Former star athlete for Riordan’s baseball team and staff reporter for The Crusader, Steven Elsner ’20, completed a fantastic 2024 baseball season for the Bruins of Bellevue University, obtaining awards for his accomplishments on and off the field.
During his time at Riordan, Elsner played all four years for the baseball program. Most notably, his senior season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He reflected on an astonishing memory stating, “My last ever high school at bat, I hit a grand slam…right before Covid.”
Later, Elsner went on to play college baseball at the College of Marin.
Over the next two and a half seasons, 2021-2023, Elsner continued to improve his game and get in-game experience for the Mariners. Eventually, he was recruited to play in the NAIA for Bellevue University.
Here, he was challenged with minor adversity being the new kid in town and having to earn his playing time. During the beginning of the season, Elsner was a second string player, but when the starter got injured, he was tasked with a role and never looked back.
He had a monster season, becoming one of the best players in the NSAA and a role player for the Bruins. He achieved success with 19 home runs, a .357 batting average, 1.199 OPS, 62 RBIs, and 5 for 5 on stolen bases.
He was named the 2024 NSAA Newcomer of the Year and a part of the First team all-NSAA.
A member of Riordan’s baseball team, Anthony Tentes ’26, said, “I feel pride that someone from Riordan is playing collegiate baseball at a high level because it shows that anything is possible. Anyone from any high school with hard work and dedication can play the highest level of any sport.”
One of his former coaches at Riordan, Jeff Ramirez praised Elsner explaining, “He had one of the most powerful and explosive bats in program history”
He has big goals for the 2025 season.
“I anticipate myself having an even better year than I did last year,” Elsner expressed regarding his senior season.
To start off the season, he was already named a NAIA Preseason All-American. One goal he has is surpassing the all time home run record at Bellevue University.
After this season, Elsner plans to go to Canada for a collegiate summer league and performing well in order to hopefully receive a professional contract elsewhere.
