2023 Team Preview: Arlington Lions

The Road to the California State Games begins with the 2023 California high school baseball season. With the season just around the corner, our staff has begun putting out team previews from all around the state, getting you prepared for another year of exciting coverage.

Today we focus on the Arlington Lions who are looking to follow up on its River Valley League championship last season. With a 27-2 overall and 15-0 league record in 2022, the 2023 Lions make the move up to D1 and will look to compete in the playoffs amid tougher competition.

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Team:

Arlington Lions

Head Coach (years at school):

Tim Kleveno (7)

Twitter Handle:

@lions_arlington

CIF Section & Division:

CIF SS D1

Conference/League Name:

River Valley League

Last Year’s Record:

27-2

15-0 (League) 

2022 Playoff Run:

Lost in first round of CIF SS D2 playoffs vs. Torrance

# of Returning Starters:

4

# of Returning Pitchers:

3

Team Expectations:

"Lions look to continue to make strides as they approach another challenge moving up to CIF Division one. Expectations are high and hope to continue the team's success by advancing to the division one playoffs."

Team Strengths:

"Pitching is a definite strength with two returning starters who saw significant innings last year. The Lions boast two division one arms so strike throwing should be the name of the game."

Areas of Improvement:

"Offense  is an area the Lions look to make significant strides in. With hopes to add more fire power to the middle of the batting order."

College Commitments:

Jack Kleveno - Catcher - 2023 - University of Utah

Andrew Rudd - Pitcher - 2023 - California Baptist

Ryan Hetzler - Pitcher - 2023 - California Baptist 

Jayden Sanchez - Outfielder - 2023 - UC Riverside 

Nathan Chavez - Outfielder/LHP - 2025 - California Baptist

Top Uncommitted 23s:

Kael Corridan - 1B/RHP

Tre Minisee - INF/RHP

Alex Gamez - Outfielder

Top Uncommitted 24s:

Nathan Ortega - INF 

Top Uncommitted 25s:

Nick Velazquez - INF

Top Uncommitted 26s:

Troy Khasaempanth - LHP/OF