Yale Rosen, an Oak Harbor High School senior, as given a verbal commitment to Edmonds Community College to play baseball for the Tritons next year.

Rosen made the decision Monday, Jan. 17, and chose Edmonds because it has a “tradition of fielding very competitive teams in the NWAACC” and he was “very impressed with coach (Brad) Ditter and the rest of the Edmonds Community College staff.”

Edmonds offered Rosen what he called a “generous” scholarship package.

He added, “Coach Ditter has been very successful in helping players move on to play and continue their careers at four-year universities or to play pro ball…I really like his coaching style…I think he can help me achieve my goals of playing D1 and/or pro ball.”

Rosen was recruited by several four-year schools but chose the CC route because it allows him “to keep his options open for the future.”

Last spring Rosen hit .450 and was a first-team all-Wesco North selection.

Oak Harbor coach Tyson VanDam said Edmonds recruited Rosen because they liked his potential: “He’s a 6-4, 200-pound lefty that can hit and throw; what’s not to like?”

VanDam said Rosen’s strong work habits, maturity and general knowledge should increase his chances of success at the next level.

Rosen, who carries a 3.25 grade-point-average, hopes to major in environmental science or landscape architecture.

He was also recruited by several other Washington community colleges, Pacific Lutheran University, Northern State University of South Dakota and Western Oregon University.