RANCHO BUENA VISTA H.S.: Was a standout pitcher
for Coach Steve Hargrave at Rancho Buena Vista H.S. in Vista, Calif., also
the alma mater of Titan Chris Stringfellow • Also saw time in the outfield
• Earned second-team All-Palomar League accolades as a senior, when
he posted a 6-5 record, 3.83 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 68.1 innings •
Also played on the varsity squad as a junior, when he was 2-3 with a 5.97
ERA • Picked up a complete-game 6-4 win over Rancho Bernardo (undefeated
and ranked No. 1 in the country at the time) on March 30, 2000, outdueling
pitcher Matt Wheatland (the eighth overall pick in the 2000 MLB draft) •
Tied school records for shutouts in a season (2) and in a career (3) •
Helped his team to the CIF semifinals his junior year and quarterfinals
his senior season • Named to the San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic
team (3.80 GPA).
PERSONAL: Born on November 7, 1982, in Oceanside, Calif. • Full
name is Steven Travis Esquibel • Parents are Steven and Sandra Esquibel
• Has a younger brother, Zachary • Majoring in criminal justice
• Enjoys playing his guitars • Favorite major leaguer is Greg
Maddux • Would have liked to meet Albert Einstein • Says his parents
have had the most influence on his career • Favorite movie is Gladiator.
