Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Rutgers-Newark senior Christian Diaz could very well be one of the most versatile baseball performers in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. 

Not only is Diaz a feared hitter with a mighty, powerful stroke, but he is also a capable pitcher, serving as a valuable member of the Scarlet Raiders’ relief brigade. 

“It is different and it’s definitely not easy,” Diaz said. “From the simple fact that I have to get my work in with both the pitchers and the hitters. I spend time with the pitchers, running, going over strategy and the opponents, then I have to go do my hitting work as well.” 

But Diaz doesn’t seem to mind that he plays the dual role for the Scarlet Raiders. 

“I consider it an honor,” said Diaz, who was an All-Bergen County selection at New Milford in high school, leading his team to two consecutive NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group I sectional titles and one overall Group I crown. “It’s an honor to have the best of both worlds. It’s cool that I’m able to do both.” 

Diaz came to Rutgers-Newark with the thought that he would eventually be the Scarlet Raiders’ starting third baseman. 

“Although I was a pitcher in high school, I thought of myself more as a third baseman and a hitter,” said Diaz, who had a brilliant senior year at New Milford, hitting six homers and delivering 41 RBI. “That was more my style.” 

Diaz enjoyed a highly successful freshman year, starting 32 games at third base, hitting .286 with three homers and 25 RBI. Twice that season, Diaz was named the NJAC Rookie of the Week. But that year, Diaz did not pitch once. 

Before his sophomore season began, Diaz was approached by both head coach Mark Rizzi and pitching coach Vin Byron to see if he would help out with the Scarlet Raiders’ pitching depth. 

So in 2007, Diaz started once again at third, batting .240 with two homers and 19 RBI. He also started three games on the mound and pitched in relief in three others. All totaled, Diaz pitched more than 20 innings that season, beginning his jack-of-all-trades role with the squad. 

When the 2008 season was set to begin, Diaz saw his role dramatically change. Joe Furnaguera was brought in to be the every day third baseman. 

“Coach Rizzi decided that I would be more productive and more beneficial to the team coming off the bench and working out of the bullpen,” Diaz said. “Joe took my starting role and I understood that. But by being in the bullpen, it gave me the opportunity to still hit from time to time and get some innings in.” 

Of course, having keen focus is important when playing a bench role. 

“I remember one game against Rutgers-Camden that went 17 innings,” Diaz said. “I remember being in the bullpen and wondering when I was going to come in.” 

Diaz eventually picked up the win by hurling two innings of relief in that game, getting the last batter on a strikeout. 

“That was such a great feeling,” Diaz said. “I’ll never forget that game.” 

Diaz also had another dramatic moment in the 2008 season, when he delivered a three-run pinch-hit homer against Ramapo -- his third pinch-hit home run in a span of 11 days. 

“Three of my four homers last year came in pinch hit situations,” Diaz said. “I came off the bench with the game on the line and delivered. I’m glad I had a chance to come through then. Coach Rizzi had all the confidence in the world to let me go out there and get the job done. I’m very grateful for that opportunity.” 

Diaz led the Scarlet Raiders in slugging percentage (.638) and had his best season at the plate, batting .319. He had four homers and 14 RBI in just 47 at-bats. 

Diaz also pitched in nine games in relief, serving as both a set-up man and closer. 

“I like being on the mound with the game on the line,” Diaz said. “I feel like I’m in control. I want to be the one who puts a zero on the board. I know it sounds a little cocky, but you have to be. It’s more having confidence than anything. 

Added Diaz, “I like being able to talk for both the hitters and the pitchers. We have a great lineup with good hitters. If they score, then I want to be the one who keeps the momentum going by shutting down the other team.” 

Diaz has already started off his senior year in fine fashion, belting a homer against Purchase in the team’s doubleheader at Rutgers University in Piscataway. It was Diaz’ 10th career homer. 

“I never forget any of the homers,” Diaz said. “My dad (Rolando) gets every home run ball and puts it in a case for me. Hopefully, I’ll have a lot more to come. I’ve always been a hitter and known for hitting home runs. I think there’s more of a rush when I hit a homer as opposed to getting a hitter to strike out. But they’re both good feelings.” 

Diaz is majoring in criminal justice at R-N and will get his degree in May. 

“I always loved forensics and that Dominic Dunne show on True-TV,” Diaz said. “I’m fascinated with crime shows and murder mysteries. I always like doing detective work and stuff. But I really want to go into my own business. I don’t know what kind of business, but I want to be my own boss and be in control.” 

Just like Christian Diaz is with a bat in his hand. Or on the mound. He always seems to be in control.