Before the age of 20, twice-drafted Renegade pitcher Kyle Witten is continuing his education at Bakersfield College in hopes of being drafted into the major leagues.
Witten, 19, the youngest of three children, moved from Riverside, California in the eighth grade and has resided in Bakersfield ever since. For the last 14 years, Witten continues to play the sport of baseball, which he loves above all others.
A graduate of Liberty High School in 2006, Witten was drafted in the 25th round by the Atlanta Braves, which he declined.
The following year, Witten was drafted again, this time in the 26th round.
He was offered $80,000 to sign with the Minnesota Twins, yet Witten, who hopes to play professional baseball someday, decided that attending BC for another year was the best course of action.
“Going to college and getting my AA would be a good idea,” Witten said.
BC has enabled Witten to greatly improve his pitching through the continued guidance of head coach Tim Painton, who works with Witten on mechanics, allowing him to improve his 88 mph fastball that he had in high school to one that now tops out at 94 mph.
“My mechanics were terrible when I came in. The coaches have so much knowledge, and I understand the game better,” Witten said.
Witten’s record is 2-0 and opposing batters are hitting .270 against him.
Balancing a full load of college classes can be challenging for any student even without extra curricular activities.
“It’s a grind, I would rather just play baseball, but if this is what I have to do, then I’ll do it,” said Witten. BC practices anywhere from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m each day, hosts teams and travels each week during the season.
Witten will wait to see where he is drafted on June 6, although he has already signed a letter of intent with Cal State-Fullerton.
The official Western State Conference season begins Feb. 21, when the Renegades go on the road to play Citrus at 2 p.m. and return home Feb. 23 to host Citrus at 1 p.m.