COLLEGE BASEBALL: HE GIVES IT HIS ALL FOR CSUN HARD WORK NOTHING NEW TO HAAG.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - Ryan Haag conjures up memories for Cal State Northridge coach Mike Batesole's collegiate days as an Oral Roberts University third baseman.

Haag, a Hart High graduate, plays third base for Batesole's Matadors and does it with a tenacity his coach approves.

``We had a pitching coach in college, (former major-leaguer) Jim Brewer. He was the guy, a big figure, this icon to all of us,'' Batesole said. ``We had a freshman that year, a full-blooded Cherokee who we called Chief. (Brewer) got on him one day about getting down to first base in game speed all the time. And the next day, (Brewer) brought that up to him again. And Chief, as respectively as you can do it without crossing the line and being disrespectful, said, 'Hey, you only have to tell me things one time.' And nobody had ever and will ever speak up like that to (Brewer). He learned it. 'You don't have to tell me that again. I got it.'

``And that's exactly how Haag is. You don't have to tell him two or three times. He's not going to have to come back to the dugout, not have done it, and you have to tell him again. And that's a beautiful thing.''

So is watching Haag begin this season as a platoon player and end it as one of the No. 15 Matadors' top hitters. The sophomore entered this weekend's Big West Conference series against Long Beach State batting .373 with two homers and 21 RBI. He's on a more torrid pace since conference play began (.420, two homers, 17 RBI in 17 games).

Haag earned Batesole's admiration for his work ethic. It's not uncommon for Batesole to lock up his office door at Matador Field while Haag sticks around taking groundballs or extra batting practice swings with assistant coach Mark Kertenian.

But Haag is used to the grind. He spent his teen-age summers working. And unlike many in his position, he didn't get a typical summer gig at the neighborhood pizza parlor or grocery store. His grandfather, Keith Swaner, put Haag to work for his Burbank-based hardwood company that stocks lumber materials for several Home Depot stores in the San Francisco area.

Haag, along with Hart and eventual CSUN teammate J.T. Stotts, spent five days at a time in the Bay Area over two summers. They earned $80 in usually a 16-hour day unpacking the heavy bundles of wood for deliveries. Haag had to forgo trips to the beach and nearby Magic Mountain with buddies, not to mention summer baseball, because he was brought up not to take any free rides.

``It was quite an experience. It was hard work,'' Haag said. ``That's been a thing in my family. My parents haven't really given anything to me. I've always been working hard for it.''

That's the message former Hart coach Bud Murray expressed about Haag, who helped the Indians win a Southern Section championship in 1999.

And Haag is one of many reasons for CSUN elevating itself into the Top 25 and into first place in the Big West.

The Matadors' lineup has been basically set all year with the exception of shortstop and third base. Haag was part of a third-base-by-committee rotation that included senior Jason Gorman and freshman John Voita.

``You just want to do what you can do for the team,'' Matadors catcher Jason Allec said of Haag's sporadic starts early in the season. ``And Ryan's done a great job with that. He doesn't get offended, because he's a team player.''

Haag made the best of a difficult situation when he auditioned for the starting third-base job. He played second base as a freshman, but senior Texas Tech transfer Shaun Larkin has started 47 of 48 games there.

He finally earned his way into an everyday spot and has given Batesole no reason to take it away. Haag's also emerged as an effective leadoff hitter, which he'd never been asked to try throughout his career. His .471 on-base percentage ranked second on the team.

``One of our jobs is to score first and I feel if I get on base in the first inning we're going to most likely score,'' said Haag, who as always never takes anything for granted. ``Once I got in the lineup and got my chance, luckily I got it done and continue to get it done. Things haven't changed. I still come out here early, still take my extra hacks. I still feel I'm not settled in the lineup. We've got other guys behind me who can do a great job. Every day I'm battling for my position.''

And nobody has to remind Haag of that. At least not more than one time.

``I don't have to worry about him saying, 'I'm the starting third baseman. It's my job. I'm going home a little early today. I'm going to get to the park a little bit later today.' It's not going to happen with him,'' Batesole said. ``He understands that concept.''

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Ryan Haag, a former Hart High player, is a standout third baseman for nationally ranked Cal State Northridge.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer