TicketsApril 19, 2007
CINCINNATI, Ohio---Mike Spina, a standout junior college player at Florida Community College has signed a national letter of intent to join the University of Cincinnati baseball team for the 2008 season. A native of Newberry, Fla., Spina is the fifth member of head coach Brian Cleary's recruiting class for next season.
Spina was an honorable mention Mid-Florida Conference selection during his freshman season at FCC. During the 2006 season, Spina ranked second on the team with a .317 batting average, while pacing the club with six home runs and 48 RBI. He also added 10 stolen bases in 12 attempts. Through 28 games this season, Spina led his team with a .362 batting average, five home runs and 28 RBI.
"We are really excited that Mike has decided to join us here at UC," Cleary says. "We feel like he is the middle of the lineup-type power hitter we were looking for. By all accounts he is a hard-nosed player and a tough competitor. He plays both third base and first base and is capable at both spots. Mike will play where we need him most and I anticipate that will be decided during next fall practice."
During his prep career at Newberry High, Spina was a three-time All-Florida selection and was the 3A Player of the Year in Florida as a junior. That season he batted .632 with eight home runs and 47 RBI. Spina enjoyed an outstanding senior year as well, batting .451 with seven homers and 33 RBI. Also a prolific base stealer, Spina successfully stole 68 of 69 bases during his high school career.
During his first year at FCC, Spina was named to the Mid-Florida Conference Academic team and played in the Florida Community College Athletic Association All-Star Game.
Spina joins a signing class for 2008 that includes Lou Coppola (Youngstown, Ohio/Poland Seminary), Chris Dixon (Cincinnati, Ohio/Princeton), Nick Johnson (Delphos, Ohio/St. John's) and Justin Schultheiss (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton).