Between the various dogfights, drug charges, assault charges and “sexts” taking over headlines in professional sports these days, it’s always good for fans to hear about a nice pro-athlete — especially when he once attended their alma mater.

Six-time All Star Michael Young currently dons red and white pinstripes as the starting third basemen for the World Series-contending Texas Rangers. But he once wore gold and bled blue, becoming a college standout under UCSB’s long-standing Head Baseball Coach Bob Brontsema.

“[Mike had] great athleticism and an even better arm,” Brontsema said. “He was a high-energy guy… any guy that has that desire to work hard, [I] enjoy coaching.”

Young, who left UCSB in 1997 after three years of play after being drafted in the fifth round by the Toronto Blue Jays, recently donated much of the money that went towards the much-needed refurbishing of the field at UCSB’s Caesar Uyesaka baseball stadium.

It wasn’t an easy task to get Young to sign with UCSB. Perennial top-tier teams such as USC and LMU were also in the mix of college teams recruiting him, as well as many professional scouts.

After graduating Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif., the Baltimore Orioles drafted Young in the 25th round of the 1994 draft, yet he chose to enroll at UCSB on an athletic scholarship instead.

Young struggled his freshman season with a .239 batting average and was forced to switch defensive positions when he first arrived at UCSB. Brontsema and the Gaucho coaching staff succeeded in transforming a high school outfielder into a first-team, All-Big West shortstop and third baseman. During his sophomore season, his average jumped to .373.

“[The defensive switch] was an important move and the right move for his career,” Brontsema said.

Young would eventually win the Gold Glove award while playing shortstop for the Rangers.

“It was a great accomplishment for him,” Brontsema said. “[The award] is a testament to his work ethic and drive.”

UCSB’s Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Bill Mahoney recalled Young’s professional demeanor.

“You could tell early on that he had that special something,” Mahoney said. “He knew how to conduct himself.”

Young takes to the field for Game One of the World Series at 4:57 p.m. at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.