A year ago, his high school baseball career was in jeopardy. Six months ago, he was back at the plate. Two weeks ago, he was named the top player in his league.
Twelve months removed from undergoing “Tommy John” surgery on his right arm (slight tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow), Malibu High’s Chase Lambert was named the Most Valuable Player in the Frontier League.
Lambert batted .450 and led the Sharks in hits, runs, doubles, triples, RBIs and home runs.
“Chase has been part of the heart and soul of this program as a four-year varsity starter and has helped us evolve as a program in so many ways,” Malibu coach Ari Jacobs said. “His talents, leadership and how much of a fierce competitor he is will be dearly missed. His dedication, work ethic and playing for Malibu High has helped set a path for success.”
Lambert was also the Frontier League MVP in 2013. The talented shortstop moved over to second base this past season so there would be less of a strain on his arm. Lambert led the Sharks to a second consecutive league title and to the CIF quarterfinals, the farthest a Malibu team has ever advanced.
One minute Lambert was facing the toughest challenge of his young baseball career. He overcame it with flying colors — blue and orange to be exact.
Lambert accepted a scholarship offer to play at Pepperdine, a division-I program boasting some of the best baseball players in the region. The WCC Champion Waves went 43-18 this past year, their best season since 1992.
“It’s great and exactly where I want to be. I’m really excited to go and play division-I baseball,” Lambert said. “I have always wanted to play at the highest level that I can possible. I get to play against the best players in Southern California, so it’s really exciting. It’s a dream come true.”
Jacobs felt Lambert’s commitment to Pepperdine was a defining moment for his program.
“His signing with Pepperdine is not only great for him but it tells local players who may be considering a slew of private schools that playing Malibu High School baseball can get you to exactly the same place,” said Jacobs. “Chase owns nearly every offensive record at Malibu and his production and leadership will be missed.”
Joining Lambert on the All-League first team were pitchers Noah Simon and Andre Simoneau.
Simon, a senior who has committed to play at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, performed well in clutch situations for MHS time and time again. His pitching exploits are to be commended after a sparkling career for the Sharks.
Simoneau returns for another season as the junior lefty inherits the mantle that Simon has left behind.
Junior first baseman Bronson Bard and sophomore shortstop Dylan Ross each made the second team. Senior catcher Chris Falk and sophomore third baseman Ezra Allen received honorable mentions.
Softball
Freshman Cristina Batres earned Frontier League first-team honors after leading the Sharks with a .460 batting average and collecting four wins in the circle. Sophomore third baseman Rachel McConnell made second-team All- League.
Batres is transferring to Agoura High School after moving out of the district.
“Cristina will be missed dearly by her teammates and her coach. She played with a lot of heart,” Coach Mark Cooley said. “Rachel was our power hitter this year, scorching the ball. She accounted for a great deal of our RBIs. When Rachel’s bat is on, there is no stopping her.”
Boys Volleyball
Malibu was represented on the Tri- Valley League first team by senior outside hitter Chris Papavassiliou. Senior setter Boogie Baldwin earned second team honors while sophomore opposite hitter Dane Marshall made honorable mention.
“There’s a quote of Michael Jordan’s that I always like to fall back on, ‘Earn your leadership every day,’” Coach Airess Padda said. “Chris did just that. He was never late to practice, he only missed once because he was very sick, and even when he should have stayed home the second day he did everything in his power to make it to that practice. When you have an athlete that driven on your team, you’re the lucky one.”
Boys Golf
Senior Josh Corrigan and junior Matt Awbrey made first-team in the Frontier League. Corrigan averaged an 85.5 score on 18 holes while Awbrey recorded a 91.2 in six league matches.