TicketsBaseball Adds Five To Recruiting Class
Three newcomers from Cincinnati-area
Contact: Shawn Sell
6/7/2004
Head Coach Brian Cleary has added five players to this year's recruiting class, bringing the total to 10. |
CINCINNATI, Ohio---The University of Cincinnati baseball team has raised its list of newcomers to 10 for the 2005 season after Bearcat head coach Brian Cleary received commitments from five players, including three local products, during the spring signing period.
The local standouts include Matt Heber from Batavia High School, David Oberly of Moeller High and Dustin Alvey from Conner High School in Northern Kentucky. UC has also received commitments from Adam Calez of Lorain Southview High and Logan Parker, a native of Crane, Texas and a transfer from New Mexico Junior College.
"We are not done assembling our class yet, but this group will certainly allow us to become more athletic and talented," said Cleary. "We are specifically pleased to attract local and Ohio players to our program. Between our new facility, the move to the BIG EAST and the remaking of this campus, UC is quickly becoming the first choice for many great players. I think the effect will be seen the most in future classes."
Heber is a right handed pitcher who has been named all-conference three times during his prep career. He helped lead Batavia to four league titles, while also excelling on the football field, where he was a three-time all-conference pick and the league's player of the year last fall. Among Heber's highlights from this spring was a perfect game on the mound.
"Matt has a powerful arm and had a very successful spring," said Cleary. "We hope that he can develop into a pitcher that can contribute as a freshman."
Oberly is a product of the renowned Moeller program which has produced big leaguers Ken Griffey, Jr. and Barry Larkin. An infielder, Oberly batted .407 this spring with 12 doubles, one triple, one home run and 34 RBI, while helping the Crusaders to this year's state championship.
"David adds depth to our class," said Cleary. "He comes from a great high school program and will be well coached upon his arrival at UC."
Alvey will fight for the starting catching job vacated by the graduating Steve Pickerell. During his career at Conner, Alvey has earned all-conference, all-district, all-region and all-state honors on the diamond. As a junior, he hit .437 with five homers, 12 doubles and 28 RBI, while helping his squad to conference and district championships.
"Dustin is a very versatile and athletic player who can also play the outfield," said Cleary. "He runs well and is a great student. We were really impressed with his athletic ability and interest in UC."
Calez starred as an outfielder at Lorain's Southview High School. He was an all-county first team selection as well as an honorable mention All-Ohio pick during his junior season when he batted .450 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI.
"Adam is the type of player that will be able to cover ground in the outfield of our new stadium," said Cleary. "He is a good worker and a good student and adds to a great class.
Parker, a first baseman, will join the Bearcats from New Mexico Junior College, where he transfered following a year at Texas Western College. While at NMJC this season, Parker hit .425 with 15 home runs, 17 doubles, eight triples and 84 RBI. Prior to junior college, Parker attended high school at Permian High School in Odessa, Texas.
"Logan will be an impact player in the middle of our line-up," said Cleary. "He has the ability and the demonstrated performance to contribute to our immediate success and he is a professional prospect."
The Bearcats wrapped up the 2004 season with a 15-40 record, but went out on a high note as they opened the UC Baseball Stadium. Cincinnati was victorious in its final game of the season, scoring a 7-4 triumph over UAB.
Cincinnati Baseball 2003-04 Signees
- Dustin Alvey; C; Hebron, Ky. (Conner)
- Adam Calez; OF; Lorain, Ohio (Southview)
- Jake Geglien; RHP; Cincinnati, Ohio (McNicholas)
- Matt Heber; RHP; Batavia, Ohio (Batavia)
- Sean Munninghoff, RHP; Cincinnati, Ohio (Anderson)
- David Oberly; INF; Loveland, Ohio (Moeller)
- Logan Parker; 1B; Crane, Texas (New Mexico Junior College)
- Mike Rosa; LHP; Cincinnati, Ohio (Sycamore)
- Evan Sanford; RHP; Aurora, Ohio (Walsh Jesuit)
- Kevin Schrader; OF/RHP; Bartlett, Ill. (Bartlett)