Baseball prospect charged with attacking coach

YUCAIPA — Tyler Shreve, labeled a can’t-miss baseball prospect or a prospective major college football player, was arrested by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies last week for attacking his baseball coach.

In a cite-and-release case, in which Shreve was charged with misdemeanor battery, the district attorney’s office is considering the possibility of upgrading the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.

On Feb. 24, Shreve, who resides with his family in Highland, attacked Redlands East Valley baseball coach James Cordes. His statement of admission has appeared in local newspapers.

Following a meeting to remove him from the team, Shreve admitted to the attack on Wildcats’ coach Cordes. It was not specified why Shreve was booted from the team, but reports that senior shortstop-pitcher did not attend practice sessions, or that he often showed up late to team workouts, were among the reasons.

In a statement that was attributed to Shreve, the muscular 6-feet-4 athlete claimed responsibility for the attack on Cordes, who is starting his second season as coach. It apparently took a handful of administrators, including Shreve’s father, to wrestle him away from Cordes.

Injuries sustained were not reported. One law enforcement official said, “It can be anything from a black eye to redness; that’s an injury.”

But the police aren’t saying much in their releases. School district personnel are not allowed to comment.

Shreve, meanwhile, had de-committed on his pledge to attend Colorado State University and switched to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He was the all-Citrus Belt League quarterback.

Some baseball observers believe that if he were selected in June’s Major League Baseball free agent draft that he would elect to sign a professional contract. Area baseball observers believe he could be a high draft selection, which would lead to a large signing bonus.