Gonzaga Athletic Hall of Fame
Rick Witt came to Gonzaga in 1978 with considerable promise, and, in just two baseball seasons, fulfilled it. Witt was a standout locally at University High School and Spokane Falls Community College. In his junior year at Gonzaga, Witt batted .423 as a catcher-third baseman, was named the Northern Pacific Conference’s Most Valuable Player and chosen as All-Conference utility player. He was selected to play on the U.S. national team in the Pan-American Games that summer. Then, in his senior year, he helped carry Gonzaga into the 1980 NCAA regionals. He led the club in hits with 71, doubles with 21 and runs batted in with 54 while playing solidly afield. Again, he was honored as the conference’s MVP, was All-Conference at first base and was widely regarded as the best college hitter in the Pacific Northwest. He signed professionally with the San Diego Padres.
