Aaron Eden’s Road To The Show

From the moment RHP Aaron Eden began playing baseball as a child, he knew that he had a gift. As early as T-ball and through his pre-adolecent life, Eden recalled playing much better than his age group. Now a sophomore at San Diego State University, his ability has elevated and is propelling him toward his dream of playing in the MLB. The big righty is a starting pitcher for the Aztecs and is preparing to showcase his ability in the upcoming 2021 season.

One conversation with Eden and his relaxed, laid-back demeanor confirms he was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. When Eden is off the field, he is a friendly and polite man. However, that all goes away between the lines.

“I’m a dog on the mound,” Eden said. “It’s a different switch for me, when I’m on the mound and when I’m off the mound.”

His physical gift is evident. At 6-foot-2 and 220 lbs, his large stature generates his velocity. Paired with his competitive nature and work ethic, Eden has found his recipe for success.

Before transitioning to becoming a pitcher full-time, Eden was a standout third baseman as a freshman at Crenshaw High School. That year, he boasted a .543 batting average with 22 RBI’s. However, the summer after his freshman year, he drew attention from colleges by beginning his transition from a promising position player to a dominant pitcher. Like much of his baseball career, the transition started off strongly and came relatively easy to him.

“My coaches suggested transferring to pitcher,” Eden said. “I transferred to a pitcher, and I had a really good game, and I had offers like a few days later.”

Throughout his high school career he transferred twice, going from Crenshaw to Westchester High School for 10th and 11th grade. His senior year he graduated from Norco High School in Norco, California. In his last high school season, he managed to produce a 1.85 ERA with 10 wins and 87 strikeouts in 17 games.

His ability led him to receive numerous accolades throughout his high school career and earned him national recognition from scouts at the college and professional level.  No matter how naturally gifted someone is, it takes a certain degree of inspiration and drive to reach the rank that Eden has achieved. Eden said there was one constant motivation that helped him succeed at every level he played.

“My parents,” Eden said. “It takes a lot of love to push me. They’re trying to push me so I can live a better life. I just want them to live comfortable. I don’t want them to ever work again. Honestly, I don’t like that they work now.”

Beyond wanting to reward his family for the love and support they gave him, Eden made it clear that he wants to share his success and knowledge with his community. He spoke about upholding an image that younger people can look up to, showing that he has a level of maturity that isn’t typical of athletes his age.

“The goal is to get drafted and, honestly, be able to give back to my community,” Eden said. “You know, as far as the younger kids who are in the inner city who don’t get much attention. There’s a lot of good players in the inner city who don’t get the chance to be seen.”

As a young, black baseball player, Eden also feels a responsibility to help bring back baseball’s popularity in his community. His passion for the game is evident, and he wants that passion to be shared with everyone he meets.

“It’s the greatest game on earth,” Eden said. “I just wanna show that [baseball] is cool. Play it, it’s fun.”

Though Eden had much success early on, the road to the show isn’t always smooth sailing.

“A common obstacle is being overlooked,” Eden said. “You’re not always going to get the attention that you would expect to get. You’ve got to find who you are.”

Now, Eden is gearing up for the upcoming season where he plans to make his case to be drafted. This season comes after a tough 2020 year where his season was cut very short, and he wasn’t able to display his best stuff. In his full-length freshman year, he won four games for the Aztecs with a 4.01 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 12 starts.

Eden feels confident this year because he took the time to develop a new pitch and train during the pandemic. Every great athlete has to have a solid corner behind them, and he and a few of his close friends pushed each other in workouts during the lockdown.

“We were able to get in the gym every day and also use the track,” Eden said. “It just kind of worked out perfectly.”

Eden also has 1989 World Series MVP Dave Stewart to turn to for advice. Stewart has been mentoring Eden since he was in 10th grade, and they have a very close bond.

“I look up to him a lot,” Eden said. “[A] Black pitcher, one of the best in the game to ever pitch. He’s more than just an adviser, he’s like a father to me, honestly.”

A young man with the guidance, passion, physical gift and work ethic that Eden possesses is rare but should help him find success in the MLB one day. I look forward to watching him continue his successful career and wish him the best entering next season.

Photo courtesy of Raymond Gorospe/The Daily Aztec