By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

If there was ever a kid that gave everything he had from the moment he woke up in the morning to the second his head hit the pillow at night, it’s Charter Oak senior Chris Ceballos.

Ceballos makes a diligent effort daily to better himself as a player, person and student, and carries a 3.8 grade-point average.

His intellect, character, athletic prowess and work ethic made it possible for the Chargers star to commit and extend his baseball career in 2022 at Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

Though being just 18, Chris Ceballos has his (stuff) together.

After a freshman season in which he batted just .152, with seven hits, the program needed him to step up big time.

He did just that.

In 2019, Ceballos was first in: hits (29) and RBIs (20).

And he was second to Gordon Cooper (.422) in average at .387, second to Paul Sanchez in runs (22) with 16, and his eight doubles was just one less than Sanchez, who led the program with nine.

What made such a big difference between his freshman and sophomore year?

After the obvious growing pains and adjustment to varsity baseball, Ceballos worked his butt off to do all the little things right, including his work on the mound, in the outfield and at the plate.

It was also the confidence gained after seeing the results of his hard work pay off on the baseball field.

He also spent time in the weight room to put some muscle on that lanky frame, listened to his coaches and became a true student of the game.

It made all the difference and continues to help his evolution as a ballplayer.

One year later, after seven games, Charter Oak was 4-3 when COVID-19 shut the 2020 season and the world down.

Ceballos was hitting .316, had five base hits, including a double and a triple, and he was 1-1 on the mound, with a 1.56 ERA and a save.

While the world was in disarray and many in a panic, the 17-year old knew exactly what to do.

“I made a gym in my backyard out of wood and cement,” he said. “I used my own money to go to Home Depot, I bought and then cut the wood, had a bar and some plates already, and I worked out every day, so I was being productive. On top of that, I would go run or hike, do yoga, stretch and throw some long toss. I found it much easier to deal with the unknown by being outside and doing stuff that would benefit me and my game when we got the chance to come back. I miss my guys so much. I haven’t played a game with them in over a year and it kills me.”

Early on, Ceballos said he had the benefit of watching and learning from great players and leaders like Gordon Cooper, Jacob Moreno, Nick Ocedo, Diego Flores and Paul Sanchez, who led the way for a program that Coach Elias Chavez has turned into a annual contender.

Ceballos is now 18, and stands 6-foot-3 and 195-pounds.

His duties for this upcoming season include being part of a rotation that features Evan Avitia, Diego Ortiz, Zack Bauer and Anthony Vasquez, hitting somewhere between the No. 2 and No. 4 spot, and playing left field for the Chargers.

He’s very optimistic about what’s possible for Charter Oak, because of the depth at pitching and the expected offensive production of Chris Sanchez, Ethan Millison and Gabriel Rico.

Ceballos also expects big things from reliever Isaiah Alvarez on the mound.

As well respected as Chris is for a number of reasons, you could make the argument that his younger sister, Candace, matches her brother’s accolades.

As a freshman, Candace made the varsity squads of the softball, volleyball and basketball teams.

His family means everything to Chris Ceballos.

Chris’ parents, Veronica and Louis Ceballos, have given everything they have to their two kids.

“My mom has always been there like a great mom is and she’s always making sure that we’re OK. I am so grateful for her love,” Ceballos said. “My dad is someone I’d like to be more like. He’s a great man and says what’s on his mind. He’ll tell you what you want to hear but also what you need to hear. They both love watching and talking about baseball equally.”

And it doesn’t stop there.

The Ceballos family lives with Chris’ grandparents, Martha and Adan Aguilar.

“They have always supported me through every decision I’ve made. They’re always taking me and my sister to our games and are our biggest fans. I am so lucky to have the family I have. My sister and I are loved and we know it.”

When his days at Charter Oak are over, Ceballos thinks Westmont will be a great fit.

“They’re a Christian school and that’s the kind of house I’ve been raised in, so that’s comforting. I also have a good connection with their coaches,” he said. “Plus, being near a beach is never a bad thing.”

Lastly, when you get quotes from teammates and coaches about an athlete, we as writers get a mix of descriptions.

But with Ceballos, to a man (or boy), each of them raved about Chris being a quality player, competitor, teammate and person.

And for that, Louis, Veronica, Martha and Adan must be so proud.

Quotable:

Charter Oak senior, Chris Ceballos: “I also want to thank Coach Elias Chavez and his staff, because they put in so much work and they care for each of us both on and off the field. We all trust and believe in them, because we know they have our best interests at heart, and they want us to be successful in baseball and more importantly in life. We are so excited about the potential of this baseball team and can’t wait to get started.”

Charter Oak coach, Elias Chavez: “Chris’ preparation in the offseason and the extra work he puts in during the season has helped him to become a successful hitter, as well as on the mound. His work ethic is second to none. His maturity over the past three years has been incredible. I need him to be a vocal leader and to set the example. His work ethic and the way in which he attacks practice is everything you want in a leader. I appreciate his overall personality, and he has grown into a great young man.”

South Hills baseball coach, Darren Murphy: “As a sophomore, this kid shredded us one day and I told our pitching coach, that kid just hit us like I haven’t seen a kid to our pitching in some time.”

Charter Oak junior, Evan Avitia: “Chris is a great player who is extremely athletic. He can be a tough pitcher on the mound and a scary guy to face in the batters box. He is extremely competitive and always wants to get better and win. Chris is a great teammate, because he never brings anyone down. He is always there to motivate you when you’re down. I appreciate Chris as a friend, because he is always there for me no matter what.”

Charter oak sophomore, Anthony Vasquez: “Chris Ceballos is a great teammate and competitor. He gives advice to the younger teammates and is always there to help when help is needed. I appreciate his humility and his modesty as a baseball player. Chris Ceballos is also a great friend and is always there for you when you need him to be. Overall, he is a great person/teammate, and can always be counted on.”

Charter Oak senior, Zack Bauer: “Chris does not accept mediocrity from himself or his teammates. He never settles for less than his best, and Chris has always done his best to motivate the team. I appreciate the hard word and dedication Chris shows day in and day out. I can’t imagine my four years on varsity without his friendship and competitive drive. I believe playing with Chris has made me a better player.”

Former Charter Oak shortstop, Jacob Alvarez: “I was teammates with Chris for three years, so I was able to see him grow as a player tremendously over those years. Through the highs and the lows, Chris kept his head down and found ways to better himself. He’s a real student of the game and knows how to be a team player.”

Chris Ceballos Career Stats:

2020:
Hitting: .316, six hits, five runs, five RBIs, double, triple
Pitching: 1-1, 1.56, 1 save, 18 IP, 3 walks, 11 strikeouts

2019:
Hitting: .387, 29 hits, 16 runs, 20 RBIs, eight doubles, triple, home run.
Pitching: 0-0, 11IP, 0 walks, 12 K’s, 3.18 ERA

2018:
Hitting: .152, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBI’s, three doubles
Pitching: 0-0, 4IP, 3 walks, 1K, 0.00 ERA

Charter Oak Team Records:
2020: 4-3
2019: 16-8 overall, 11-4 in league
2018: 14-11, 11-4

** To see Chris’ photo gallery, please click the Facebook link here: Facebook