Local Baseball Standout Signs With Golden Eagles
11/13/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Local Baseball Standout Signs With Golden Eagles
HATTIESBURG, Miss. ? Southern Miss Baseball Coach Corky Palmer has announced the signing of Ben Wade, a 6-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, from North Forrest High School in Eatonville, Miss., to a national letter of intent for the 2004-05 academic year. This marks the first signing of the early period for the Golden Eagles.
"Ben is a good pitcher who I believe can come here and contribute as a freshman," Palmer said. "He throws three pitches for strikes, an 88-90 mph fastball, a curve and a changeup, with his changeup being his outpitch. He has a lot of potential and if he continues to work hard can have an outstanding college career." As a junior in 2003, Wade posted a 3-2 record with a 4.20 ERA in 31.2 innings. He struck out 43 and walked only 18. He earned all-district honors his sophomore and junior seasons, while earning all-state recognition as a junior. Southern Miss returns 17 letterwinners and two redshirts, including six starting position players, two starting pitchers, and five bullpen pitchers from last year?s squad that finished 47-16 overall and won the Conference USA regular season and tournament championships. Southern Miss hosted the Hattiesburg Regional, finishing as the runner-up. The Golden Eagles set a record for the most wins in a season and the most wins in conference action as well. The Golden Eagles open their Conference USA title defense on Friday, Feb. 20 at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field against Northwestern (La.) State, at 3 p.m.