Alabama State University
HORNETS
2012 Baseball Media Guide
2012
BASEBALLSchEduLE DATE
OPPONENT
TIME
DATE
Fri. Feb. 17
UC-Irvine^
2:30 P.M.
Wed. March 28 TROY
6 P.M
Sat. Feb. 18
Grambling State^
11 A.M.
Sat. March 31
ALCORN STATE (DH)*
1 P.M.
Sun. Feb. 19
Southern^
2:30 P.M.
Sun. April 1
ALCORN STATE*
1 P.M.
Tue. Feb. 21
ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM
4 P.M.
Wed. April 4
@ Georgia State
4 P.M.
Wed. Feb. 22
KENNESAW STATE
4 P.M.
Sat. April 7
@ Alabama A&M(DH)*
1 P.M.
Fri. Feb. 24
Stony Brook#
2:30 P.M.
Sun. April 8
@ Alabama A&M*
1 P.M.
Sat. Feb 25
Nicholls State#
1 P.M.
Wed. April 11
@ Kennesaw State
4 P.M.
Sat. Feb 25
Stony Brook#
5 P.M.
Sat. April 14
JACKSON STATE(DH)*
1 P.M.
Tue. Feb. 28
@ Auburn
5 P.M.
Sun. April 15
JACKSON STATE*
NOON
Wed. Feb. 29
@ Auburn
5 P.M.
Fri. April 20
@ Oklahoma
6 P.M.
Sat. March 3
ALABAMA A&M (DH)*
1 P.M.
Sat. April 21
@ Oklahoma
1 P.M.
Sun. March 4
ALABAMA A&M*
NOON
Sun. April 22
@ Oklahoma
1 P.M.
Wed. March 7
@ Alabama-Birmingham
6 P.M.
Tue. April 24
MERCER
6 P.M.
Fri. March 9
@ Jackson State*
6 P.M.
Wed. April 25
MERCER
6 P.M.
Sat. March 10
@ Jackson State (DH)*
2:35 P.M.
Sat. April 28
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (DH)* 1 P.M.
Tue. March 13
@ Florida A&M
4 P.M.
Sun. April 29
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE*
1 P.M.
Wed. March 14
@ Florida A&M
4 P.M.
Tue. May 1
@ Jacksonville State
6:30 P.M.
Fri. March 16
@ Gardner-Webb
5 P.M.
Wed. May 2
JACKSONVILLE STATE
6 P.M.
Sat. March 17
@ Gardner-Webb (DH)
Noon
Sat. May 5
@ Alcorn State (DH)*
4:35 P.M
Sun. March 18
@ Gardner-Webb
Noon
Sun. May 6
@ Alcorn State*
1:35 P.M.
Tue. March 20
GEORGIA STATE
4:30 P.M.
Tue. May 8
@ Mercer
5 P.M.
Sat. March 24
@ Mississippi Valley State (DH)*
1 P.M.
Wed. May 9
@ Mercer
5 P.M.
Sun. March 25
@ Mississippi Valley State*
1 P.M.
Wed. May 16-20
SWAC Tournament – Baton Rouge, La TBD
^ MLB Urban Invitational (Houston)
OPPONENT
TIME
# Nicholls State Tournament * SWAC Games Home Games in CAPS; All Times Central
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quickfacts: UNIVERSITY INFORMATION Location................................................Montgomery, Ala. City/Zip................... Montgomery, Alabama 36104-0271 Enrollment ............................................................ 5,627 Founded................................................................ 1867 Nickname............................................................Hornets School Colors.................... Old Gold (PMS 117) and Black Affiliation............................................... NCAA Division I Conference......................... Southwestern Athletic (SWAC) President: ........................................ Dr. William H. Harris Alma Mater/Year.............................. Paine College/1966 Athletics Director.......................................... Stacy Danley Alma Mater/Year....................................... Auburn/1996 Senior Woman Administrator................... Freda Freeman-Jackson Alma Mater/Year...................................... Alabama State/1984 Athletics Dept. Phone................................(334) 229-4507 Ticket Office Number................................(334) 229-4551
COACHING STAFF Head Coach..........................................Mervyl Melendez Alma Mater/Year............ Bethune -Cookman/1996 Career Record (Pct.)/Years...........379-320 (.540) / 12 Record at Bethune Cookman......................... Same Record at Alabama State/Years.......... 0-0/1st Year Associate Head Coach................................. Jose Vazquez Alma Mater/Year............. Bethune-Cookman/2003 Assistant Coach.............................................. Drew Clark Alma Mater/Year............. Bethune-Cookman/2009 Assistant Coach.............................................. Matt Crane Alma Mater/Year............. Bethune-Cookman/2009 Director of Baseball Operations...................... Jeremy Davis Alma Mater/Year............. Bethune-Cookman/2011 Baseball Office Phone..............................(334) 229-8899 Baseball Office Fax..................................(334) 262-2971
SPORTS INFORMATION SID/Baseball Contact.....................................Duane Lewis Work Phone............................................(334) 229-5230 Cell Phone..............................................(334) 318-4006 FAX.........................................................(334)262-2971 E-Mail................................................... dlewis@alasu.edu Athletics Website: .................... www.bamastatesports.com
TEAM INFORMATION First Year................................................................ 1926 2011 Record..........................................................14-29 2011 SWAC Record/Finish................................ 6-18/4th 2011 Postseason.......................... SWAC Tournament (0-2) NCAA Regional Appearances................... 1 (1974 - Div. II) NCAA Super Regional Appearances......................... None NCAA CWS Appearances...................................... None NCAA CWS Titles.................................................. None Starters Returning/Lost............................................... 2/7 Pitchers Returning/Lost............................................. 2/10 Letterman Returning/Lost.......................................... 7/14 Newcomers................................................................ 20
SID Mailing Address / Overnight Mailing Address 915 South Jackson Street/Acadome E-134 Montgomery, Ala. 36104-0271 STADIUM INFORMATION Home Field..................Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex Capacity.................................................................. 500 Dimensions (LF-LC-C-RC-RF)...............330-375-400-375-330 Fence....................................................................... 8 Ft Year Opened.......................................................... 2011 Surface.....................................................Bermuda Grass Press Box Phone........................................(334)229-8899
RETURNING STARTERS AND 2011 KEY STATS OF Jordan Mims INF Darrion Pedro
Sr. Sr.
.333, 2 HR, 24 RBI .273, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 13 SB
table of contents: Player Bios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-30 2011 Alabama State Stats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-33 2011 SWAC Stats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-38 Alabama State Sports Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Media Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 SWAC History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 NCAA Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 City of Montgomery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Radio/TV Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
About ASU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ASU President, Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Athletic Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Athletic Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 ASU Traditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2012 Baseball Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2012 Season Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Head Coach Mervyl Melendez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Coaching Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
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the University, approved a name change to Alabama State University.
TODAY
In 2008, ASU proudly welcomed back noted historian Dr. William H. Harris as the University’s president. Harris had served as the University’s 10th president from 1994 to 2000. During his first tenure, Harris was instrumental in the Knight v. the State of Alabama remedial decree, which resulted in much of the tremendous growth that Alabama State University has experienced over the past 15 years. Because of the decree, the University is being transformed both physically and academically. Multi-million dollar buildings now grace the 165-acre campus and new construction is underway, including work on a $50 million stadium. The stadium is expected to be completed in time for the Turkey Day Classic in 2012.
Alabama State University is in the midst of a vital season of transformation. While holding true to its legacy of providing a quality education for its students, the University also is experiencing unprecedented growth, both physically and academically.
High-demand academic programs have been established and cutting-edge research is being conducted by ASU faculty and students. We now offer the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science as well as master’s and education specialist degrees. The University also offers the Ph.D. in microbiology, the clinical doctorate in physical therapy, and the Ed.D. in educational leadership, policy and law. With a focus on a global initiative, the campus has a more diverse population while maintaining its proud heritage as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
YESTERDAY
Alabama State University evolved from the Lincoln Normal School that opened on Nov. 13, 1867, with 113 students, thanks to the courageous efforts of its founders, nine former slaves from Perry County, Ala., known affectionately as the Marion Nine. The Lincoln School incorporated on July 18, 1867. In 1868, the State Board of Education gave the school a new designation, and it became known as Lincoln Normal School.
Alabama State University charters more than 70 student organizations, including nine Greek organizations and 17 honors organizations. In addition to social, cultural and political groups, students have musical performance opportunities, such as the Marching Hornets and the University Choir, and departmental organizations for most majors. Intercollegiate athletic programs include baseball, basketball, tennis, track and field, volleyball, softball, golf, bowling and cross country. The ASU Hornets are members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and compete at the NCAA Division I level.
In December 1873, the state board accepted the transfer of title to the school after a legislative act was passed authorizing the state to fund a Normal School. George N. Card was named president. Thus, in the predecessor of Alabama State University became the first state-supported educational institution for blacks. This began ASU’s rich history as a “Teachers’ College.” In 1887, the second president, William Burns Paterson, was instrumental in the institution’s move from Marion to Montgomery. In the decades that followed, Lincoln Normal School became a junior college and, in 1928, a full four-year institution. More name changes were on the horizon: In 1929, the institution became State Teachers College at Montgomery, Alabama State College for Negroes in 1948, and Alabama State College in 1954. In 1969, the State Board of Education, then the governing body of
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
TOMORROW
ASU has its eye on the future while remaining true to its mission of being a student-centered institution that provides quality programs in undergraduate and graduate instruction, continuing education and research. The faculty, staff and administration of the University are committed to the pursuit of the institutional goal of preparing students to compete successfully in an increasingly global economy.
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ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
Alabama State University’s academic offerings are as rich as they are varied: from four-year baccalaureates, to master’s to doctoral degrees. Freshmen students first enroll in University College for a background in general education. After completing the courses, a student must decide on a field of specialization and transfer to one of the university’s degree-granting colleges, schools or divisions. Students then devote their time to a specific field of study which will lead to a bachelor’s degree.
Accounting Administration Anthropology Art Art Education Communications Studies Biology (Basic/Pre-Health) Communications Recording Industry Biology Education Computer Information Systems Business Education Computer Science Business Management Criminal Justice Chemistry (Basic/Pre-Health) Criminology Chemistry Education (6-12) Early Childhood Ed. (P-3) Communications Elementary Ed. (K-6) - Print Journalism English - Public Relations English/Language Arts- Radio/Television Education (6-12) - Speech Communications
Finance General Science Education (6-12) General Counseling General Studies Graphic Arts Health Education (6-12) Health Info. Management History History Education (6-12) Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management International Business Laboratory Technology Library Education Media Leadership, Policy and Law Management Marine Biology Marketing Mathematics Mathematics Ed. (6-12) Mathematics/Engineering (Dual Degree)** Music Education (P-12) - Instrumental - Vocal Choral Music Occupational Therapy Physical Education (P-12) Physical Science Physics Political Science Political Science Education Psychology Reading Specialist Reading Recreational Therapy School Counseling Social Science Ed. (6-12) Social Work Sociology Special Education Collaborative Teacher (K-6 & 6-12) Theater Undergraduate Certification Visual and Performing Arts ** In cooperation with Auburn University
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UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Trustee Board
DR. WILLIAM H. HARRIS
Dr. William H. Harris has had a long and distinguished career in higher education. He is among few academicians who have contributed to their fields of study and who have served the higher education community as the CEO and president for both public and private postsecondary institutions. After completing the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees at Indiana University, Harris began his professional career at Indiana University as an assistant professor of history. He rose through the ranks to become professor of history and concomitantly served as associate dean of the Graduate School and director of the CIC Minorities Fellowships Program. He also was a Fulbright Professor and Visiting Professor of History at the University of Hamburg (1977-1978) in Germany.
Dr. Robert Bentley
ELTON N. DEAN SR.
Governor
Chair
OSCAR CRAWLEY
Locy Baker
BUFORD CRUTCHER
THOMAS FIGURES
ALFREDA GREEN
TAYLOR HODGE
BOBBY JUNKINS
LAWRENCE LEMAK
KATHY SAWYER
MARVIN WIGGINS
Vice Chair
As one of the youngest college presidents ever appointed, Harris led Paine College during the period 1982-1988. He subsequently led Texas Southern University (1988-1993) and later Alabama State University (1994-2000). He left retirement briefly in 2005-2006 to serve as interim president of Fort Valley State University and Texas College in 2008. Harris returned to Alabama State University as president in 2008 with a bold new vision centered on advancing the institution’s Culture of Learning. He has since helped University leaders launch an initiative called Vision 2020: The Transformation of Alabama State University. During his second tenure, the University has experienced dramatic growth. New state-of-the-art facilities have been erected and the University has more than $130 million in active construction underway. ASU also has been approved for new high-demand degree programs and has received reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC). Harris has earned numerous awards and distinctions, including being named a Distinguished Son of Fitzgerald, Ga., his birthplace, one of 10 individuals so honored during the city’s Centennial Celebration; recipient (with his wife, Wanda) of a Trustees Special Leadership Award from the Paine College Board of Trustees; recipient of the Paine College Alumni Association Charles G. Gomillion Award; recipient of the honorary Doctor of Letters and Laws degree from Paine College and the Doctor of Humanities degree from Tuskegee University; recipient of the Trustees Special Service Award from Paine College; and recognition by Indiana University with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the highest honor an alumnus can receive from the university. Harris also is designated as one of the 50 Most Influential Black Georgians. He is the author of two books: Keeping the Faith: A. Phillip Randolph, Milton P. Webster, and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, published in 1977 and reissued in 1991 by the University of Illinois Press; and The Harder We Run: Black Workers Since the Civil War, published in 1982 by Oxford University Press. Dr. Harris is married to Wanda Fillmore Harris and the couple has two children, Cynthia and William J. Harris.
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HERBERT YOUNG
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athletic ADMINISTRATION Entering his second season as Athletic Director at Alabama State University, Stacy Danley has helped position Hornet Athletics as one the best mid-major programs in the nation. The 2010-11 season was historic because Alabama State University won Southwestern Athletic Conference, league or division titles in five sports. The Hornets also posted their best finish in the Commissioner’s Cup Standings, finishing second for the first time in school history. A total of 17 of ASU’s 18 athletic programs qualified to compete for SWAC Championships.
STACY DANLEY Athletic Director
The championships were just one of a series of milestones achieved under Danley’s watch: • Football won the division championship for the first time since 2004 • Men’s basketball competed in the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons.
athlete mentor program and assisted with “Operation Follow Through,” the university’s degree completion program. He spent his last two years at Auburn as the Associate Athletic Director and Men’s Sports Coordinator.
• In March 2011, the new Hornet Baseball Complex opened as the program returned to play games on campus for the first time since 1996. • In June, the football program moved into the new Houston Markham Football Complex, a two-story, 26,000-squarefoot facility overlooking the practice fields at Hornet Stadium.
Danley also created and directed the Former Player Fund-Raising Initiative and developed NCAA and Southeastern Conference compliance systems to monitor programs and ensure institutional control was maintained.
• Later this summer, the softball complex will be completed and, in 2012, the Lady Hornets’ softball team will play home games on campus for the first time.
He was the project administrator for the Auburn University National Youth Sports Program and served on the state of Alabama’s Athlete Agent Regulatory Commission.
• The crown jewel of the athletics construction projects, the new 30,000-seat football stadium, is expected to open on Thanksgiving Day, 2012, when the Hornets face Tuskegee in the annual Turkey Day Classic.
During his college years at Auburn, Danley lettered four years, earning All-SEC honors and was named the SEC Sophomore of the Year. After college, Danley signed NFL contracts with the Seattle Seahawks and the Indianapolis Colts.
Danley comes to ASU after serving as Associate Director of the J.F. Smith Group. He coordinated all fundraising consultant activities under the HBCU division while also managing and facilitating campus departmental assessment initiatives for HBCU clients.
Following his professional football career, Danley returned to Auburn where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1993 and a master’s in education administration in 1996. While completing his master’s degree, he spent two years as a graduate assistant in Auburn University’s athletic department. He worked in the compliance office where he provided support with NCAA and SEC legislative interpretations.
Before his work with the J.F. Smith Group, Danley served as Director of Athletics at Tuskegee University (2008-09). He negotiated football and men’s and women’s basketball game guarantees, secured corporate sponsorships, and oversaw the installation of new locker rooms.
Once he completed his master’s degree, he moved to the SEC office where he spent two years working in compliance, championships and event management. He conducted student-athlete advisory committee meetings and provided NCAA and SEC legislation interpretations for member institutions.
The former Auburn University running back spent eight years (1997-2005) at his alma mater. He spent six years as the Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs, before being promoted to Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs.
He and his wife Stephanie have three children: Lawson, Trace and Landon.
He served as the compliance officer for six Olympic sports and monitored all recruiting activities, while working with team budgets in excess of $3.4 million. He also directed the student-
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ATHLETIC STAFF
ANTONIO BRADFORD
Alexis Avery Director of Compliance
REGGIE BARLOW Head Football Coach
RITCHIE BEENE Head Track Coach
GERMAN BELLO Academic Advisor
DIANE BRISBON Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director
Dick Brooks Assistant Football Coach Special Teams
DR. RONALD BROWN Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support Services
ANDREW CHATMON Head Bowling Coach
ANUK Christiansz Head Tennis Coach
Roy Dawkins Assistant Football Coach Defensive Backs
VALA DELAINE Cheerleading Sponsor
BRENDA GLENN Football Administrative Assistant
DR. GARY GRANDISON Head Golf Coach
TELMA O’NEAL HALL Head Softball Coach
ADRIA HARRIS Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
CLAYTON HARRIS Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
Shannon Harris Assistant Football Coach Receivers
MELVIN HINES Senior Associate Athletic Director
FREDA FREEMAN-JACKSON Head Coach Women’s Basketball
LEWIS JACKSON Head Men’s Basketball Coach
ALICIA JAY Assistant Athletic Trainer
LaSHAUNDA JONES Assistant Track Coach
Karl Jordan Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Verna Julaton Assistant Volleyball Coach
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Assistant Football Coach Offensive Line/Video Coordinator
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ATHLETIC STAFF
Fred Kaiss Assistant Football Coach Offensive Coordinator
Rachel Lawler Head Athletic Trainer
DERRICK MAGEE Senior Associate Athletic Director/Business Affairs
YVETTE MCDANIEL Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
RICHARD MONCRIEF Assistant Football Coach Quarterbacks
CRAIG PAYNE Director of Football Operations
Justin Pinckney Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach
LARRY REYNOLDS Assistant Athletic Trainer
STEVE ROGERS Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
TYRONE ROGERS Assistant Football Coach Defensive Line
Destinee Sanchez Assistant Softball Coach
Kathryn Saunders Assistant Soccer Coach
WILLARD SCISSUM Assistant Football Coach Offensive Line
ANTHONY SEWELL Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
JODIE SMITH Head Soccer Coach
LYNN SMITH Basketball Administrative Assistant
Michael Snapp Assistant Track Coach
COURTNEY STEPHENS Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
DOMINIQUE STEVENSON Assistant Football Coach Safeties
CEDRIC THORNTON Assistant Football Coach Defensive Coordinator
DANTE TYSON-BEY Equipment Manager
RACHEL WADDLE Assistant Athletic Trainer
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
Marilyn Wade Administrative Assistant
LARRY WATKINS Special Assistant
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Penny Lucas-White Head Volleyball Coach
DR. SHARRON HERRONWILLIAMS Faculty Athletic Representative
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Wheeler-Watkins Baseb
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ball Complex
A new era in Alabama State baseball began in March 2011 with the opening of the recently renamed Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex. The complex, dedicated in February 2012, features batting cages, concessions area, press box, and fan seating for approximately 500 fans. The Bermuda grass surface provides the best playing field in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and one of the best in the South. With eight-foot high fences and dimensions ranging from 330 – 400 feet, the Wheeler Watkins Baseball Complex is an exciting venue for Hornet Baseball. The facility is named for former head baseball coaches Herbert “Hot Dog” Wheeler and Larry “Toy Cannon” Watkins. Wheeler, a native of Clarksdale, Ark., earned both his undergraduate (1937) and graduate (1967) degrees from Alabama State. He played several sports, and his athletic abilities earned him the nickname “Hot Dog.” After playing under G.W. “Pop” Lockhart, who started the program in 1926 and for whom Lockhart Gymnasium is named, Wheeler became head coach of the baseball team in the 1960s and led the Hornets until 1981. Wheeler coached the only Hornets baseball team to participate in the NCAA Tournament while a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) in 1974. Watkins, who played center field for the Hornets under Wheeler, became head coach after graduating in 1974 and became head coach in 1982. The winningest head coach in the program’s history with over 500 victories, Watkins retired in 2011.
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ASU traditions ASU FIGHT SONG AND CHEER
Alma Mater
(Hail Alabama Fight Song)
Alabama State, O Mother Dear Again we come to thee Our pains and sorrows we forget When e’er thy face we see, O happy harbor, blessed place O sweet and pleasant soil, In thee we hope, in thee we trust For the way we pray and toil.
Hail, Alabama State University How we love your name. Your spacious halls respond with knowledge, Deeds extol your fame. Hurrah, hurrah for the Black and Gold! Hurrah, hurrah for heroes bold! Dear Alma Mater, we will adore you, In one loud acclaim,
Thy Sons and Daughters love thy halls Aglow with truth and light And every heart beats true to thee, In whom there is no night. O Alma Mater, fair and dear, We proudly hail thy name Which far and near is known and loved And crowned with glowing fame.
Chorus Alabama! Alabama! Hail, hail, hail, hail college so dear Alabama! Alabama! ‘tis for you we’ll cheer All hail the men who fight on the field All hail you glory can’t be repealed; So, hail, hail, hail, hail Alabama! Hail, hail, hail! Trio To the Black and Gold Let our giant echoes roll In the breeze, on the air, Let our banner wave so fair, Sing Hurrah, sing Hurrah, Sing Hurrah, rah-rah-rah-rah Hey!
Thy campus flowers and shady walks Bring thoughts of Marion Green Before thy trials in Beulah Vale, Which God from us did screen, But now we stand on College Heights Content with God’s decree For all he does is right and good And makes for Liberty.
Chorus Alabama! Alabama! Hail, hail, hail, hail college so dear Alabama! Alabama! ‘tis for you we’ll cheer All hail the men who fight on the field All hail your glory can’t be repealed; So, hail, hail, hail, hail Alabama! Hail, hail, hail!
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Roster
NO NAME POS B/T HT WT CL HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL 1 Richard Amion OF R/R 5-11 175 FR Cutler Bay, Fla./Miami South Ridge HS 2 Leo Rojas INF R/R 5-9 170 JR Port St. Lucie, Fla./St. Pete JC 6 Michael Tellado INF R/R 6-1 175 FR Canovanas, PR/International Baseball Academy & HS 7 Michael Estevez RHP R/R 6-0 160 FR Tampa, Fla/Jefferson HS 8 Jordan Mims OF R/R 5-10 190 SR Jemison, Ala./Jemison HS 9 Marcus Swint OF R/R 5-8 185 FR Jonesboro, Ga./Mt. Zion HS 10 Einar Muniz INF R/R 5-4 140 FR Tampa, Fla./Jefferson HS 11 Richard Gonzalez C R/R 5-10 170 FR Caguas, PR/Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & HS 13 Darrion Pedro INF R/R 6-0 185 SR Tampa, Fla./Leto HS 14 Waldyvan Estrada OF R/R 5-11 170 FR Lozia, PR/International Baseball Academy & HS 16 Emmanuel Marrero INF S/R 6-0 160 FR Caguas, PR/Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & HS 17 Anthony Ricciardi RHP R/R 5-10 170 JR Toronto, Canada/St. Basil the Great HS 18 Logan Dyer RHP R/R 6-1 170 FR Orlando, Fla./Wekiva HS 19 Greg Matthews RHP R/R 6-3 180 FR Orlando, Fla./Wekiva HS 20 Ryan Epperson OF R/R 5-11 175 SR Atalla, Ala./Gadsden State CC 21 Ron Frost LHP L/L 6-2 195 SR Atlanta, Ga./Southern Union CC 22 Armando Ruiz RHP R/R 5-9 165 FR Miami, Fla./Doral Academy 23 Elias Tejada OF R/R 5-11 185 FR Lake Mary, Fla./Lake Mary HS 25 Derrick Sanders OF L/L 6-0 205 FR Birmingham, Ala./Huffman HS 26 Luke Melymick RHP R/R 6-5 170 FR Ontario, Canada/Etobiocoke Collegiate HS 30 Tyler Ray C R/R 6-2 190 FR Prattville, Ala./Holtville HS 33 Jahmal Brooks INF R/R 5-9 200 SO Toronto, Canada/Richview Collegiate 35 Manny Rodriguez C R/R 6-1 205 FR Miami, Fla./Mater Academy HS 37 Mike Montgomery LHP L/L 5-5 170 FR Birmingham, Ala./Huffman HS 38 Joel Alvira RHP L/R 6-0 220 FR Fajardo, PR/International Baseball Academy & HS 41 T.J. Renda RHP R/R 5-10 190 FR Orlando, Fla./Apopka HS 44 Lloyd Kelly INF R/R 6-3 205 SR Montgomery, Ala./Loveless Academic Magnet HEAD COACH 24 Mervyl Melendez ASSISTANT COACHES 27 Jose Vazquez (Associate Head Coach) 3 Drew Clark 32 Matt Crane 29 Jeremy Davis (Director of Baseball Operations) HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER Racheal Lawler
HOW TO SAY IT - THE HORNET WAY 1 2 3 7 10 14 17 23 38
Richard Amion Leo Rojas Michael Tellado Michael Estevez Einar Muniz Waldyvan Estrada Anthony Ricciardi Elias Tejada Joel Alvira
a-ME-on LAY-oh ro-HAS tay-YAH-do es-STEV-es A-nar moon-YEES WALL-de-VON es-STRAD-a re-CHAR-deE el-LEE-us te-HAD-a al-VEE-ra
EQUIPMENT MANAGER Dante Tyson-Bey
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Season Outlook To say the 2012 Alabama State Baseball Hornets will be young is an understatement at best.
“Both of them came in as shortstops,” Melendez said of Rojas, a junior college transfer whose father Alvaro played in the big leagues. “We moved Leo to second base, and we feel he is going to be one of the best second basemen in the nation. We really like his leadership. He knows the game of baseball. He is a hard worker and he is going to the catalyst of this team.”
Of the 27 players on the roster entering the season, 20 of them are newcomers to the ASU program, including 19 freshmen. “I’ve said it many times – there’s no replacement for experience,” first-year head coach Mervyl Melendez said. “However, experience doesn’t play. It doesn’t go out there and swing a bat, throw a pitch or field a ball. We believe what we lack in experience, we make up for in talent and hard work. The players have the fundamentals and know the philosophy and the language we are trying to teach them. They have executed that in scrimmages. This is a team sport. The stronger you are together, the better off as a team you’re going to be.”
Marrero is a very good defender with great actions,” said Melendez. “We hope he gains a lot of experience quickly, as this is a premium position at any level. We believe he is going to give us a lot of good play at shortstop. In the middle, you have to be very strong and I think catching second base and shortstop will be very strong for us.” Einar Muniz came to ASU as a second baseman but has made the move to the hot corner and projects to be the fourth freshman starter in the infield. Another freshman, Michael Tellado may also see time at third base this season.
INFIELD
“Einar is a very, very good defensive infielder,” Melendez said. “We believe he is going to give us a very good chance of winning ballgames because of his defense. He is small in stature, but has some of the best hands on the team. Tellado is a freshman that may see time at third. Out of the three, I think he will be the best hitter. He did very well in the fall and we think when he is in the lineup he is going to be an offensive threat.”
A pair of freshmen, Manny Rodriguez and Richard Gonzalez will anchor the Hornets behind the plate. “I feel that’s one position that we will be very strong,” Melendez said. “They both are good defenders and will be able to handle our pitching staff which is very important. Offensively, Manny is going to end up hitting in the middle of the lineup. They are both very talented and we won’t see a big drop in performance from either one of them.”
OUTFIELD
Rodriguez will also see playing time at first base with Darrion Pedro, who makes the move across the diamond for the first time after playing most of his career at shortstop. Pedro has started 118 games in a Hornet uniform.
A total of four players are vying for time in left field. Senior Jordan Mims, recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, hit .333 last season including a pair of home runs and 24 RBI. Derrick Sanders is one of three freshmen at the position and is contending to be an opening day starter.
“It is a new position for him, and he looks very comfortable there,” Melendez said of Pedro, who will also see time at third base. “He’s going to be a good defender. Lloyd Kelly is another first baseman that will play there some and will serve as a DH. We feel good defensively about that area as well with three guys that are capable of playing well as this level.”
“Derrick is a very good defender, but also he is great hitter,” Melendez said of Sanders. “He understands how to hit. He understands his strengths offensively and we are expecting a lot of good things out of him.” Marcus Swint and Elias Tejada will look to add offensive punch to the lineup when called upon.
Leo Rojas and Emmanuel Marrero will play second base and shortstop, respectively.
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In center field, senior Ryan Epperson and freshman Richard Amion are battling for the starting position. Epperson hit .324 in 31 games last season, 16 of them starts.
Junior Anthony Riccardi (3-5 record in 2011), is the only returner along with six true freshmen that will be in the fold to take the mound.
“They both are very fast and play great defense,” Melendez said. “It’s going to come down to who’s going to be hot at that time. Ryan had a good fall. Amion was working on his swing – not the fall that I’m sure he was expecting. But we understand he is going to be a part of the future here at ASU.”
2012 SCHEDULE
In addition to the 24 Southwestern Athletic Conference games, the Hornets will play a challenging slate of nonconference games. Highlighting this year’s schedule are home-and-home games with Alabama-Birmingham, Georgia State, Mercer, Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, and a home game against Troy. Alabama State will also travel to Auburn for a two-game series and to Oklahoma for a three-game series against the Sooners in Norman, Okla.
True freshman Waldyvan Estrada is slated to be the opening day starter in right field. He batted .346 with 12 home runs as a senior at the International Baseball Academy and High School and was a 50th round draft pick in the 2011 draft by the San Francisco Giants.
“We wanted to go out and play the best teams we could play but we also wanted to bring good teams to play here in Montgomery,” Melendez said. “We have a brand new facility and one of the best fields in the southeast. The bottom line is we wanted to play a great schedule. We’re playing good teams, the best teams that were available at that time. We’re going to be tested.”
“We know the nine players that will start the season opener may not be the ones that will be there at the end,” Melendez said. “That’s just the way it usually goes. But, the best nine will play on opening day. That’s for sure.”
PITCHER
A pair of freshmen are positioned to anchor the Hornets’ pitching staff, as Joel Alvira and T.J. Renda are slated to be the top two pitchers in the rotation.
THE CHALLENGE
Melendez is excited about taking on the challenge of elevating the Alabama State baseball program to national prominence.
“Joel is going to be a big-game pitcher,” Melendez said. “He has all the tools to be outstanding. He’s a freshman, so experience wise we’ll see how he deals with adversity. He’s a guy that is going to throw in the high 80s and is going to hit the low 90s at times. He has three pitches he throws for strikes and he battles. T.J. is a competitor and, like Joel, he will leave it on the field. We know we can count on him in big games.”
“The bottom line is I felt this was the right place to do it,” Melendez said. “It’s a place that is now serious about baseball, about winning, about getting to the next level. And it is a challenge. We wanted to take on a challenge and get it done. Not only for us and for the kids, but for the university and the community and for everyone in the United States to see that our guys and this university is going to get to the status that probably a lot of people don’t think we can get to. It is a challenge and that’s what we like the most.”
Senior Ron Frost has had an outstanding offseason and has put himself in position to become the third starter. Last season, he posted a 2-2 record in 12 games with six starts. “He has really surpassed every expectation,” Melendez said of Frost. “He’s displayed good maturity, as well as good stuff on the mound. He’s not a guy that’s going to light up the radar gun but he showed he can pitch at this level and get people out.
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Head Coach
As if destined to live up to the tradition of his hometown, Melendez’ teams have played like giants throughout his head coaching career. Regularly competing against some of the nation’s top college baseball programs, Melendez’ teams have won 38 games against opponents from Division I FBS conferences. Among some of the top victories since 2002 include three wins over Miami, Fla. (2002, twice in 2009), Michigan State (twice in 2009, 2011) and South Florida (twice in 2008, 2011), a pair of wins over Iowa (2002, 2003) and Tennessee (2005, 2007), and victories over Ohio State (2010), Troy (2010) and Auburn (2011). An eight-time conference coach of the year, Melendez led the Wildcats to 46 consecutive MEAC regular season wins, including back-to-back undefeated league seasons in 2010 and 2011 (18-0 both seasons). In 2009 at the age of 35 years and two months, he became the second youngest coach in NCAA Division I baseball history to win 300 games. Melendez had spent his entire collegiate career at Bethune Cookman, and was an integral part of 14 MEAC titles as a player, assistant coach and head coach. As a player at Bethune-Cookman, Melendez was selected to the first-ever Black College All-America Team during his senior season (1996). As a third baseman and relief pitcher, he finished his collegiate career as the all-time school leader in doubles (30) and batting average (.342). These accolades earned him allconference and all-tournament honors in both 1995 and ’96.
Mervyl Melendez Mervyl Melendez is entering his first season as head baseball coach at Alabama State University. Melendez comes to ASU from Bethune-Cookman, where he led the Wildcats to 11 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) titles in his 12 seasons as head coach. Melendez brings a 379-320 record (.540) to Alabama State, including six straight winning seasons, and nine seasons of 30+ wins.
It was Melendez’ relief-pitching efforts against North Carolina A&T in the final game of the 1996 regular season that allowed the Wildcats to capture their second consecutive MEAC Southern Division crown. In the NCAA Regional Play-in game against Georgia Southern in 1996, Melendez hit a bases-loaded double to give B-CU their first win in a regional.
Melendez, 38, has compiled an impressive list of victories and accomplishments in his head coaching career. Highlighted among them are two separate streaks of at least five consecutive MEAC titles (2000-04, 2006-11). His teams have made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, and posted a victory vs. Florida International in 2002.
He served as assistant coach from 1997-99, helping the Wildcats with MEAC titles in ’97 and ’99.
Melendez is a native of Carolina (pronounced kah-ro-LEE-nah), Puerto Rico (known as La Tierra de Gigantes aka “Land of the Giants”), located in the northeast corner of the country. Carolina is also home of Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
Melendez moved to Orlando, Florida at the age of 13, and attended Lake Howell High in Winter Park, Fla. He is married to the former Aixa Alicea, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Together, they have two beautiful sons in Mervyl S. “MJ” Melendez, Jr., and youngest son Jayden Savier.
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MELENDEZ’ BIGGEST HITS 38 VICTORIES OVER FBS PROGRAMS SINCE 2002 2002
Florida Atlantic (twice), Iowa, Miami, Fla., Central Florida (twice), Florida International
2003
Florida International (three times), Central Florida (twice), Iowa
2004
FORMER MELENDEZ PLAYERS IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL 2000
Mark Woodyard, Elgan Graham, Matt Knox (FA)
2001
Cesar Montes de Oca
2002
Rusty Moore, Wes Timmons, Jason Dooley, Micah Simmons (FA)
South Florida
2003
John Gragg, John Lee
2005
Tennessee
2004
John Figueroa, Mumba Rivera, Sebastian Boucher
2006
Central Florida, Seton Hall, Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Penn State
2005
Carlos Picornell
2006
RJ Rodriguez
2007
Tennessee, Florida Atlantic (twice)
2007
Angel Mercado
2008
South Florida (twice), Penn State
2008
Jose Lozada, Gio Gautier
2009
Hiram Burgos, Eric Thomas, Chris Brown (Ind)
2009
Michigan State (twice), Florida International, Miami, Fla. (twice)
2010
Juan Perez
2010
Troy, Ohio State, Florida International
2011
Peter O’Brien, Julio Morales, Ryan Durrence (FA)
2011
Auburn, Michigan State, South Florida, Florida International
TOP PLAYERS COACHED BY MELENDEZ
MELENDEZ BY THE NUMBERS 2 2.9
number of streaks of at least 5 straight MEAC Champions (five straight from 2000-04; six straight from 2006-11) lowest combined grade point average of team in last six seasons
6
30+ win seasons
8
MEAC Coach of the Year Honors
9
winning seasons in 12 years as head coach
11 18-0 25
Wes Timmons Louisville Slugger All-American MEAC Player of the Year
2003
John Gragg Louisville Slugger All-American MEAC Player of the Year
2004
Sebastian Boucher MEAC Player of the Year
2006
José Ortiz-Rivera MEAC Rookie of the Year Louisville Slugger All-American Nabil Sagbini MEAC Player of the Year
2007
Francisco Rodriguez MEAC Pitcher of the Year
2008
Jose Lozada MEAC Player of the Year
number of MEAC Championships won; also number of NCAA Tournament Appearances MEAC record in each of the past two seasons
2009
number of consecutive regular season MEAC wins (active)
379
victories in 12 seasons as head coach
.540
career winning percentage as head coach
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Ali Simpson MEAC Rookie Pitcher of the Year Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Peter O’Brien Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American
Number of players to play professional baseball or sign pro contracts
35 years, Age when achieved 300th career win, 2 months second youngest in NCAA Division I history 46
2002
15
2010
Peter O’Brien MEAC Player of the Year Louisville Slugger Third Team All-American Team USA
2011
Scott Garner MEAC Rookie of the Year MEAC Pitcher of the Year Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America NCBWA Freshman All-America
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Associate Head Coach A long-time member of the Mervyl Melendez coaching staff, Jose’ Vasquez enters his first season as Associate Head Coach for the Alabama State baseball program. Vazquez coaches the hitters and catchers, and also the third base coaching box. In addition to the day-to-day duties of the baseball program, Vazquez also serves as coordinator for the summer and winter skill & development camps hosted by Alabama State. Vasquez spent the previous nine seasons as assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, with 2011 his first as Associate Head Coach. Vazquez played a prominent role in the programs’ success, bringing in players that posted a staggering 100-4 MEAC record over the past six seasons, all ending in conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. Playing under Melendez at B-CU, Vazquez earned all-conference honors as a catcher in his only season with the Wildcats, transferring there for his senior season in 2002. As a starter, Vazquez helped post the best record in school history (39-22), including the programs’ only NCAA Regional victory over Florida International. Vazquez then joined the coaching ranks, first as a student in 2003 and, upon graduating, a full-time assistant.
JOSE’ VASQUEZ
A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Vazquez is married to the former Jana Swanson. The couple has two daughters, Liana and Elaisa.
COACH MELENDEZ ON VAZQUEZ: “Jose has been very instrumental in the success of our program. As the Recruiting Coordinator, he’s been able to identify and sign great baseball players. The future with him is very bright. He’s an amazing recruiter and a great coach supported by a great family.”
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Assistant CoachES
DREW CLARK
Drew Clark is in his first season on the Alabama State baseball staff, his third as assistant coach under Head Coach Mervyl Melendez. Clark oversees the Hornets’ baseball strength and conditioning program in addition to working with hitters and catchers. Clark joined the coaching ranks in 2010 after a four-year career playing catcher at Bethune-Cookman, winning more than 150 games, four Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships and four appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Clark is a native of Deltona, Fla.
MATT CRANE
JEREMY DAVIS
Crane had a successful two-year stint as a pitcher in the Wildcats’ program and was a part of two MEAC Championship teams and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Crane transferred to B-CU after playing two seasons at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan. He helped the Bruins to a runner-up finish in the NJCAA Division II World Series in 2007 as a starter and reliever.
Davis came to B-CU from Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, where he earned All-JUCO and All-State honors. A standout player at Harrison High in Saucier, Miss, he played in the Mississippi East/ West All-Star game.
Matt Crane is in his first season on the Alabama State baseball staff, his fourth as assistant coach under Head Coach Mervyl Melendez. Crane is in charge of the ASU pitching staff, a role in which he is very familiar after having worked the BC-U pitchers and catchers from 200911.
Jeremy Davis is in his first season as Director of Baseball Operations for Alabama State Baseball. Davis comes to ASU after one season as a student assistant at Bethune-Cookman in 2011 after a twoyear player for the Wildcats. A part of two MEAC Championship teams, Davis hit .382 his senior year as designated hitter with five home runs and ten doubles in earning first-team All-MEAC honors.
Crane is a native of Flint, Michigan. COACH MELENDEZ ON CLARK: “He is a workaholic on and off the field. He knows the game very well. As an ex-catcher, he knows the ins and outs of baseball and is a great communicator. He’s one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever been around. He’s young and energetic and I see a very, very big future for him.”
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COACH MELENDEZ ON CRANE: “In the short time he’s been a baseball coach, he has surpassed every expectation that I had. As pitching coach, he will do a tremendous job with our pitchers. I believe that the future is very bright for him in this game as a pitching coach.”
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COACH MELENDEZ ON DAVIS: “Whatever you need, Jeremy will be there. The players really get along with him and listen to his insights. He wants to be a coach and he’s going to be a fine coach when it’s all said and done.”
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • • • • •
Played in 31 games with 16 starts in the outfield Hit .324 with one home run and eight RBI Had 22 hits, including three doubles, and one triple Had career highs in hits (four) and doubles (two) at Florida A&M 3/23/11 Hit first career home run at Alabama A&M 4/2/11
JUNIOR COLLEGE • •
Transferred from Gadsden State Community College Had eight-hit game with six RBI and three runs scored against Snead State Community College
HIGH SCHOOL • •
RYAN EPPERSON Outfielder Senior • 5-11 • 175 • R/R
Was first-team All State Outfielder and earned the team hitting award at Etowah High Was team captain of football team
PERSONAL • • •
Born David Ryan Epperson on July 23, 1990 Mother is Barbara Teal; has four siblings – sisters Brittany, Justice and Adrianna, and brother Jared Psychology Major
Atalla, Ala. Gadsden State CC/Etowah HS
CAREER HIGHS At bats: Hits: Runs Scored: Doubles: Triples: Home Runs: RBI:
5 4 3 2 1 1 3
at at at at at at at
Alabama A&M (5/7/11) Florida A&M (3/23/11) Florida A&M (3/23/11) Clark Atlanta (3/22/11) Clark Atlanta (3/22/11) Alabama A&M (4/2/11) Alcorn State (4/30/11)
COACH MELENDEZ ON EPPERSON: ”He is a speedy outfielder and a very good defender. He has improved offensively for us. He’s had great at bats for us in the fall and now the spring.”
GP GS AVG AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR TB SB/SBA BB SO PO A E PCT. 2011 31 16 .324 68 17 22 8 3 1 1 30 10/12 6 11 25 1 1 .963 TOTALS 31 16 .324 68 17 22 8 3 1 4 30 10/12 6 11 25 1 1 .963
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights
• Played in 14 games, with 12 appearances on the mound, 6 starts and two pinch-hit appearances • The southpaw had a 2-2 record with a 7.54 ERA, while recording one hit in two plate appearances • Struck out 37 batters in 37.0 innings, with 39 hits allowed • Pitched a career-high six innings at Tuskegee, allowing five runs on five hits with six strikeouts (4/14)
JUNIOR COLLEGE •
Transferred from Southern Union Community College
HIGH SCHOOL
• Was first-team All State Player and Defensive Player of the Year at North Atlanta High School • Hit .402 with 23 HRs and 91 RBI with 30 SB • 18-5 record as pitcher with 3.01 ERA and 185 strikeouts
RON FROST Left Handed Pitcher
PERSONAL
Senior • 6-2 • 195 • R/R Atlanta, Ga. Southern Union CC/North Atlanta HS
CAREER HIGHS Innings: Strikeouts: Hits Allowed: Runs: Earned Runs: Additional: 2011 TOTALS
W 2 2
6 at Tuskegee (4/14/11) 8 at Alabama A&M (5/8/11) 8 at Alabama A&M (5/8/11) 8 at Alabama A&M (5/8/11) 5 (twice), last at Alabama A&M (5/8/11) 1 AB twice (at MVSU 4/22/11; at Alcorn St. (5/1/11); had hit (2B), RBI and run scored at Miss. Valley 4/22/11)
L ERA 2 7.54 2 7.54
SV 0 0
GP 12 12
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
GS 6 6
CG 0 0
• • •
Born Ronald Frost on August 17, 1990 Parents are Angela Stewart and Ronald Frost; has three brothers – Brandon, Dontavious and David Communications Major
COACH MELENDEZ ON FROST: “Ron has done a great job for us. He’s going to be one of our top starting pitchers. We’re looking for him to have a good season. He has pitches that he’s commanding for strikes. His confidence is at its highest level since we’ve been here. We’re looking for him to continue to pitch well.”
IP 37.0 37.0
H 39 39
19
R 41 41
ER 31 31
BB 29 29
SO 37 37
WP 10 10
BK 1 1
HBP SHO/CBO 5 0/1 5 0/1
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • • • •
Played in 29 games with 22 starts, 20 at first base, with one start each as DH and SS Batted .263 with one home run and 10 RBI Had six two-hit games Hit home run and tied career high with four RBI at Jackson State 4/9/11)
2010 Highlights
• Played in career-high 35 games with 32 starts, 29 at first base • Set career highs in average (.298), doubles (13), HR (four) and RBI (24) • Went career-high 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles and home run and tied a career-high with four RBI vs. Miss. Valley State 4/26/10 • Scored career-high four runs at Clark Atlanta (3/17/11)
LLOYD KELLY
2009 Highlights
Loveless Academy Magnet Program
• Played in 11 games with three starts at DH • Batted .214 with three hits in 14 at bats with one double and one RBI • Made first career hit as pinch-hitter at Alabama A&M 3/21/09
CAREER HIGHS
PERSONAL
Infielder Senior • 6-3 • 205 • R/R Montgomery, Ala.
At bats: 6 vs. Alcorn State (5/2/10) Hits: 5 vs. Miss. Valley St. (4/26/10) Runs Scored: 4 at Tuskegee (3/4/10) Doubles: 2 (twice), vs. Miss. Valley St. (4/26/10), at Alabama A&M (4/2/11) Home Runs: 1 (five times), last at Jackson St. (4/9/11) RBI: 4 (four times), last at Jackson St. (4/9/11)
• • •
Born Lloyd Austin Kelly on May 28, 1989 Parents are Annette and Gregory Kelly; has two sisters Audra and Asheley Computer Science/Pre-Engineering Major
COACH MELENDEZ ON KELLY: “Lloyd is a senior that is a very good offensive player. He’s going to be a guy that we’ll call upon in certain situations that will give
GP GS AVG AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR TB SB/SBA BB SO PO A E PCT. 2009 11 3 .214 14 1 3 1 1 0 0 4 0/0 4 6 0 0 0 .000 2010 35 32 .298 114 19 34 24 13 0 4 59 1/2 11 21 236 14 3 .988 2011 29 22 .263 80 8 21 10 5 0 1 29 0/0 7 18 164 6 3 .983 TOTALS 75 57 .279 208 28 58 10 5 0 5 92 1/2 22 45 400 20 6 .986
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • • • • •
Played in 43 games with 38 starts in the outfield, making four appearances with one start on the mound Batted .333 with 2 home runs and 24 RBI Posted 1-1 record with 8.10 ERA, striking out two and walking two in four games Had career high four hits, including a double with one RBI at Jackson State (4/9/11) Made one start on the mound vs. Alcorn State, allowing three runs on three hits (3/26/11)
2010 Highlights • • • • •
JORDAN MIMS
Played in 37 games, with 33 starts in the outfield; made four appearances with one start on the mound Batted .267 with 1 home run and 15 RBI Posted 0-1 record with 13.11 ERA, striking out five and walking five in 11.2 innings pitched Had season-high three hits, with three RBI and two runs scored at Tuskegee (3/4/10) Made one start on the mound at Georgia State, allowing 10 runs on 10 hits in four innings (4/28/10)
2009 Highlights
Outfielder Senior • 5-10 • 190 • R/R Jemison, Ala. Jemison HS
• • • •
CAREER HIGHS
HIGH SCHOOL
At bats: 6 (twice) vs. Albany State (4/21/09), vs. Florida A&M (4/5/11) Hits: 4 at Jackson State (4/9/11) Runs Scored: 3 (three times), last vs. Miss. Valley St. (4/26/10) Doubles: 1 (10 times), last at Jackson St. (4/9/10) Triples: 1 (twice) vs. Alcorn St.(3/26/11), at Jackson State (4/9/11) Home Runs: 2 at Clark Atlanta (2/25/09) RBI: 4 (three times), last vs. Alabama A&M (5/7/11) 2009 2010 2011 TOTALS
•
Played in 32 games with 29 starts in the outfield Hit .265 with career-high four home runs and 13RBI Had season-high three hits, with three runs scored at in first game of DH at Clark Atlanta (2/25/09) Hit career-high two home runs and tied career high with 4 RBI at in second game of DH at Clark Atlanta (2/25/09) Earned all-county honors in baseball, basketball and football at Jemison (Ala.) High
PERSONAL • • •
Born Jordan Keith Mims on Jan. 23, 1990 Parents are Sherri Taylor and Keith Mims; has one brother - Jackson Social Science Major
COACH MELENDEZ ON MIMS: “Jordan is one of the few seniors we have on the team. He’s a very smart, experienced player who has played in nearly every game of his career. We are definitely going to count on his experience this year.”
GP GS AVG AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR TB SB/SBA 32 29 .265 102 18 27 13 1 0 4 40 4/7 33 33 .267 120 18 32 15 5 0 1 40 7/9 39 38 .333 135 29 45 24 5 2 2 60 4/7 104 100 .291 357 65 104 52 11 2 7 140 15/23
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BB SO PO A E PCT. 12 6 65 1 1 .985 17 10 61 67 9 .934 15 14 80 3 2 .976 44 30 206 71 12 .958
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • • • • •
Played in 43 games with 41 starts – 35 at shortstop, six at first base Hit .273 with two HR and and 31 RBI; led team with eight doubles and three triples Holds distinction of hitting first ASU home run at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) in second game of double header Had season high three hits twice – vs. Clark Atlanta (2/19/11), vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) Tied career high twice with 4 RBI games – vs. Clark Atlanta (2/19/11), at Miss. Valley St. (4/23/11)
2010 Highlights - Did not play 2009 Highlights
DARRION PEDRO Infielder Senior • 6-0 • 185 • R/R Tampa, Fla. Leto HS
CAREER HIGHS
At bats: 7, at Claflin (2/22/09) Hits: 4 (three times), last at Georgia State (4/8/09) Runs Scored: 4 (twice), last at Alabama A&M (4/3/11) Doubles: 2 vs. Clark Atlanta (2/9/11) Triples: 1 (five times), last vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) Home Runs: 3 at Alabama A&M (3/5/08) RBI: 7 vs. Coppin State (3/20/08)
• • • • •
Played in 45 games with 43 starts combined at shortstop and in the outfield Hit .273 with two HR and 30 RBI; led team with seven doubles and a pair of triples Had career high four hits three times – at Clark Atlanta (2/25/09), vs. Miles (2/26/09), at Georgia State (4/8/09) Drove in career-high four runs vs. Miles 2/26/09 Pitched 2/3 of inning at Georgia State, allowing five runs (two earned) with one strikeout
2008 Highlights • • • • •
Started all 34 games he played in Set career highs in average (.372) and home runs (nine) with 28 RBI; Set career highs in doubles (8) and added a pair of triples Had career-high three HRs vs. Alabama A&M 3/5/08 Drove in career high seven RBI vs. Coppin State 3/20/08
PERSONAL • • •
Born Darrion Leevon Pedro on September 16, 1988 Parents are Daphne and Derrick Pedro; has three siblings – sister Derricka and brothers Derrick Jr. and Devon Business Management Major
COACH MELENDEZ ON PEDRO: ”Darrion is an experienced ball player that has played a lot of games in an ASU uniform. We’re going to count on his experience. He’s going to play both first base and third base for us. We’re counting on him to add the experience we need on the field every game.”
GP GS AVG AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR TB SB/SBA BB SO PO A E PCT. 2008 34 34 .372 129 40 48 28 8 2 9 87 7/11 19 24 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2009 45 43 .273 172 30 41 30 7 2 2 64 14/15 15 26 62 64 7 .947 2011 43 41 .273 150 30 41 31 8 3 2 61 13/15 16 30 45 107 19 .889 TOTALS 122 118 .288 451 100 130 89 23 7 13 212 34/41 50 80 107 171 26 .914
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • • • • •
Made nine appearances, all starts on the mound Right-hander posted 3-5 record with 6.08 ERA, with two complete games Struck out 36 batters in 47.1 innings, with 59 hits allowed Pitched complete-game four-hitter, allowing three runs and striking out seven in 6-3 win vs. Grambling (4/16/11) Earned Black College Baseball Pitcher of the Week honors after throwing seven shutout innings with seven hits allowed and tying career high with 11 strikeouts at Alabama A&M (4/2/11)
2010 Highlights
ANTHONY RICCIARDI Right Handed Pitcher Junior • 5-10 • 170 • R/R Toronto, Canada St. Basil The Great HS
CAREER HIGHS
Innings: 9 (twice), vs. Alabama A&M (4/2/10), vs. Grambling State (4/16/11) Strikeouts: 11 vs. Alabama A&M (4/2/10), at Alabama A&M (4/2/11) Hits Allowed: 14 vs. Jackson State (4/10/10) Runs: 12 vs. Jackson State (4/10/10) Earned Runs: 10 at Jackson State (4/8/11
2010 2011 TOTALS
• • • • • •
Earned second-team All –SWAC honors as freshman Played in 14 games with 11 starts on the mound; made two appearances in relief and one at second base Posted 3-7 record with 5.38 ERA with two complete games Struck out 52 batters in 77.0 innings, with 80 hits allowed Pitched complete-game five-hit shutout, walking four and striking out career-high 11 vs. Alabama A&M 4/2/10 Walked in only at bat playing second base, scoring a run vs. Alcorn State 5/2/11
PERSONAL • • •
Born Anthony Ricciardi on August 29, 1991 Parents are Michael and Linda Ricciardi; has one sister, Daniela Finance Major
COACH MELENDEZ ON RICCIARDI: He’s one of the two pitchers we have coming back that has a lot of innings under his belt at this level. We’re going to count on him to give us a lot of innings. He has improved his mechanics. He has improved his pitching; he now has four pitches he can throw for strikes. He is going to be a key to our success this year.”
W L ERA SV GP GS CG IP H R ER BB SO WP BK HBP SHO/CBO 3 7 5.38 0 14 11 2 77.0 80 58 46 50 52 9 4 13 1/0 3 5 6.08 0 9 9 2 47.1 59 36 32 22 36 3 3 2 1/0 6 12 5.65 0 23 20 4 124.1 139 94 78 72 88 12 7 15 2/0
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2012 ASU Hornets 2011 Highlights • Played in 13 games with two starts at first base • Hit .389 with seven hits in 18 at bats with three RBI • Had at least one hit in six games, including four of final five games he played in • Had season high in hits (two), runs scored (two) and RBI (two) vs. Alabama A&M 5/8/11 • Registered two extra-base hits, with a double at Alcorn State 4/30/11 and vs. Alabama A&M 5/8/11
HIGH SCHOOL • Four-year starter at first base at Richview C.I. • Team MVP as junior • Hit .407 with 16 HR and 87 RBI in career
PERSONAL
COACH MELENDEZ ON BROOKS: “Jahmal is recovering from offseason hand surgery and is doubtful that he will be able to come back from his injury this year.”
• Born Jahmal Brooks on July 26, 1991 • Parents are Corrine Illingworth and George Brooks; has one sister, Mariah • Biology Major
JAHMAL BROOKS
Infielder Sophomore • 5-9 • 200 • R/R Toronto, Canada Richview Collegiate Institute 2011 TOTALS
CAREER HIGHS At bats: 3 (twice) vs. Mississippi Valley State (3/20/11); at Alcorn State (5/1/11) Hits: 2 vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) Runs Scored: 2 vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) Doubles: 2 (twice) at Alcorn State (4/30/11); vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11) RBI: 2 vs. Alabama A&M (5/8/11)
GP GS AVG AB R H RBI 2B 3B HR TB SB/SBA BB SO PO A E PCT. 13 2 .389 18 6 7 3 2 0 0 9 0/0 3 3 26 2 1 .966 13 2 .389 18 6 7 3 2 0 0 9 0/0 3 3 26 2 1 .966
LEO ROJAS
JOEL ALVIRA
Infielder
Right Handed Pitcher
Junior • 5-9 • 170 • R/R
Freshman • 6-0 • 220 • R/R Fajardo, PR
Port. St. Lucie, Fla.
International Baseball Academy & HS
St. Pete JC/SLW Centennial HS • Graduated high school with high honors; 4-year varsity player COACH MELENDEZ ON ROJAS: “Leo is a leader. What’s good about him is that he plays the game with a lot of intensity. He doesn’t let his performance get in the way of how he plays the game. He’s a very smart baseball player.”
• Led St. Pete College to conference runner-up finish
COACH MELENDEZ ON ALVIRA: ”He’s at the top of the rotation, one of those pitchers we’re really counting on heavily. He’s going to be as good as he wants to be. He throws hard, throws a couple of pitches for strikes, and is a competitor. He’s a bulldog on the mound.”
• Born Leonardo Rojas on April 17, 1991 • Parents are Alvaro and Corimar Espinoza; has three sisters – Alva, Maria and Luisa • Criminal Justice Major
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• Received two gold medals for academic honors and graduated with a 3.55 GPA • Had 1.50 ERA and threw a no- hitter as a senior • Born Joel Alvira October 28, 1993 • Parents are Joel Alvira and Margarite Velazga • Physical Therapy Major
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RICHARD AMION Outfield Freshman • 5-11 • 175 • R/R Cutler Bay, Fla.
COACH MELENDEZ ON AMION:“Richard is a speedy outfielder. I think his strength initially is going to be on the defensive side. He’s a very good baseball player, smart, and is one of those guys that once he figures it out, he’s going to be an exciting player for us.”
Miami South Ridge HS
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Earned Gold Glove Honors, Unsung Hero Award and Rookie of Year during HS career
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Hit .460 with eight home runs and 27 stolen bases as senior
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Born Richard Amion Jr. on February 24, 1993
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Parents are Richard and Trinese Amion; has one brother DiAndre
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Physical Therapy Major
LOGAN DYER
COACH MELENDEZ ON DYER: “Logan is a pitcher that has good arm. When he’s on, he’s unhittable. We have to find the consistency with him. He’s improved all his pitches and his confidence is going to continue to improve throughout the year.”
Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 6-1 • 170 • R/R Orlando, Fla. Wekiva HS
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Struckout 78 batters in 50 innings as senior
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Posted 3.16 ERA
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Born Logan James Dyer on September 16, 1992
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Parents are Guy and Monica Dyer; has three brothers (Corey, Blake, and Nicholas)
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Finance Major
MICHAEL ESTEVEZ Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 6-0 • 160 • R/R
COACH MELENDEZ ON ESTEVEZ: “Michael was recruited as an outfielder that we converted into a pitcher. He’s got a live arm. He’s one of those guys that the longer he pitches, the better he is going to get.”
Tampa, Fla. Jefferson HS
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Earned First-Team All-Western Conference Honors as senior
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Was All-County Honorable Mention selection
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Born Michael Estevez on September 27, 1992
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Parents are Tony and Jan Estevez; has four brothers – Lucas, Donnie, Steve and Rick
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Business Management Major
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WALDYVAN ESTRADA Outfield Freshman • 5-11 • 170 • R/R Lozia, PR Inter. Baseball Academy & HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON ESTRADA: “He’s one of those players that has natural power. He’s not huge, but the ball jumps off his bat. He’s one of the best defenders we have in the outfield. He reads the ball very well. He’s a kid that was selected in the 50th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. We’re counting on him to provide a lot of good at-bats for us.”
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Received two gold medals for academic honors and graduated with 3.65 GPA
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Batted .346 with 12 home runs as senior
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Drafted in 50th round of 2011 MLB Draft by San Francisco Giants
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Born Waldyvan Estrada July 20, 1993
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Parents are Jose’ Estrada and Sonia Pizarro
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Physical Therapy Major
RICHARD GONZALEZ Catcher Freshman • 5-10 • 170 • R/R Caguas, PR Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON GONZALEZ: ”Richard is a fiery baseball player. He is a great catcher. He has a great arm and is a very good defender, but also shows some power at the plate. When it’s all said and done, a lot of people around the nation will know his name.”
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Earned T-Mobile Tournament MVP honors and first-team all-tournament honors as senior
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Born Richard V. Gonzalez November 18, 1993
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Parents are Raquel Laporte and Richard Gonzalez
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Business Marketing Major
EMMANUEL MARRERO Infielder Freshman • 6-0 • 160 • S/R Caguas, PR Puerto Rico Baseball Academy & HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON MARRERO: “He is a great ball player. He has great hands at shortstop, and is a switch hitter who can hit with gap-to-gap power from both sides of the plate. He is one player that is going to continue to grow and get better. A lot of people will know about him when his career is done.”
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Earned academic medals in English and Math in graduating with high honors
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Hit .325 during high school career with 10 HR
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Born Emmanuel Marrero May 16, 1993
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Father is Julio A. Marrero
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Physical Therapy Major
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GREG MATTHEWS Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 6-3 • 180 • R/R Orlando, Fla. Wekiva HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON MATTHEWS: ”Greg is a pitcher that is starting to learn how to pitch. We’re hoping he gets it sooner rather than later because he could be at the top of our rotation by season’s end. We’re hoping that is confidence grows as the year goes on.”
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Earned Freshman All-Metro Honorable Mention Honors
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Posted 2.80 ERA
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Born Gregory Matthews May 28, 1993
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Parents are Jeffrey and Patti Matthers; has one sister – Melissa
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Finance Major
LUKE MELYMICK Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 6-5 • 170 • R/R Ontario, Canada Etobiocoke Collegiate HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON MELYMICK: “Luke has done a good job. He’s coming off of Tommy John surgery and is throwing a lot of strikes. He’s done very well in the scrimmages that he’s pitched. We’re hoping he can be one of those pitchers that can come on in relief and do a great job for us.”
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As honor roll student, earned sportsmanship award as senior
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Posted 14-6 record with 3.25 ERA
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Born Luke Melymick June 23, 1992
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Parents are Mark Melymick and Terry Haubrick
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Physical Education Major
MIKE MONTGOMERY Left Handed Pitcher Freshman • 5-5 • 170 • L/L
COACH MELENDEZ ON MONTGOMERY: “Mike is a lefty who came here as a walk-on. He throws a lot of strikes. He throws a couple of pitches for strikes and is going to see a lot of innings for us.”
Birmingham, Ala. Huffman HS •
Named to A-B Honor Roll during high school career
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Hit .500 at the plate while striking out 45 batters on the mound
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Born Michael Sean Montgomery August 27, 1993
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Parents are Willie and Angela Montgomery; has one sister - Adrienne
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Recreational Therapy Major
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EINAR MUNIZ Infielder Freshman • 5-4 • 140 • R/R Tampa, Fla. Jefferson HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON MUNIZ: “He’s one of those players that at the end of the game you look at the scoreboard and they say ‘How did they beat us?’ It’s because of players like him that play the game the right way, takes good at-bats and will do the little things to help the team win.”
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Earned numerous honors, including MVP, Gold Glove, Batting Award and Coaches Award and named an All-Star
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Hit at least .310 each year, including career best .369 as a junior
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Born Einar A. Muniz May 5, 1993
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Father is Einar E. Muniz; Has two sisters (Zuleima and Christy Ann) and one brother (Luis)
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Business Administration Major
TYLER RAY Catcher Freshman • 6-2 • 190 • R/R
COACH MELENDEZ ON RAY: ”Tyler is healing from shoulder surgery he had in the offseason. We’ll see how his progress goes during the spring. He’s a hard worker and has been a bullpen catcher for us.”
Prattville, Ala. Holtville HS •
Batted .302 with 25 putouts at the plate
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Born Steven Tyler Ray June 18, 1993
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Father is Ty Ray; has one sister – Meagan
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Criminal Justice Major
T.J. RENDA Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 5-10 • 190 • R/R Orlando, Fla.
COACH MELENDEZ ON RENDA: “He’s very competitive. T.J. is one of those players that will not back down from any challenge. He’s thrown extremely well during the fall and spring and is going to be with Joel and Ron at the top of the rotation.”
Apopka HS •
2-time 1st Team All-Metro Conference selection; 1st team All-Orange County selection
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4-year varsity starter; team captain as senior
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Born Thomas James Renda on November 10, 1992
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Parents are Joe and Rosemarie Renda; has two sisters - Kimberly and Jennifer, and one brother Joe Jr.
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Criminal Justice Major
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MANNY RODRIGUEZ Catcher Freshman • 6-1 • 205 • R/R Miami Fla. Mater Academy HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON RODRIGUEZ: “Manny’s a great hitter, a good catcher with a great arm. He will also play first base for us. I think offensively, Manny is going to be a force, not just in this conference but around the nation. We’re hoping he continues to show his strength on the offense.”
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4-year letterman on varsity team
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Earned second-team All-Broward County honors as junior
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Born Manuel Rodriguez Feb. 15, 1993
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Parents are Manuel Sr. and Leonar; has one sister – Carolina, and one brother – Christopher
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Criminal Justice Major
ARMANDO RUIZ Right Handed Pitcher Freshman • 5-9 • 165 • R/R Miami, Fla. Doral Academy
COACH MELENDEZ ON RUIZ: “Armando is one of the freshman pitchers that has worked through soreness during the fall. He’s getting back in the groove and becoming the pitcher we want him to be. He’s probably going to be a reliever right off the bat but we’re looking for a lot of good innings from him. He throws a lot of pitches for strikes.”
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Rookie of the Year as freshman; earned All-Dade County second team honors as senior
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Posted 7-2 record as senior, with 2.15 ERA and 68 strikeouts
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Born Armando Jose Ruiz on July 19, 1993
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Parents are Armando Sr. and Pubia Ruiz; has one brother – Arnold
•
Business Management Major
DERRICK SANDERS Outfield Freshman • 6-0 • 205 • L/L Birmingham, Ala. Huffman HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON SANDERS: “We didn’t know what to expect from Derrick when we first got here, but he’s turned out to be a good baseball player. Hopefully he will be a mainstay in the outfield for us for years to come. He really understands how to hit, is a very good outfielder and is a complete player.”
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Was Class Valadictorian and member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and HS Ambassadors
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Team MVP as senior, batting .590 with on-base percentage of .790, hitting 30 doubles, 10 triples and six HRs
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Born Derrick Sanders II on August 13, 1993
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Parents are Derrick and Alice Sanders
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Engineering Major
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MARCUS SWINT Outfielder Freshman • 5-8 • 185 • R/R Jonesboro, Ga.
COACH MELENDEZ ON SWINT: ”He is going to be one of those players that the more he plays, the better he gets. He’s a great offensive player; still working on the defense a little bit. Offensively, he’s going to be a superstar in our opinion.”
Mt. Zion HS •
Was team MVP, leading team in batting average in earning Region 4-A Player of the Year honors
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Batting .617 with nine home runs, 37 RBI and 17 stolen bases
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Born Marcus Swint May 3, 1993
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Parents are Veronica and Eulas Swint; has one brother, Dominic
•
Undecided on Majo
ELIAS TEJADA Outfielder Freshman • 5-11 • 185 • R/R Lake Mary, Fla.
COACH MELENDEZ ON TEJADA: “He’s a player that can play multiple positions. He’s going to play the infield for us and at times in the outfield. He can be a good hitter. He has a good idea of what he needs to do at the plate to continue to improve.”
Lake Mary HS •
Batted .370, with four HRs and 27 RBI as senior
•
Born Gerard Elias Tejada on March 30, 1993
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Parents are Gerald Tejada and Ivette Reyes
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Undecided on Major
MICHAEL TELLADO Infielder Freshman • 6-1 • 175 • R/R Canovanas, PR Inter. Baseball Academy & HS
COACH MELENDEZ ON TELLADO: “Michael is a great offensive player. He’s going to be both a pitcher and play in the infield for us. He’s has some of the quickest hands on the team as far as hitting is concerned and is going to see a lot of innings for us on the mound.”
•
Graduated at top of his class, earning academic medals in several classes, including Spanish, English, and physics
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Had .394 batting average and posted 2.80 ERA as pitcher
•
Born Michael E. Tellado on December 30, 1993
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Parents are Luis Tellado and Lillian Rosario; has one brother – Luis Jr.
•
Biology Major
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Game Results for Alabama State (All games)
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Overall Statistics for Alabama State (All games Sorted by Batting avg)
(All games Sorted by Earned run avg)
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Conference statistics for Alabama State (Conference games only Sorted by Batting avg)
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2011 SWAC Baseball STANDINGS
2011 SWAC Baseball Honors First Team All-SWAC Starting Pitcher - Dakota Laufenberg, Texas Southern Relief Pitcher - Cody Hall, Southern Catcher - Evan Richard, Prairie View A&M First Base - Frazier Hall, Southern Second Base - Ray Hernandez, Texas Southern Shortstop - Jerry Hildreth, Mississippi Valley State Third Base - Scott Hornstra, Mississippi Valley State Outfield - Eldred Barnett, Grambling Outfield - Charles Epperson, Jackson State Outfield - Wilmy Marerro, Southern Designated Hitter - Kilby Perdomo, Alcorn State  Second-Team All-SWAC Starting Pitcher - Steve Easter, Alcorn State Relief Pitcher - Desmond Russell, Jackson State Catcher - Jose Cruz, Jackson State
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
First Base - Eduardo Gonzalez, Alcorn State Second Base - Chris Davis, Alabama State Shortstop - Giovanni Angel, Prairie View A&M Third Base - Thomas Brown III, Jackson State Outfield - Kency Duarte, Alabama A&M Outfield - Chretien Matz, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Outfield - Michael Lowe, Mississippi Valley State Designated Hitter - Bryan Rowry, Southern 2011 Individual Honors Player of the Year - Frazier Hall, Southern Pitcher of the Year - Dakota Laufenberg, Texas Southern Freshman of the Year - Desmond Russell, Jackson State Newcomer of the Year - Eldred Barnett, Grambling
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SWAC Batting Leaders (All games)
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SWAC Pitching Leaders (All games)
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SWAC Batting Leaders (All games)
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SWAC Pitching Leaders (All games)
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Duane Lewis Sports Information Director
DARRELL ORAND Media Specialist
La TONIA THIRSTON Sports Information Program Assistant
JOHN WESTBROOK Sports Information Staff Associate
ASU OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION Duane Lewis, Director (dlewis@alasu.edu) Darrell Orand, Media Specialist (dorand@alasu.edu) La Tonia Thirston, Program Assistant (lathirston@alasu.edu) John Westbrook, Sports Information Staff Associate (jwestbrook@alasu.edu) Office: 334-229-4511 • Fax: 334-262-2971 • Website: www.BAMASTATESPORTS.com The Alabama State University Office of Sports Information acts as a conduit between the athletic department, its student-athletes, coaches and administration, and the media and public. It is responsible for overseeing the flow of all vital information for the athletic department. The ASU Office of Sports Information will work diligently with print, television, radio and internet outlets to provide a regular and positive flow of information. It is the philosophy of the Office of Sports Information to: • Support the educational mission and core values of Alabama State University. • Create and develop a climate that allows for success in fundraising, student recruitment and ticket sales. • Generate publicity and create new opportunities for our 18 sports under the auspices and guidelines of NCAA rules. • Assist the print, television, radio, and internet outlets that cover Alabama State Athletics with engaging, accurate and detailed materials, develop relationships that increase exposure and improve the overall quality of the coverage of our programs; and at the same time, the Sports Information staff also has varying roles in event management, marketing and team support. All interviews with student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators must be arranged through the Office of Sports Information. The physical location of the Office of Sports Information is ASU Acadome, Room East 134. To contact the staff, call 334-229-4511.
Media Guide Credits:
The 2012 Alabama State baseball media guide was written, edited by ASU Sports Information Department Staff... Thanks also to the SID offices of the Southwestern Athletic Conference as well as previous ASU SID staffs ... Photographs provided by David Campbell (ASU Photographer) and his staff. The guide was designed and printed by McQuick Printing in Montgomery, Ala.
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Media Outlets NEWSPAPERS Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle tgayle@gannet.com P.O. Box 1000 Montgomery, AL 36101 (334) 240-0190
Montgomery Tuskegee Times 525 Augusta Ave. Montgomery, AL 36111 (334) 280-2444 Montgomery Westside Weekly 127 S. Haardt Drive Montgomery, AL 36105 (334) 462-1363 Selma-Times Journal 1018 Water Avenue Selma, AL 36701 (334) 875-2110 Birmingham News Mike Perrin mperrin@bhamnews.com P.O. Box 2553 Birmingham, AL 35202 (205) 325-2431 Mobile Press-Register Cassandra McAboy cmcaboy@press-register.com P.O. Box 2488 Mobile, AL 36652 (251) 219-5668 Huntsville Times Reggie Benson 2317 S. Memorial Pkwy. Huntsville, AL 35807 (256) 532-4434 Dothan Eagle Jon Johnson jjohnson@dothaneagle.com 227 N. Oates St. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 792-3141 Birmingham Times 115 Third Ave. W. Birmingham, AL 35204 (205) 251-5158
Atlanta Journal–Constitution 72 Marrietta St. Atlanta, GA 30303
WIRE SERVICE
Associated Press John Zenor jzenor@ap.org 201 Monroe St. Suite 1940 Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 262-5947
TELEVISION
WIAT 31 (CBS) Brad Radice bradice@wiat.com 2075 Golden Crest Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 488-4112 WALA 10 (FOX) Rob Lehocky rlehocky@fox10tv.com 1501 Satchel Paige Dr. Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 434-1084
WAKA 8 (CBS) Dee Jackson djackson@waka.com 3020 Eastern Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 271-8888
WKRG 5 (CBS) Randy Patrick rpatrick@wkrg.com 555 Broadcast Dr. Mobile, AL 36125 (251) 662-3003
WSFA 12 (NBC) Jeff Shearer jshearer@wsfa.com 12 E. Delano Montgomery, AL 36116 (334) 288-1212
RADIO
WNCF 32 (ABC) Lisa Blackwell abangi@wncftv.com 3251 Harrison Road Montgomery, AL 36109 (334) 270-3200 WVTM 13 (NBC) Don Hawes dhawes@nbc.com 1732 Valley View Dr. Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 933-1313 WBRC 6 (FOX) Rick Karle sports@wbrc.com 1720 Valley View Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 322-6666 WBMA 33/40 (ABC) Mike Raita miker@abc3340.com P.O. Box 360039 Birmingham, AL 35236 (205) 982-3988
2012 ASU Baseball Media Guide
WVAS-FM 90.7 Mel Marshall wvas@alasu.edu 915 S. Jackson Street Montgomery, AL 36101-0271 (334) 229-4708 WMSP-AM SportsRadio 740 John Longshore 1 Commerce St. Suite 300 Montgomery, Ala. 36104 (334) 240-9274 WZHT-FM Hot 105.7 203 Gunn Road Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 274-6464 WJWZ-FM Jamz 97.9 Jerome Davidson jdavidson@bluewaterbroadcasting.com 4101-A Wall Street Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 244-0961
SPECIALTY
Hornet Tribune Kenneth Dean kdean@alasu.edu P.O. Box 271 Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 229-4419
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In 1920, eight men representing six colleges from the state of Texas met in Houston to discuss collegiate athletics and the many challenges facing their respective institutions.
The enter-exit cycle continued in 1961 when Texas College withdrew, followed by the admittance of Alcorn A&M in 1962. Wiley left in 1968, the same year Mississippi Valley State entered. Arkansas AM&N exited in 1970 and Alabama State entered in 1982. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (formerly Arkansas AM&N) rejoined the SWAC on July 1, 1997, regaining full-member status one year later. Alabama A&M became the conference’s 10th member when it became a full member in September 1999 after a one-year period as an affiliate SWAC member.
By the time the session concluded, they had founded an athletic league that went on to become one of the leading sports associations in the world of collegiate athletics, the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Southwestern Athletic Conference’s current members include: Alabama A&M University (Huntsville, Ala.), Alabama State University (Montgomery, Ala.), Alcorn State University (Alcorn State, Miss.), Grambling State University (Grambling, La.), Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.), Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Miss.), Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas), Southern University and A&M College (Baton Rouge, La.), Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas) and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Pine Bluff, Ark.).
Today, the SWAC ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni playing with professional sports teams, particularly in the sport of football. On the gridiron, the conference as been the biggest draw on the Division I-AA level of the NCAA, leading the nation in average home attendance for 19 of the 20 years the I-AA division has been in existence. In fact, in 1994, the SWAC fell just 40,000 fans short of becoming the first non-Division I-A conference to attract one million fans to its home games.
Former members of the SWAC include Bishop College (1920-56), Paul Quinn College (1920-29), Sam Houston College (1920-59), Texas College (1920-68), Wiley College (1920-68), Langston University (1931-57) and Arkansas AM&N (1936-70).
The SWAC’s ledger of alumni reads like a who’s who in college sports listings. Representing the SWAC in pro halls of fame are football stars Lem Barney (Jackson State/Detroit Lions), Mel Blount (Southern University/Pittsburgh Steelers), Willie Brown (Grambling State/Oakland Raiders), Buck Buchanan (Grambling State/Kansas City Chiefs), Willie Davis (Grambling State/Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers), Ken Houston (Prairie View A&M/Houston Oilers and Washington Redskins), David “Deacon” Jones (Mississippi Valley/Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins), Walter Payton (Jackson State/Chicago Bears), Jackie Slater (Jackson State/Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams) and Charlie Joiner (Grambling State/Houston Oilers, Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers); baseball stars Lou Brock (Southern University/ St. Louis Cardinals) and Bill Foster (Alcorn State/Negro Leagues); and basketball star Willis Reed (Grambling State/New York Knicks).
The founding fathers of the original “Super Six” were C.H. Fuller of Bishop College; Red Randolph and C.H. Patterson of Paul Quinn; E.G. Evans, H.J. Evans and H.J. Starns of Prairie View A&M; D.C. Fuller of Texas College and G. Whitte Jordan of Wiley College. Paul Quinn became the first of the original members to withdraw from the league in 1929. When Langston University of Oklahoma was admitted into the conference two years later, it began the migration of state-supported institutions into the SWAC. Southern University entered the ranks in 1934, followed by Arkansas AM&N in 1936 and Texas Southern in 1954.
Current championship competition offered by the SWAC includes races for men in baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, indoor track, outdoor track and field and tennis. Women’s competition is offered in basketball, bowling, cross-country, golf, indoor track, outdoor track and field, soccer, tennis and volleyball.
Rapid growth in enrollment of the state-supported schools made it difficult for the church-supported schools to finance their athletics programs, and one by one they fell victim to the growing prowess of the tax-supported colleges. Bishop withdrew from the conference in 1956, Langston in 1957 and Sam Houston in 1959, one year after the admittance of two more state-supported schools – Grambling College and Jackson College.
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The Alabama State University Athletic Department in conjunction with the ASU Compliance office strive for honor and dignity of fair play and the highest standards associated with intercollegiate athletic programs. “Representatives of Athletics Interests,” which include alumni, boosters and friends of Alabama State University, all have a key role in maintaining our standards under the guidelines of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
NCAA rules and regulations for “Representatives of Athletics Interests”
Relationships are easily formed with ASU student athletes as fans watch and cheer them on in their competitions. Building these types of relationships is not only exciting for the fans but also important in the lives of the student athletes. In an effort to ensure the eligibility of every student athlete is not harmed, ASU’s Compliance office shares these guidelines for what can and cannot be provided to our student athletes ... DOs • Provide an occasional meal in your home to a student athlete or an entire team. You also can provide transportation to your home for the occasional meal • Provide summer employment to a student athlete, provided he/she is paid the going rate and only for work actually performed DON’Ts (among other things) • Give a gift of equipment or clothing • Arrange employment for a prospect’s relatives • Give cash or co-sign on loans • Provide free or reduced-cost housing • Free or reduced-cost services, rentals or purchases of any type • Use of an automobile • Provide or arrange any special discounts, credits, or special payment arrangements (i.e. airline tickets, restaurant meals, cash) • Provide the parents, family or friends of a student athlete with a free admission to an Alabama State University or booster club recognition banquet. • Provide tickets to an athletics, institutional or community event
Intro to NCAA Compliance: Some Helpful Facts
ONLY coaches and athletic department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process >Alumni, friends and “other representatives of athletics interest” (boosters) who are not employed by the university are not permitted to contact a prospect or members of the prospect’s family by letter, telephone or in-person for the purpose of soliciting their participation in the athletic program. Alabama State faculty members are allowed to have contact with prospects, but only while on the campus during unofficial or official visits. A student athlete becomes a prospect ... >When the student athlete begins ninth-grade classes. Before the ninth grade, a student athlete becomes a prospect if a college provides any financial aid or other benefits to the student athlete (or their relatives or friends) that the college does not provide to all prospective students. >A student athlete is considered a “recruited” prospect at a particular college if any coach or representative of the school’s athletics interest (booster or representative) approaches a student athlete or any member of their family about enrolling and participating in athletics at that college. Activities by coaches or boosters that cause a student athlete to become a recruited prospect are: - Providing the student athlete with an official visit - Placing more than one telephone call to the student athlete or any other member of their family - Visiting the student athlete or any other member of their family anywhere other than on the college’s campus
Alabama State University’s Athletics Compliance office monitors and verifies compliance with all NCAA, SWAC and university requirements. The office educates not only the athletics staff, administration and student athletes, but also university faculty, staff and administration as well as other individuals and entities with athletic interests. ASU is committed and compelled to the principle of institutional control in the operation of its athletics department in a way that is consistent within the rules and regulations of the NCAA, SWAC and university. Everyone involved with Alabama State athletics, both inside and outside the university, has a role and responsibility to operate with accountability and integrity when it comes to compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. Communication is the key when it comes to understanding how each person fits within the structure of the NCAA’s rules and regulations. Any questions regarding NCAA rules and regulations, especially those dealing with prospects and student athletes, should be directed toward Director of Compliance Melvin Hines (334-229-4519 or mhines@ alasu.edu). The ASU athletic program needs your help and support, so please cooperate to ensure success for the Hornets, on and off the field.
remember, Ask before you act.
The information on this page was prepared by the Alabama State Athletic Compliance office and is presented to you as a guide to assist you with any questions you may have. There are many more NCAA rules and regulations that are not contained here. If you are ever unsure regarding your involvement with our prospects or current student athletes, please contact the ASU Compliance office.
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Montgomery
the city of
The city’s economic stability is firmly established as Montgomery accommodates booming industries and medical facilities that are vital to the Southeast and to the 22-county central Alabama area. In 2002, Hyundai broke ground on a $1.4 billion, 2-million-square-foot automobile manufacturing facility in the Capital City, Hyundai’s first automobile manufacturing facility in the U.S. Area hospitals offer comprehensive, cutting-edge medical services and facilities. Both Jackson Hospital and Baptist Health provide Montgomery residents access to neonatal intensive care, open-heart surgical and cardiac treatment facilities and physicians, rehabilitative and therapeutic orthopedic medicine, cancer treatment centers and more. Moreover, area veterans are served by the V.A. Medical Center.
Montgomery is a friendly Southern city of grace and charm nestled in the heart of the River Region and is a dynamic leader for economic growth and strength in the Southeast. The metropolitan area is home to more than 320,000 residents and is Alabama’s Capital City. Montgomery is a city of vast economic diversity with the military, wholesale and retail trade, cutting-edge medical facilities and industry providing a well-balanced economic environment. Montgomery, which has been dubbed the “birthplace of Civil War and Civil Rights,” offers a wealth of history and cultural activities for people of
all ages and interests. The first capital of the Confederacy and the location of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pulpit, from which he preached the gospel of non-violence, Montgomery is a historical beacon for equal rights and was the site of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which sparked the Civil Rights Movement. The Rosa Parks Library, Museum and Children’s Annex and the new Civil Rights Memorial operated by the Southern Poverty Law Center provide a glimpse into important events that shaped the destiny of a nation.
The city is home to an eclectic assortment of recreational activities as well. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, located in the Blount Cultural Park, is the fifth largest Shakespeare Festival and draws visitors from throughout the world. Blount Cultural Park also is headquarters of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an extensive permanent collection. The city boasts a world-class ballet company, art education opportunities and a symphony orchestra. In February 2003, Montgomerians welcomed the Montgomery Biscuits and a new $26 million baseball stadium, which opened in spring 2004 beside the Alabama River. The stadium is a key element in the city’s ongoing Riverfront development and downtown revitalization project, with downtown and riverfront investments now totaling more than $900 million.
In addition to its turnkey position in governmental affairs, Montgomery holds a unique position in concerns of military training, technology, defense and education and is home to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base. Air University, located on Maxwell Air Force Base, affords top-notch military instruction to officers from all branches of the armed forces. Gunter is the location of the 754th Electronics Systems Group (ELSG), which functions under the auspices of the Department of Defense Enterprise Software Initiative, providing technical support, customer service and program management for more than 160 Combat Support Information Technology (IT) systems.
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RADIO/TV SPOTTING CHART
1 Richard Amion OF R/R 5-11 175 FR
2 Leo Rojas INF R/R 5-9 170 JR
6 Michael Tellado INF R/R 6-1 175 FR
7 Michael Estevez RHP R/R 6-0 160 FR
8 Jordan Mims OF R/R 5-10 190 SR
9 Marcus Swint OF R/R 5-8 185 FR
10 Einar Muniz INF R/R 5-4 140 FR
11 Richard Gonzalez C R/R 5-10 170 FR
13 Darrion Pedro INF R/R 6-0 185 SR
14 Waldyvan Estrada OF R/R 5-11 170 FR
16 Emmanuel Marrero INF S/R 6-0 160 FR
17 Anthony Ricciardi RHP R/R 5-10 170 JR
18 Logan Dyer RHP R/R 6-1 170 FR
19 Greg Matthews RHP R/R 6-3 180 FR
20 Ryan Epperson OF R/R 5-11 175 SR
21 Ron Frost LHP L/L 6-2 195 SR
22 Armando Ruiz RHP R/R 5-9 165 FR
23 Elias Tejada OF R/R 5-11 185 FR
25 Derrick Sanders OF L/L 6-0 205 FR
26 Luke Melymick RHP R/R 6-5 170 FR
30 Tyler Ray C R/R 6-2 190 FR
33 Jahmal Brooks INF R/R 5-9 200 SO
35 Manny Rodriguez C R/R 6-1 205 FR
37 Mike Montgomery LHP L/L 5-5 170 FR
38 Joel Alvira RHP L/R 6-0 220 FR
41 T.J. Renda RHP R/R 5-10 190 FR
44 Lloyd Kelly INF R/R 6-3 205 SR
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