FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
SAN MARCOS – Head coach Ty Harrington announced the signing of seven new members expected to join the Texas State Bobcat baseball team in 2010, with a class of six high school seniors and one junior college transfer Tuesday afternoon.
“We added several great athletes to our team with this year’s signing class that possess great skill levels and a good understanding of the game and the high-level of play we are growing towards here at Texas State,” said Harrington.
“We achieved a lot of our goals by signing a tremendous pitching class,” added Harrington.
Five new pitchers inked Wednesday afternoon, providing some well-needed depth on the mound for the grueling five-game week.
David Ramirez, Jr., LHP, will look to see time in the rotation after a respectable career at Bowie High School. Under the guidance of head coach Rudy Alvarez, Ramirez helped lead the Bulldogs to a 15-5 record last season en route to capturing District 25-5A Co-Championship. The two-year letterman was a member of the 2008 National Championship Team for the Austin Wings and concluded his summer season with a .321 batting average and a 2.92 ERA.
At BHS, the southpaw ended his junior campaign with a 0.99 ERA, 45 strikeouts and 12 walks.
“We had the opportunity to watch David compete at the championship for James Ellison and the Austin Wings,” said Harrington. “His mentality on the mound shows that he is not afraid to step up and compete in the big games.”
Colton Turner, a three-year letterwinner at Joshua High School completed his junior year with a District 8-4A Championship. The left-handed pitcher was named 1st-team All-District on the mound, All-County, All-State and 2007 Sophomore of the Year while competing for the Owls. Under head coach Jason Bourgeois, JHS recorded a 28-8-1 record.
“After following Colton’s career, our staff has watched him succeed and post an outstanding record while pitching and we know he will only continue to grow as plays at the next level,” commented Harrington.
Travis Ballew will join Texas State after lettering two years for head coach Jeff Payne at Rockwall High School. Ballew helped the team to a 21-13 overall record in District 10-5A competition, including a berth into the Regional Quarterfinals. On the mound, the right-handed hurler tossed 62 innings with a 1.58 ERA, started in 10 games and posted an 8-3 record.
“Travis has pitched at a very high-level of baseball in his high school career and his upside is extremely high – it will be fun to watch him develop into a great college player,” said Harrington.
Donnie Hart, another left-handed addition, comes to Texas State from Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas. While competing in District 24-4A, Hart was named the 2007 Newcomer of the Year and took home first-team honors. Under head coach Chad Payne, the three-year team captain posted a 1.26 ERA with a 7-1 record, starting 11 of 12 games.
“We’ve watched Donnie play for Mike Rutledge in the Kyle Chapman baseball league this summer and he is a tremendous baseball player,” added Harrington. “He is very competitive and savvy about all areas of baseball.
Hunter Hill is the lone junior college transfer joining the 2010 signing class. Hill spent one year at Howard College pitching under the guidance of head coach Britt Smith. Prior to his career with the Hawks, the right-handed pitcher lettered four years before graduating from Prestonwood Christian Academy. Hill helped the team to a 31-1 record, while boasting an 11-0 mark on the mound that encompassed a 0.52 ERA and 100 strikeouts. The Dallas native was named to the Louisville Slugger All-American first team and took home district MVP honors as well.
“Hunter is a prolific baseball player,” said assistant coach Derek Matlock. “He has an outstanding breaking pitch and an above average fastball. His maturity on the mound with those pitches will establish him as a valuable collegiate player.”
Andrew Stumph, a three-year letterwinner and starter at catcher for Katy High School inked with Bobcats. Playing for head coach Tom McPherson, Stumph was named the Co-Newcomer of the Year in the Greater Houston Area and followed the honor with back-to-back first-team All-District accolades. In his sophomore season, he set a school a KHS RBI record with 51 and went on to take first-team All-greater Houston and All-State THSBCA honors, and finished his junior campaign with second-team honors.
“Andrew is another product from Katy High School and Tom McPherson and their great baseball program,” stated Harrington. “Our coaching staff feels the he is arguably the best hitter in the state and will make a significant mark on our program.”
Completing the signing class is Christian Gallegos, a standout shortstop from Moody High School. The three-year letterwinner played for his father, Corky Gallegos, and aided the team to an overall 86-17 record in his career, claiming three District Championships and the 2007 state title.
“Christian falls in line with a long list of talented shortstops we have had at Texas State,” said Harrington. “He comes from a great bloodline having played for his father who is a top coach in the state, and has passed along a great deal of baseball knowledge.”
“I believe we brought in a class that will do some amazing things for not only the baseball program, but for Texas State as a university,” added Harrington. “Each of the players we have signed come from a tremendous high school or summer league program that has competed at a high-level and posted a successful finish. We will welcome this maturity and development to the program and watch it expand to a higher level of Bobcat baseball.
The Bobcats will open its 2009 slate February 20 with a three-day tournament in Arlington, Texas. March 3, Texas State will open at home against Texas.
