Senior Spotlight: Andre Antone
June 14, 2023 | Baseball, Features
Six years of passion, six years of joy, six years of love. Pitcher Andre Antone endured a number of challenges to be in the position that he is in today. From a devastating injury in high school, to reviving old skills during the pandemic, the graduate student embodies all that there is to being an Anteater.
Antone was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, but moved to Orange County at an early age. He grew up in Aliso Viejo and Dana Point where he went to high school at Capistrano Valley Christian.
"I was always outside playing sports," Antone said. "I was in a neighborhood where we had eight or nine kids become Division I recruits on one street."
Antone started playing t-ball at the age of four and never stopped from there. As a kid, he was a big Philadelphia Phillies fan. He credits their 2008 championship team for igniting his true passion for baseball. "I loved watching Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay, Jimmy Rollins, and pretty much that whole team," Antone said about the legendary squad.
In high school, Antone was a three-time league champion and two-time first-team all-league honoree. He was named the San Joaquin League MVP, CVCS Athlete of the Year, and was a First Team All-CIF Division 4 selection as a senior.
These accolades got the attention of the coaching staff at UC Irvine and earned him a scholarship to play for the Anteaters. The decision to play at UCI was not hard for Antone given his love for his family.
"I came to play here because of how close to home it was," Antone stated. "I wanted the ability to share this experience with my parents. My parents have always been supportive throughout my baseball career and I wanted them to be able to come to every game, travel with us, and be a part of it with me."
Although they weren't huge baseball fans before, Antone believes his love for the game sparked a passion within his parents. "I think they love it just as much as I do now. I think baseball has grown on them throughout the years and to share that love with them has been awesome."
However, a major challenge occurred right when everything was falling into place. In 2017, during his senior year of high school, Antone tore his UCL in his throwing arm. This required him to undergo Tommy John surgery, forcing him to redshirt his freshman year at UC Irvine.
To a high schooler, an injury of that magnitude could cause a toll not only physically, but mentally. During the tough times, Antone credits "everyone" for their support to help him push through.
"My parents got me the best surgeon and physical therapist in the area. My high school coach, my friends, and especially the people here, when I got to UCI, were super supportive and helpful."
In 2019, Antone made his Anteater debut. As a freshman, he appeared in 27 games and spent most of the season as a designated hitter and first baseman.
As a sophomore in 2020, Antone appeared in eight games. He also made his first appearance as a pitcher. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season was cut short.
When the pandemic hit, all athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility, giving Antone the opportunity to earn a sixth year with the Anteater program. The shutdown also gave him the chance to truly redevelop his pitching arm.
"During the shutdown, I started working on my arm and pitching again. I was like, you know what? This is fun. Let's do it again."
In 2021, as a junior, play returned. Antone was utilized as a pitcher only, making 13 appearances out of the bullpen. He totaled 16.2 innings pitched with nine walks to 20 strikeouts. That year, the Anteaters stood atop of the Big West and made it to the Stanford Regional Finals.
"(UCI) hadn't been to a regional since 2014. Being part of a team that got the program back there was awesome," Antone said about his postseason experience.
During his senior year in 2022, he had 20 appearances on the mound including his first two career starts. He posted a record of 3-0 with nine walks and 38 strikeouts in 35 innings.
In 2023, his final season as a graduate student, Antone appeared in 22 games with a 3.50 ERA and 46 strikeouts.
During his time at UC Irvine, Antone earned a bachelor's degree in Education and is graduating from the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program this weekend. He wants to explore many opportunities before jumping straight into a career path.
"My skillset can be used in a bunch of different industries. I'm going to field all different opportunities. There isn't anything certain that I want to do yet," Antone said regarding his post-collegiate career.
Antone is forever grateful for the Anteater community and their support.
In a final statement to the community, he said, "Thank you, guys, for your support throughout the years. It's been awesome. These six years have definitely been a journey. I've loved every second of it and there are so many people to thank. You guys have been awesome. Anteaters forever."
Antone was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, but moved to Orange County at an early age. He grew up in Aliso Viejo and Dana Point where he went to high school at Capistrano Valley Christian.
"I was always outside playing sports," Antone said. "I was in a neighborhood where we had eight or nine kids become Division I recruits on one street."
Antone started playing t-ball at the age of four and never stopped from there. As a kid, he was a big Philadelphia Phillies fan. He credits their 2008 championship team for igniting his true passion for baseball. "I loved watching Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay, Jimmy Rollins, and pretty much that whole team," Antone said about the legendary squad.
In high school, Antone was a three-time league champion and two-time first-team all-league honoree. He was named the San Joaquin League MVP, CVCS Athlete of the Year, and was a First Team All-CIF Division 4 selection as a senior.
These accolades got the attention of the coaching staff at UC Irvine and earned him a scholarship to play for the Anteaters. The decision to play at UCI was not hard for Antone given his love for his family.
"I came to play here because of how close to home it was," Antone stated. "I wanted the ability to share this experience with my parents. My parents have always been supportive throughout my baseball career and I wanted them to be able to come to every game, travel with us, and be a part of it with me."
Although they weren't huge baseball fans before, Antone believes his love for the game sparked a passion within his parents. "I think they love it just as much as I do now. I think baseball has grown on them throughout the years and to share that love with them has been awesome."
However, a major challenge occurred right when everything was falling into place. In 2017, during his senior year of high school, Antone tore his UCL in his throwing arm. This required him to undergo Tommy John surgery, forcing him to redshirt his freshman year at UC Irvine.
To a high schooler, an injury of that magnitude could cause a toll not only physically, but mentally. During the tough times, Antone credits "everyone" for their support to help him push through.
"My parents got me the best surgeon and physical therapist in the area. My high school coach, my friends, and especially the people here, when I got to UCI, were super supportive and helpful."
In 2019, Antone made his Anteater debut. As a freshman, he appeared in 27 games and spent most of the season as a designated hitter and first baseman.
As a sophomore in 2020, Antone appeared in eight games. He also made his first appearance as a pitcher. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the season was cut short.
When the pandemic hit, all athletes were granted an extra year of eligibility, giving Antone the opportunity to earn a sixth year with the Anteater program. The shutdown also gave him the chance to truly redevelop his pitching arm.
"During the shutdown, I started working on my arm and pitching again. I was like, you know what? This is fun. Let's do it again."
In 2021, as a junior, play returned. Antone was utilized as a pitcher only, making 13 appearances out of the bullpen. He totaled 16.2 innings pitched with nine walks to 20 strikeouts. That year, the Anteaters stood atop of the Big West and made it to the Stanford Regional Finals.
"(UCI) hadn't been to a regional since 2014. Being part of a team that got the program back there was awesome," Antone said about his postseason experience.
During his senior year in 2022, he had 20 appearances on the mound including his first two career starts. He posted a record of 3-0 with nine walks and 38 strikeouts in 35 innings.
In 2023, his final season as a graduate student, Antone appeared in 22 games with a 3.50 ERA and 46 strikeouts.
During his time at UC Irvine, Antone earned a bachelor's degree in Education and is graduating from the Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program this weekend. He wants to explore many opportunities before jumping straight into a career path.
"My skillset can be used in a bunch of different industries. I'm going to field all different opportunities. There isn't anything certain that I want to do yet," Antone said regarding his post-collegiate career.
Antone is forever grateful for the Anteater community and their support.
In a final statement to the community, he said, "Thank you, guys, for your support throughout the years. It's been awesome. These six years have definitely been a journey. I've loved every second of it and there are so many people to thank. You guys have been awesome. Anteaters forever."
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