Yuba City's Olson named All-American

One glaring statistic motivated Tyler Olson last offseason — .190.

Olson's sub-Mendoza Line batting average in 2010 pushed him to get better.

He spent hours in the batting cage, weight room and doing anything he could to contribute to Yuba City High's baseball program as a senior.

As sweet as the 2010 Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title was, Olson said he knew he had more to offer as a baseball player.

About a year later, the Class of 2011 graduate has received yet another postseason accolade in an ever-growing trophy case.

Olson was selected as a Louisville Slugger High School All-American honorable mention as a multi-position player, following his breakout senior season.

Olson batted .521 for the Honkers in 2011, set the school record with 16 doubles in a season and drove in 31 runs.

That's not even mentioning his prowess on the pitcher's mound.

The right-hander went 6-0 this season with a 1.35 ERA in 462⁄3 innings pitched. He struck out 63 while walking only 15.

Olson said he didn't even know about the All-American award until his future baseball coach at Willamette University called him.

"I was pretty surprised," Olson said. "From last year hitting .190 and barely seeing the field to this season, it's been pretty cool."

Olson's All-American label is just one of many postseason honors the soon-to-be college freshman has received.

He was the Tri-County Conference Offensive MVP, team MVP, a first team A-D All-Area selection, a second team all-metro Sacramento Bee selection, a participant in both the Optimist and Lions all-star games and he has earned a scholarship to play baseball at Willamette next season on an 85 percent scholarship.

Willamette is an NCAA Division III school located in Salem, Ore.

Olson plans to major in chemistry with an emphasis in forensics. His scholarship was awarded based on his excellent academic performance.

Olson said Willamette coach Aaron Swick has big plans for him in the spring. Olson will have a chance to both pitch and hit.

"He told me I was the guy and not just another body," Olson said. "He said, 'You're going to make an impact right away.'"