Friends, family, current and former Hart baseball players were introduced today on the Hart High baseball field for the Hart Baseball Preview and Alumni Introduction. Roc Murray and Tad Venger, both from the class of 1977, were inducted into Hart Baseball’s Wall of Fame.

Fans of the Hart Baseball program gathered for a Sunday filled with BBQ and alumni baseball as Hart varsity head coach Jim Ozella announced each player from the frosh, JV and Varsity teams as well as the attending alumni.

Tons of alumni could be seen, including the ceremonial first pitch thrown out by Hart grad Cameron Smyth.

The honored guests of the day, Roc Murray and Tad Venger (c/o 1977), were introduced as the newest members of the Hart Baseball Wall of Fame.

Murray was an All-Foothill League performer for the Indians in 1977 and then spent 33 years coaching high school baseball, most notably as the head coach of Rocklin High School for 23 seasons. He and his father Bud (the legendary former Hart coach) are the only father-son duo to be awarded the California Coaches Association Coach of the Year.

Venger, a former high school All-American, was a three-sport star while at Hart and was drafted in the 1st Round (24th overall) by the Cincinatti Reds in 1977. He would go on to play five seasons of Minor League baseball with the Reds and Kansas City Royals. A Newhall man through and through, Venger now spends his time helping connect young athletes with scholarships for opportunities to move on to the next level.

“The last couple years have been kind of a shy turnout, but this one’s been a lot of fun. All the guy’s are really excited,” said senior captain Cole Roederer.

“They’re [Hart teammates] all in the clubhouse just making fun of each other and having a good time.”

The event was held from 11:00 to 2:00 on the Hart field.

Hart’s 2018 season begins Saturday, February 24th on the road at Poly in the Easton Tournament.

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