#8 Chris Maldonado
IF
Head coach Tim Corbin on Maldonado: “Chris is a very mature, old soul. He is a steady, predictable, low maintenance human being, who exhibits gratefulness with his actions. He has a teachable spirit and a strong will to get better. He worked his way onto the field last year as a freshman, because of his mature approach at the plate. We like Chris’ versatility in the infield and his competitive offensive potential. He has a good baseball acumen and winning fibers. All his character traits show up off the field as well…Dean’s List student.”
As a Freshman (2023)
• Led team in batting average
• Two-run home run vs. Oregon (June 3) in NCAA Tournament
• Named to All-Tournament Team at SEC Tournament
• Drove in a pair of runs and homered vs. Kentucky (April 29)
• Three hits, including a solo homer, against Georgia (April 2)
• 3-for-3 with two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored in win vs. Georgia (April 1)
• 3-for-5 with a home run in 12-2 win over #3 Ole Miss (March 16)
• Nine of his first 16 hits as a Commodore went for extra bases (seven doubles, two home runs)
• First collegiate home run vs. LMU (March 12)
• First collegiate hit was an RBI double vs. Minnesota (March 5)
The Maldonado File
• Attended Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, N.J.)
• Top 150 prospect according to Perfect Game and No. 9 overall prospect from New Jersey
• 2022 Perfect Game Preseason All-Northeast Region first team
• Hit .353 with five home runs, eight doubles, two triples and 21 RBI as a senior
• 2021-22 Team Captain
• Helped lead team to county tournament championship, conference championship and North Jersey Final appearance in 2022
• Made academic honor roll all four years
• Son of Frank and Gina
• Brother to Alexa, Frank and Chris
• Father, Frank, played baseball at Manhattan College
• Sister, Alexa, played softball at Notre Dame (2009-12)
• Brother, Frank, played baseball at Pittsburgh (2014-18)
• Brother, Nick, is current teammate at Vanderbilt (2020-pres.)
• Full name is Christopher John Maldonado
• Hobbies include fishing