MISCELLANEOUS: Talented infield prospect who figures to step in as Army's starter at third base this season ... arguably one of the best defensive infielders ever brought into the program ... possesses natural leadership skills .. hard-nosed competitor ... understands the game ... harbors tremendous baseball instincts ... boasts a strong arm and good range defensively ... has very good hands and feet ... sprays the ball to the gaps, offensively ... competes at the plate ... never gives away an at-bat ... above average base runner ... has a bright future in an Army uniform ... arrives at West Point from New Jersey.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played for head coach Mike Rooney at Don Bosco Prep ... started at third base over his final three seasons ... team ranked as high as No. 2 in the 2012 Northeast Top 25, according to the Perfect Game regional rankings ... helped squad to consecutive Bergen County championships (2011-12) ... team won three straight Big North United League titles (2010-12) ... named to the all-North Jersey and all-Suburban second teams as a senior in 2012 ... twice tabbed to the All-Big North United League second team, earning the nod in 2011 and 2012 ... placed on the 2012 Northeast All-Region first team ... ranked among Perfect Game's top 500 prospects for the 2012 graduating year ... listed ninth in the state of New Jersey and 35th nationally by the third base/infield position ... captained team as a senior ... member of the National Honor Society ... member of the National Math Honor Society and National Italian Honor Society ... one of 10 seniors to receive the Don Bosco Award for displaying exemplary character, service and leadership throughout his high school career ... named to the Principal's List all four years.
PERSONAL: Given name is Grant James Van Orden ... born Aug. 14, 1993, in Paterson, N.J. ... parents' names are Gregg and Lori Van Orden ... has two brothers, Gregg and Taylor ... began playing baseball when he was five years old ... has aspired to pursue a military career since he was eight years old ... hobbies include fishing and spending time with friends ... major is undeclared.
