Tuesday, January 7, 2014

FAMU Baseball Inks Three Early Signees

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  –  FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe is already loading the team for 2014-2015.  He has inked three top-notch recruits for next season.  With an emphasis on pitching, he has also added a dynamic speedster in the mix.

The early signees are as follows:

Ventavis (Tay) Jerger     MIF/RHP                             6’2” 190 lbs.
Darton State College, Albany, GA                                     Rickards High School, Tallahassee, FL

Comments:  Tremendous two-way player with outstanding speed.  He has been clocked at 6.2 in the 60 yard dash.  During his freshman season last year at Darton College, Tay batted .327 with 3 triples and 26 stolen bases.  He will also be used as a relief pitcher this season at Darton.

Shouppe’s Comments:  Tay is one of the fastest players in the country! He has really learned how to use his speed on the baseball field, which should lead to him having a great sophomore season at Darton.  He has the potential to come to FAMU and be an everyday player in the infield, as well as a relief pitcher.   His fastball has been clocked as high as 90 mph.  Tay also possesses the leadership qualities that coaches look for when recruiting players.

Jessie (Sawyer) Betts          RHP                                6’1” 205 lbs.
Wallace State College, Dothan, AL                                   Godby High School, Tallahassee, FL

Comments:  Outstanding RHP with the ability to pitch in any role.  Sawyer was used primarily as a relief pitcher and closer last season at Wallace, where he posted a 3 - 4 record with 7 saves, and a 2.67 ERA.  He also pitched in a team high 22 games last season.

Shouppe’s Comments:  I was always impressed with Sawyer’s pitching ability during his high school career.  He has a bulldog mentality on the mound, loves to compete and has gained velocity while pitching in junior college.  Sawyer’s fastball now tops out at 90 mph, and he has great command with his curve and changeup.  I believe he will be an impact pitcher at FAMU.  He is the type of pitcher that can fill any role, and one that gives you a good chance to win whenever he is on the mound pitching.

Ronnie Williams                 RHP/OF                           6’1’ 185 lbs.
American Senior High School, Miami, FL

Comments:  One of only 144 players in the entire country to be invited to try out for USA Baseball’s 18U National Team.  He recorded a 6.65, 60 yard dash during this event.  During his junior season in high school he recorded a .394 batting average, and was 4 - 1 on the mound, with a 2.58 ERA.

Shouppe’s Comments:  Ronnie is one of the top, two way high school players in the country!  He pitches with a fastball that can reach as high as 93 mph, and also has the ability to play any of the OF positions.  I am very excited to get a high school player of his ability from the talent rich Miami area. I look for Ronnie to be a player that has a great FAMU career, before moving on to enjoy a lengthy professional baseball career.




COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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