California Golden Bears Athletics

BERKELEY - With the 2018 baseball season inching ever closer, the Cal baseball team continues to add preseason recognition as junior Tanner Dodson and sophomore Andrew Vaughn have both been named to the Perfect Game/Rawlings Preseason All-America list.

Dodson earned a spot as first team utility thanks to his abilities in the field, at the plate and on the mound. A native of Elk Grove, Calif., Dodson hit .299 with 14 doubles, three triples, three home runs and 26 RBI as a sophomore in 2017. On the mound, Cal's opening day starter tossed 52 innings both as a starter and reliever and struck out nearly a hitter an inning with 48 punch outs on the season.

After taking over as Cal's starting center fielder midway through his sophomore campaign, Dodson continued to show his all-around skills in the Cape Cod League over the summer. In addition to performing well on the mound, he hit .365 for the Wareham Gatemen to claim the league's batting title. 

Vaughn adds his second preseason All-America honor as the 2017 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year landed a spot on the Perfect Game/Rawlings third team before returning for his second season in Berkeley. Playing first base and also contributing out of the bullpen last season, he hit .349 and tied teammate Denis Karas for the conference lead in home runs with 12. Vaughn also led the Bears with 50 RBI and earned Freshman All-America honors from every major publication.

Cal's offensive leader turned his successful season into an equally impressive summer as he starred for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team in international competition. He drove in the go-ahead run to help Team USA clinch a series win against Japan and was named series MVP after hitting .333 with two doubles and two RBI. 

Dodson, Vaughn and the rest of the Golden Bears will kick off the 2018 season on Feb. 16 and 17 in San Diego with games against Cincinnati and the host Toreros. Cal hosts Cal State Bakersfield for a four-game series from Feb. 23 to 25 to open the 2018 home schedule. Tickets for the 2018 season will go on sale Jan. 16 and can be purchased by visiting CalBears.com or the Cal Athletic Ticket Office.