The beginning of the NCAA Baseball started last week for school’s outside of Division 1, but tomorrow, it’s go time. Periodically we at the Valley News get to feature some local alumni when the opportunity arises, which, at the moment, brings us to the Aloha State. In a remarkable ascent to collegiate baseball prominence, Temecula Valley High School alumnus Harrison Bodendorf (2022 graduate) is set to ignite the University of Hawaii’s 2024 NCAA baseball season from the mound against Ole Miss this Friday. Feb. 16.
“It’s very special and something you work towards,” Bodendorf stated during an interview with Hawaii’s news station, KHON. “Every pitcher wants to be the Friday guy, so it’s pretty special.”
The gravity of this moment isn’t lost on him as his team faces an SEC powerhouse. Success in this series could set a defining tone for Hawaii’s entire season. Last year, Bodendorf’s heroics for the Hawaii baseball team garnered nationwide attention, earning him the distinction as a 2023 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American – an honor last held by a Rainbow Warrior pitcher six years prior.
The left-hander carved an impressive 5-2 record with five saves and a 3.45 ERA, not to mention his 66 strikeouts to cap an outstanding rookie campaign. Bodendorf was one of two Big West relievers on the list. UC Santa Barbara’s Hudson Barrett also made the team as a reliever.
In high praise of his starting pitcher, Rainbow Warriors head coach Rich Hill shared, “I love him, he is a Chris Sale type of guy. He has a lot in the tank, and he is a great kid, with great character.” Hill describes Bodendorf as a transformational figure – unassuming off-field, yet fiercely competitive when the game is on the line.
This weekend’s series promises to be electrifying and historic – marking the first-ever clash between Hawaii and the storied Ole Miss program. Bodendorf is not just building his formidable legacy; he’s shouldering the dreams of his alma mater and hometown, Temecula – both proud and watchful of their burgeoning baseball star. The Rainbow Warriors will host the Rebels for four games, with single games on Friday and Sunday around a seven-inning, nine-inning doubleheader Saturday.
The anticipation among Hawaii fans is unmistakable, as 39-29 is more than just a record – it reflects Hawaii’s storied history of triumphs over SEC adversaries – a legacy which Bodendorf and his team aim to extend as the new season unfolds. The first pitch for this season opening series game in Honolulu is set for 8:35 p.m. on the West Coast. Fans can live stream the game on ESPN+/Spectrum Sports.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.
