An inrteresting development took place before the game. The team honored 9 players, and that makes sense because there are nine seniors listed on the roster. However, senior pitcher Noel Valdez was not among the 9, and junior outfielder Leighton Helfrick was.

Helfrick was only at UCD 3 years. He's an Econ major per the website, one of not so many majors you can do at UCD in 3 years, especially if you take a couple of college-level classes in HS/attend summer sessions.

Valdez' omission was curious, considering he has pitched 4 full years in college now (2 at College of San Mateo and two at Davis). Perhaps he is waiting to see if the "junior college doesn't count "kerfuffle" grants him more eligibility ?

I've also considered the possibility he knew ahead of time there might be pro scouts at the game to watch him + apearing to not be done w/his college career could give him some negotiating leverage.

I don't know what pitches he throws or what their velocities are but his (7-3) 3.72 record in 2025 is extraordinary for a UCD pitcher. Valdez even had a decent 4.14 ERA last year despite going 1-7.

Whatever the reason, I don't think he pitches for UCD again even if additional eligibility is granted. There would be plenty of interest in the portal.

https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/5/17/baseball-aggies-come-through-with-senior-day-win-in-regular-season-finale-against-csun.aspx