Arizona infielder Nick Quintana (13) dives back to beat a pick off throw against Eastern Kentucky at Hi Corbett Field, Friday, February 17, 2017, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

When Arizona freshman third basemanΒ Nick QuintanaΒ was selected the Pac-12 player of the week β€” he hit .571 with six RBIs in his first college baseball series, against Eastern Kentucky β€” it stirred memories. Until now, the greatest debut by a first-year UA player was shortstopΒ Eddie LeonΒ of Tucson High. In the first four games of the 1965 season, Leon hit .539 with two doubles, a triple and a home run and had six RBIs. WhenΒ Terry FranconaΒ was a UA freshman in 1978, he went 3 for 4 in the season opener, against Cal-Fullerton. Both Leon and Francona became first-round draft picks.Β 


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