Mike Richardson knew he would not find a direct route from Tomales High School to professional baseball.

Richardson was part of a graduating class of about 50 students at the small school located near the border of Marin and Sonoma counties in California. He was a two-time All-North Central League selection for the Braves, but it was tough to get noticed at a school with an enrollment of 250.

"I was confident that something would happen in baseball," Richardson said. "I just figured I would have to go to a junior college, so that's what I did."

After stops at three colleges, Richardson realized his baseball goal when he was selected in the 28th round by the San Diego Padres last month. His professional career is under way for the Emeralds, who return home tonight to begin a five-game homestand against Boise.

Richardson has been the most consistent hitter and most versatile fielder for the Emeralds. He leads the team with a .304 average and 20 RBIs, while ranking second with four home runs.

"His approach to hitting and to the entire game is good, and that is really what it is all about," Eugene manager Jeff Gardner said. "He's got the ability to stay consistent, not just at the plate but with the whole game, and that is how you become a better player."

That's exactly what Richardson is trying to do.

"I just want to get better at something each day," Richardson said. "I want to prove myself."

Richardson got off to a quick start for the Ems, collecting four hits in a game twice during the first week of the season. His average has been around .300 ever since.

"I'm just trying to stay consistent," Richardson said. "After a bad day you'll go home and dwell on it, but then you have to come out the next day and do better at whatever you did wrong the previous day."

Richardson was a three-sport athlete at Tomales, and was the league's defensive player of the year in football as a linebacker during his senior year.

"I liked football a lot," said Richardson, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 215 pounds. "I think I would have gone and played football if somebody would have asked me to, but I wasn't going to pursue it myself. Baseball is what I always loved. I've wanted to be a big-leaguer since I was 6 years old."

So Richardson enrolled at the College of Marin and batted .421 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs in 40 games as a third baseman during his sophomore year.

He got a scholarship to play baseball at Long Beach State and was converted to catcher during his redshirt season. He was slated to be the backup catcher during his junior year, so Richardson transferred to Sonoma State in search of more playing time.

Despite playing only two seasons with the Cossacks, Richardson ranks second in school history with 132 RBIs and 23 home runs, and ranks fourth with 152 hits. He finally grabbed the attention of professional scouts, although he didn't know what to expect when the draft started.

"I knew there were no guarantees," said Richardson, who turned 23 earlier this month. "I was hoping to go either late on the first day or early on the second day, and I went early on the second day. I knew I might not get picked at all, so I was just happy to have a shot."

After being converted to catcher at Long Beach State, Richardson was switched back to third base at Sonoma State and also played in the outfield. Initially, the Padres put Richardson at second base during extended spring training last month.

He has primarily been the left fielder for the Emeralds, although he has played three games at third base, two at catcher and one at second base.

"I think I can play anywhere," Richardson said. "I even pitched a little in college, so I will go wherever they want to put me."

Richardson has been solid defensively, committing only two errors in 34 games despite being moved around often. In addition, he has to deal with tough conditions at Civic Stadium, as the sun often shines directly at the left fielder for the first few innings of each game.

Richardson ranks near the team lead in most offensive categories, leading the way in runs (21), hits (38), total bases (60), doubles (10), slugging percentage (.480) and on-base percentage (.396).

"That swing he has will work," Gardner said. "He is one guy who talks about his approach at the plate and pitch selection. He has been real receptive to that stuff, and that is what will help him move up."

Richardson credits his collegiate experience with helping him get off to a quick start in Eugene.

"When you come here, you face guys you haven't faced before and athletically and skill-wise, the players are better than the ones you have seen before," Richardson said. "You have to be able to deal with adversity, and in four years of college I learned that you will have your up days and your down days."

In the first month of his pro career, Richardson has seen more of the up days than the down days.