Baseball Announces Fall Signings
11/16/2013 8:14:00 AM | Baseball
Six high school seniors and four junior college players have signed letters-of-intent to attend Sam Houston State University and play baseball for head coach David Pierce.
The signings came during the 2013 November early signing period.
“We feel like we added so much in this class,” Pierce said. “There is speed, great catching and power arms in the group along with outfield depth and a very good middle infielder. The class is talented and fits very well with our intent of the 2013 early signing.”
Sam Houston has won back-to-back Southland Conference regular season baseball championships and advanced to the NCAA regionals in Pierce's two seasons with the Bearkats.
“Sean Allen, our recruiting coordinator, and assistant coach Philip Miller did another great job of finding and signing some of the best talent in the country,” Pierce added.
The 2013 fall recruiting class for Sam Houston baseball includes:
Eric Thomas OF S/L 6' 170
Langham Creek High School Head Coach: Armando Sedeno
6.22 60 yard dash
“Eric Thomas is a great athlete who may be the fastest D1 player in the country in 2015. He is an exceptional outfielder and has the potential to beat hits out and the pop to drive balls into the gap. There is a lot to like about this kid.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Nate VanDyke INF R/R 5'8'' 175
Montgomery High School Head Coach: Chris Morris
"Nate VanDyke brings stability in the middle of the field. He is a middle infielder by trade, but has the versatility to play third base and outfield if needed. He has a strong compact swing from the right side.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Mitch Andrews C R/R 6' 1'' 205
Flower Mound High School Head Coach: Danny Wallace
“Mitch Andrews impressed the coaching staff at a showcase back in the summer. Mitch has a strong mature body and can hit. He can play first base and will be a very good catcher in our program as well.” –Head Coach David Pierce
Braxton Smith RHP R/R 6' 180
Orangefield High School Head Coach: Todd Trawhon
2013 H.S. Stats: 10-2 2.10 ERA 70inns 90 K's
“Braxton Smith is a very athletic right-handed pitcher with a great desire to succeed. He can fill a void as a starter or relief pitcher. He has plus movement on his fastball and a very good slider.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Reid Garrett LHP L/L 5'8'' 150
Foster High School Head Coach: Mic Tosch
2013 H.S. Stats: 13-1 1.77 ERA 93 K's
“Reid Garrett is a left handed pitcher who has great numbers. He has a track record of winning. I like Reid's pitch ability and his command.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Lane Fritz RHP R/R 6'3'' 180
Klein High School Head Coach: Barry Smith
“Lane Fritz has held my interest for a couple of years now. He is a mid-80's fastball guy who has the potential to bloom into a great pitcher,” – Head Coach David Pierce
Greg Belton RHP/INF R/R 5'10'' 190
Angelina College Head Coach: Jeff Livin
2013 Stats: .365 BA 12 2b 5 hr 23 rbi
“Greg Belton will be a great addition to the 2015 team as a two-way player. He has a powerful bat and a powerful arm. His stuff and experience make him a potential shut-down closer. He can also hit in the middle of the lineup.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Collin Yelich C L/R 6' 4'' 200
Orange Coast College/UNLV Head Coach: John Altobelli
Santa Paula Halos
2013 Summer Stats: .292 AVG 42 ABs 1hr 12 rbi's
“Collin Yelich comes from Orange Coast College, a premier JC in California, led by John Altobelli, one of the best and most respected JC coaches in the country. Collin can really catch and throw and gives us another left-handed bat.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Juan Cortina RHP R/R 5'10'' 200
Alvin College/SHSU Head Coach: Bryan Alexander
2013 SHSU Stats: 2-0 w-l 6.92 era 8bb 12 k's
2013 Summer Stats: (Victoria Generals) 2.7 era 30 inn 12bb 26's
“Juan Cortina returns to SHSU after one year at Alvin JC. He has a plus slider and pitches 90-93, touching 94 with his fastball.” – Head Coach David Pierce
Romeo Cortina OF R/R 5'10'' 200
Alvin College/SHSU Head Coach: Bryan Alexander
2013 SHSU Stats: 293 Ba 6 2b 1 hr 19rbi 5 SB
2013 Summer Stats: (Victoria Generals) .290 AVG 112 ABs 5 HR 37 RBI 21 SB
“Romeo Cortina also returns to SHSU after one year at Alvin JC. Romeo will bring an experienced right handed bat back to the lineup.” – Head Coach David Pierce
