San Diego Force Baseball

Hey Houston Astros, We Had Him in a Catcher’s Mask First!

Cassidy Thornburg | June 4, 2019

The San Diego Force’s most recent claim to fame is the Houston Astros’ tenth round pick, the catcher, CJ Stubbs. Stubbs’ selection to the Houston Astros will continue his trend of being four years behind his older brother, Garrett Stubbs. Garrett is already a catcher for the Houston Astros and probably the most excited about his brother becoming one.

With Garrett already playing in the navy blue and orange it was really only a matter of time, four years, after Garrett became an Astro, before CJ too put on the jersey and moved to Texas.

In 2008, Garrett Stubbs attended Torrey Pines HS where he played baseball and was an All-Palomar League Selection. In 2012, CJ Stubbs attended Torrey Pines HS where he played baseball and was an All-Palomar League Selection.

In 2012, Garrett Stubbs graduated HS and attended USC where he played catcher for the Trojans. In 2016, CJ Stubbs graduated HS and attended USC where he played pitcher and catcher for the Trojans.

In 2013, Garrett (Thank God!) played summer ball for the Plymouth Pilgrims in the New England Collegiate League. In 2018, CJ played summer ball for the San Diego Force in the Southern California Collegiate Baseball League (Thanks for the help with the SCCBL Title!).

In 2016, the Houston Astros selected Garrett in the the MLB Draft as a catcher. Now, in 2019, the Houston Astros have selected CJ in the MLB Draft as a catcher.

It was only a matter of time before CJ became an Astro and from here there is no telling what he will do. At USC, he was one of the most multi-faceted players. He would pitch Tuesdays, catch Fridays/Saturdays, and then because that wasn’t enough time in the dirt, hit Sundays. In his two pitching seasons, CJ had three specialty pitches: a low to mid 90s two-seam fastball, a slider, and a changeup, though he was partial to his slider. He finished with a 4.57 ERA in 106 ⅓ innings. CJ’s time at the plate is also worth mentioning. He finished the season with a .844 OPS in 53 starts, only struck out 44 times, and coaxed 20 walks during his junior year. With those statistics and the proven flexibility to take on multiple positions, it is probable that he will again be a two-way player, but this time for the Houston Astros. 

The Force wish CJ Stubbs the best of luck in his coming season and will be rooting for him and his brother Garrett from Sunny San Diego!