November 11, 2026 | Baseball
IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine baseball signed six on National Signing Day with talent from up-and-down California, on the mound and in the field, joining head coach Ben Orloff's 'Eaters.
Jackson Alba | OF - "Jackson is your prototypical top of the order bat and center field defender. He is coming off a huge junior season and will finish off a great high school career. Jackson has the ability to hit for power and is advanced at handling the bat. He is a true baseball player that impacts on the game in a variety of ways." - head coach Ben Orloff
Connor Chanley | INF - "Connor was our most recent addition to this class. He fits the need of the right handed power that we were looking for to balance out the group. He has an ability to hit to all fields and change the game with one swing. Connor is all about getting better and fits the mold of an impact middle of the lineup bat that also has some defensive versatility." - head coach Ben Orloff
Tyson Connelly | RHP - "Tyson is a physical right-handed pitcher from San Marcos. He had a breakout summer and fall as he continued to pitch innings. We were initially drawn to Tyson for his ability to miss bats with his fastball. The slider has now taken a big step forward and he has the potential to have power stuff." - head coach Ben Orloff
Shane D'Arcy | INF - "Shane has hit in the middle of the lineup at JSerra since his sophomore season. He was our first commit in this class and we are all excited he's finally signed. Shane has a good plan at the plate and his strength allows him to really impact the ball. He is all about winning and will make a difference for us next year." - head coach Ben Orloff
Mason Hackler | INF/RHP - "Mason is a physical left-handed hitter that has a knack for hitting the ball hard. He is the profile we all like where the bat is above the current power. Mason is advanced in his ability to control the strike zone as evidence by his 32 walks and only 7 strikeouts last year. Mason is also low 90s on the mound." - head coach Ben Orloff
Dorian Valencia III | LHP - "Dorian is a competitive left-handed pitcher. He continues to improve and I believe he will have a big senior season. He features a fastball that can get to 90 and a good slider. We have been very impressed with Dorian's makeup and competitive spirit. Dorian has big belief that will serve him well next year." - head coach Ben Orloff
| Student-Athlete | Ht / Wt | B/T | Position | Hometown | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson Alba | 5-11 / 160 | L/R | OF | Los Angeles, Calif. | Palos Verdes HS |
| Connor Chanley | 6-3 / 180 | R/R | INF | Orcutt, Calif. | St. Joseph HS |
| Tyson Connelly | 6-2 / 215 | R/R | RHP | San Marcos, Calif. | San Marcos HS |
| Shane D'Arcy | 6-2 / 215 | L/R | INF | San Clemente, Calif. | JSerra Catholic HS |
| Mason Hackler | 6-2 / 195 | L/R | INF/RHP | Turlock, Calif. | Turlock HS |
| Dorian Valencia III | 5-11 / 170 | L/L | LHP | Highland, Calif. | Aquinas HS |
Jackson Alba | OF - "Jackson is your prototypical top of the order bat and center field defender. He is coming off a huge junior season and will finish off a great high school career. Jackson has the ability to hit for power and is advanced at handling the bat. He is a true baseball player that impacts on the game in a variety of ways." - head coach Ben Orloff
Connor Chanley | INF - "Connor was our most recent addition to this class. He fits the need of the right handed power that we were looking for to balance out the group. He has an ability to hit to all fields and change the game with one swing. Connor is all about getting better and fits the mold of an impact middle of the lineup bat that also has some defensive versatility." - head coach Ben Orloff
Tyson Connelly | RHP - "Tyson is a physical right-handed pitcher from San Marcos. He had a breakout summer and fall as he continued to pitch innings. We were initially drawn to Tyson for his ability to miss bats with his fastball. The slider has now taken a big step forward and he has the potential to have power stuff." - head coach Ben Orloff
Shane D'Arcy | INF - "Shane has hit in the middle of the lineup at JSerra since his sophomore season. He was our first commit in this class and we are all excited he's finally signed. Shane has a good plan at the plate and his strength allows him to really impact the ball. He is all about winning and will make a difference for us next year." - head coach Ben Orloff
Mason Hackler | INF/RHP - "Mason is a physical left-handed hitter that has a knack for hitting the ball hard. He is the profile we all like where the bat is above the current power. Mason is advanced in his ability to control the strike zone as evidence by his 32 walks and only 7 strikeouts last year. Mason is also low 90s on the mound." - head coach Ben Orloff
Dorian Valencia III | LHP - "Dorian is a competitive left-handed pitcher. He continues to improve and I believe he will have a big senior season. He features a fastball that can get to 90 and a good slider. We have been very impressed with Dorian's makeup and competitive spirit. Dorian has big belief that will serve him well next year." - head coach Ben Orloff
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