing at GCU Ballpark and reflected on his time playing college ball. Pintar, an infielder for the Cougars from 2020-22, posted his best college season in 2021 with a batting average of .333 in 189 at-bats, 31 RBI and nine home runs.
“When I heard we were coming here, I was excited,” Pintar said. “It feels like I’m back in college again. It’s fun to get out of the ordinary, what we’ve been doing every day, and play in a different environment like this.”
Pintar set the tone with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning, answering Niko Kavadas’ two-run shot in the top of the frame. He finished the game hitting 3-for-5 with three RBI.
“Just the competition. The competition is really good day in and day out,” Pintar said about his experience in the AFL. “This is some of the best players from the minor league, so it’s just awesome getting to play against each other every day and compete.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot here. Just like I said, the competition just makes you better day in and day out, both mentally and physically.”
There’s no question that athletes who receive the opportunity to play in the AFL demonstrate immense skill and talent. Each athlete hopes their time in the league will demonstrate their ability to start on the big stage in the major leagues.
The AFL is composed of teams made up of the top seven prospects per major league team, allowing them to improve their technique. However, when athletes travel together and build friendships, their experience on the field is incomparable.
As they compete, the players are focused on the progression of their hitting, perfecting their technique and making the most of their at-bats. However, the league also gives them an opportunity to connect with each other.
“We were actually talking about this yesterday,” Pintar said. “The connections we’re making right now, we’re looking forward to keeping those as we grow and develop each year and hopefully make the big leagues together.”
Denzel Clarke, a fourth-round selected by the Oakland A’s in the 2021 Draft, joined Pintar in his return to the college stage with the Fall League game at GCU Ballpark. Selected out of high school in the 36th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Clarke played outfielder for California State University Northridge from 2019-2021.
During his time with the Matadors, Clarke earned the 2021 Big West Conference Tri-Defensive Player of the Year and All-Big Western Conference Second Team. He led CSUN in 2021 with 15 stolen bases and ranked second on the team in hits, doubles, home runs, RBIs, and walks.
While his time at CSUN was rewarding, Clarke enjoyed the MLB simulation his two Fall League seasons have provided.
He said even having a connection on another team is fun for him. For Clarke, the connection goes beyond shaking hands after a game – it extends to continuing communication outside of the stadium to grab breakfast. He said the opportunity to play in the Fall League overall improves those relationships across the board.
“It really simulates going into the postseason, just extending your season a bit more,” Clarke said. “You got to lock in mentally a little more, just really working hard to just stay locked in. It’s really fun with a bunch of new guys, (a) new group of guys, just getting connected.”
The focus on technique perfection and creating friendships is a testament to what the AFL brings to athletes preparing for the major leagues. As a result, Isaac will love looking back on his time in the league.
“I don’t regret it at all,” Isaac said. “I love playing with different guys that I haven’t played on the same team. I’m just meeting new guys, meeting new friends and it’s very fun.”
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