The Cowlitz Black Bears are proud to announce the addition of sophomore infielder Javier Vazquez from Rice University to the 2025 roster.
Vazquez, a product of the prestigious IMG Academy, put together an impressive senior campaign before heading to the collegiate ranks. He hit .379 with a .493 on-base percentage and a .988 OPS while scoring 36 runs, driving in 32, and stealing 28 bases in 33 games. His performance earned him the team’s Top Hitter Award and capped off a high school career that featured a .361 batting average.
Now at Rice, Vazquez continues to develop as a versatile infielder with strong offensive instincts, speed on the bases, and a high baseball IQ.
Baseball excellence runs in his blood—his father, Javier Vazquez, pitched 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1998 to 2011, racking up 165 career wins and more than 2,500 strikeouts. A 2004 All-Star, the elder Vazquez was known for his command and durability on the mound.
With a deep baseball pedigree and exciting tools of his own, Vazquez Jr. is poised to be a key contributor for the Black Bears this summer.
Welcome to Cowlitz, Javier!