CV’s Kirker is an All-American

GLENDALE — On a local level, Crescenta Valley High’s Baillie Kirker has garnered recognition since her freshman days as a Falcon.

And, on a state level, she grabbed notice by claiming California’s all-time high school home run record with 53 round-trippers during her four-year tenure, something that no doubt led to her being named to the CalHiSports.com All-State Softball First Team earlier this week.

In addition, the University of Arizona-bound standout’s statistical splendor and superior talents also landed her national recognition, as she was named to the EA Sports All-American team last week, putting quite a cap on a long and illustrious Falcons career.

“It’s amazing to actually achieve something like that,” said Kirker, who returned to La Crescenta on Tuesday after a trip to Colorado for a travel ball tournament. “A lot of people work toward things like this and it feels good to finally accomplish something like this.”

During her senior year, Kirker hit .519 (41 for 79) with 16 home runs, 48 runs batted in and 48 runs in 28 games.

Following her senior season, just like her previous three as a Falcon, Kirker received a cavalcade of honors, which included All-Pacific League and All-CIF Southern Section Division III. But it never gets old.

“It’s always a good feeling,” she said. “You work so hard to get things like that.”

Kirker had never heard of the EA Sports All-American squad, but was certainly pleased to hear she had made the 2009 EA Sports Softball All-Americans First Team.

Kirker, a shortstop, made it as one of eight infielders on the 30-girl roster that also featured 10 California players.

She was one of seven infielders selected to the 2009 CalHiSports.com All-State Softball First Team.

Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy senior pitcher Jessica Ferri was selected to the CalHi Medium Schools squad as a multi-purpose pick.

“I didn’t even know about it,” said Ferri, who was the Mission League Player of the Year and an All-CIF Division III selection, as well. “It was nice to be recognized in getting CIF Southern Section Division III honors because I played with and against great players over the years. To get something statewide is pretty cool, too. I wasn’t expecting this, so it’s a pleasant surprise. To get this kind of recognition after the season is just a huge honor because I feel like I accomplished something for the school.”

Ferri was 19-5 in the circle with a 0.36 earned-run average and, at the plate, hit .574 (39 for 68) with 10 home runs.

Burbank High’s Lonnie Kauppila, an All-Pacific League and All-CIF selection who transferred from Crescenta Valley High before the 2009 season, was voted to the Cal-Hi Sports 2009 All-State Baseball Second Team Underclass.

Kauppila, a junior, hit over .500 and had 12 home runs, striking out just five times.

To view the full all-state list, visit www.calhisports.com and for the EA Sports All-Americans, go to www.espnrise.com.

— Charles Rich contributed to this story.

 GRANT GORDON is the sports editor. He can be reached at (818) 637-3225 or grant.gordon@latimes.com.