Ty Summerlin is just 18 hits and 39 runs away from a pair of school records.
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
HAMMOND – Last season the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team saw good production and solid defense around the horn. In 2009, head coach Jay Artigues expects the same. With just one graduation from last season, the Lion infield appears ready to pick up where last season’s crew left off.
Last season, the Lion infield saw stability on the left side in the form of third baseman Casey Summerlin and shortstop Ty Summerlin. Each of the Summerlin brothers started all 59 games for the Lions and helped pace the Southeastern offense. The 2009 squad will not have the benefit of Casey’s leadership. The elder Summerlin graduated in May and is the only member of the Lion infield to not return in 2009.
However, Ty appears ready to take the reins of the infield. The younger Summerlin enters the 2009 season a preseason first team All-Southland Conference selection after a monster 2008 campaign. Summerlin took home third team conference honors last season and led the 2008 Lions in batting (.342), slugging percentage (.542), runs (57), hits (82), RBI (60), doubles (20), home runs (8), total bases (130) and stolen bases (10) and was one of only three Lions (including Brandon Street and Casey Summerlin) to start all 59 games.
In addition to All-SLC honors, Summerlin was named to the 2008 All-South Central Region second team by the American Baseball Coaches Association and was placed on the 2008 All-Louisiana second team by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Summerlin enters the 2009 season looking to rewrite the school record books. With 193 career hits and 118 career runs scored, Summerlin is just 18 hits and 31 runs away from setting new school records in those categories.
“Ty is a real special player,” Artigues said. “I feel he’s the best all-around shortstop, offensively and defensively, in the Southland Conference. He’s put together some good years in his first three seasons and he’s going to be the leader of this team this year.”
With Summerlin anchoring the shortstop position, the rest of the Lion infield appears to be falling into place.
Sophomore catcher/third baseman/first baseman/outfielder/utility man extraordinaire Josh Cryer could see time at the corner infield spots when he doesn’t have catching duties. The former high school shortstop brings range to nearly every position that he could potentiall see next to his name on the lineup card and brings a .318 batting average to the plate as well.
Senior second baseman Jordan D’Arensbourg provides solid defense up the middle and has impressed the Lion coaching staff with improved range entering the 2009 season.
Junior Chris Ernest returns to the Lions after a 2008 season that saw him post some impressive power numbers while bouncing between first and second base last season. The Baton Rouge Community College product tied for fourth on the team with four home runs despite having the fewest at-bats (134) of any Lion regular.
Vying for time in the middle infield will be true freshman Justin Boudreaux. Boudreaux offers an impressive bat for a first year player and has drawn comparisons to Ty Summerlin from the Lion coaching staff.
Junior right handed pitcher/third baseman Chris Franklin is another multi-role athlete at Artigues’ disposal. The transfer from Jefferson State Community College has impressed the Lions with good range at the hot corner.
Another newcomer adding to the mix will be sophomore transfer Joe Sparacino. The Jackson State Community College product offers a big left-handed power threat to the Southeastern lineup while still showing impressive range at first base.
“This infield is going to be very strong defensively,” Artigues said. “We have a group of guys who are going to be able to get it done on the field and at the plate. Hopefully, we’ll be able to pick up where we left off without skipping a beat.
The Lions will get their first look at their restocked infield on Friday Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. when Southeastern celebrates Opening Day 2009 against the defending Ohio Valley Conference champions, Eastern Illinois.
The Returners:
Ty Summerlin – Sr. – 5-10 – 169 – Vancleave, Miss./Vancleave HS
Jay Artigues Says: “Ty is a four-year starter and the leader of our infield without question. He’s on the verge of breaking some records and has put together quite a career here. So this is going to be a special year for him. He’s one of the best players in the league and I feel he’s the best shortstop, offensively and defensively in the Southland Conference. He’s a special player.”
Josh Cryer – So. – 5-9 – 202 – Leesville, La./Leesville HS
Jay Artigues Says: “When he’s not catching, Josh can play one of the corner infield spots. He gives us a very athletic option at those positions. He was a high school shortstop, so he gives us a lot of range. He’s already proven he knows how to hit and get on base and he’s willing to do whatever he can to help the ballclub.”
Jordan D’Arensbourg – Sr. – 5-9 – 190 – Baton Rouge, La./Okaloosa Walton Community College
Jay Artigues Says: “Jordan is another returner for us. He gives us a lot of range up the middle. He’s very solid defensively and gives us another dimension when it comes to depth.”
Chris Ernest – Jr. – 5-11 – 200 – Baton Rouge, La./Baton Rouge Communiity College
Jay Artigues Says: “Chris can play either corner position or second base. He’s very versatile and gives us a lot of depth. He’s got good power for a guy his size and is a good offensive option for us.”
The Newcomers:
Ross Barbier – Jr. – 5-8 – 154 – Marrero, La./Archbishop Shaw HS
Jay Artigues Says: “Ross is a true freshman from Archbishop Shaw is another guy with a lot of range on defense. He plays the ball well and can save a lot of base hits. He’s got a chance to get some playing time as a freshman.”
Justin Boudreaux – Jr. – 6-1 – 172 – Baton Rouge, La./Dutchtown HS
Jay Artigues Says: “Justin is a true freshman has the potential to see a lot of playing time. He’s a high school shortstop, but he’s versatile enough to play other postions. He’s done a tremendous job during the offseason. He’s very offensive. He swings the bat very well and has a chance to hit somewhere in the top or middle of our order.”
Chris Franklin – Jr. – 6-0 – 202 – Oneonta, Ala./Jefferson State Community College
Jay Artigues Says: “Chris has a closer’s mentality and we can bring him in for closer type situations, but he’s also a dual threat guy. He can play third base as well. He’s an extremely talented defensive third baseman with really good range. He can come in hard and play the ball or stay back on it which gives him really good range.”
Joe Sparacino – So. – 6-3 – 267 – Alabaster, Ala./Jackson State Community College
Jay Artigues Says: “Joe is a big, strong left handed power threat. He has the potential to drive in a lot of runs for us. He’s also a solid defensive first baseman so its not as if we’re trading off on defense, which is what happens with a lot of those type of hitters. He has the potential to hit in the middle of our order and adds that dimension of a power hitter that we need.”
