November 13, 2006
Baseball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ISU BASEBALL SIGNS 14 TO NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Indiana State baseball head coach Lindsey Meggs announced today the signing of 14 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play on the diamond in Terre Haute for the 2007-08 season. Meggs capitalized on his West Coast connections for a total of six recruits from the state of California. The list also includes a member of the 2006 American Legion team from Terre Haute that finished second in the nation. Brian Riegler holds the distinction as the lone high school senior in the signing class.

"As far as recruiting goes, this is a good start for us," Meggs said of his first recruiting class while at Indiana State. "I believe the experience this group brings to the table will allow us to compete immediately in the Missouri Valley Conference. And in the bigger picture, it allows us to concentrate on the best 2008 high school players Indiana and the Mid-West has to offer."

2007-08 List of Baseball Signees

Player profiles:

Josh Williams - Josh commits to the Sycamores after Winning the California Community College State Championship in 2006. Josh pitched LBCC to a win in Game 1 of the State Championship.

Coach Meggs on Williams - “Josh is guy who can spot up with three pitches. He is a great competitor from a good conference who already has a state championship under his belt. This guy knows how to win.”

Micah Spencer - Micah comes to ISU after an outstanding freshman campaign. He was selected as a Northern California All American as well as the Central Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year after going 7-0 for the conference champions.

Coach Meggs on Spencer - “As a pitcher, Micah’s stuff is impressive. However, it’s his makeup that separates him from the pack. When you go and combine the two, you have a potential Friday night guy.”

Brett Summers - Brett is one of the finest pitchers from the state of Indiana. Brett pitches for South Suburban CC who advanced to the 2006 World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. Brett was a 2005 draft of the New York Yankees, and a 2006 draft of the Chicago Cubs.

Coach Meggs on Summers - “Brett has the size and arm strength we are all looking for. When he puts it all together physically and mentally, he will have a chance to dominate. Before it’s all over, Brett will be a prospect.”

Chris Dougherty - Chris comes to ISU from Olney Central. Chris, an Indiana High School product, had Tommy John Surgery and missed the 2006 season. Dougherty went 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA in 23 innings pitched as a freshman back in 2005

Coach Meggs on Dougherty - “While Chris is coming off surgery, I’m impressed with his potential upside. He has good feel for a guy his size, and when he figures it all out, he could be a monster.”

Brady Shoemaker - Brady has established himself as one of the premier hitters in the country. Brady was a member of the 2006 American Legion team from Terre Haute that finished second in the nation. He joins current Sycamores Nick Ciolli and Skyler Pearson from that team. Shoemaker who is a Brazil, IN native finished the 2006 season at Olney Central hitting .466 with 8 home runs, 32 doubles and 88 RBI’s which led the nation.

Coach Meggs on Shoemaker - “Offensively, Brady is the real deal. At the Junior College level, he may be the best RBI guy around. When Brady’s in the lineup, everybody knows it.”

Michael Manus - Michael, also an Indiana product, comes to ISU from Lincoln Trail CC, and is coached by former Sycamore Mitch Hannahs.

Coach Meggs on Manus - “Michael’s best days are ahead of him. I believe his velocity will continue to improve, and with his ability to make the ball move, Michael will contribute right away.”

Brendon Smith - Brendon, also an Indiana product, comes to ISU from Lincoln Trail CC, and is coached by former Sycamore Mitch Hannahs. Brendon transferred to LTCC from Morehead State University.

Coach Meggs on Smith - “At 6’4” 200 lbs, Brendon has a chance to be a power pitcher. Already in the high 80’s, we expect Brendon to be touching 90-91 once he arrives on campus.”

Brian Riegler - Brian is the only high school player in this fall’s recruiting class. He is an outstanding defensive catcher that will grow and get stronger. He will provide immediate depth and could challenge for playing time as a freshman at ISU. Brian chose ISU over the University of Illinois-Chicago where his brother is currently on the baseball team.

Coach Meggs on Riegler - “While Brian is young for the MVC, he has shown signs that down the road he will be an outstanding catch and throw guy. Once he gets stronger and matures offensively, he will compete for the every day job.”

Brad Meier - Brad commits to ISU as a catcher with a great arm that will see time on the mound as well. He will be an impact player on the mound as well as have an opportunity to compete for time behind the plate.

Coach Meggs on Meier - “Brad is potentially a two way guy. You will not find better arm strength at the catching position in this area. As a result, he can also be considered for the closer role. Brad’s arm strength alone can make him a prospect.”

Brian Oliver - Brian will be used at many positions for the Sycamores. He is versatile and has played in a very competitive junior college conference and for one of the top junior college programs in all of America. Oliver is very dangerous at the plate and has an exceptional arm. Oliver will be looked at to be an immediate impact for the Sycamore program. Oliver played on a select team coached by ISU Assistant Brian Hoop when he was 16 years old.

Coach Meggs on Oliver - “Brian is a versatile player who can help us at three positions. Not only can he catch and play first base, but his arm strength makes him an option on the mound. All that being said, his biggest strength is at the plate. Brian has some juice.”

Zane Chavez - Zane commits to ISU and has proved to be an offensive threat last season at Palomar. He will bring that to ISU next season. As a left hand hitting catcher Chavez will be able to solidify the catching position for the Sycamores. Chavez was a 10th round draft pick out of high school.

Coach Meggs on Chavez - “Zane is our kind of guy. He plays hard and shows up ready to work every day. Not only can he solidify the catching position in our program, but he can drive in runs from the left side. Zane is a great fit for us.”

Ben Caple - Ben is the type of player that Coach Meggs can build a program around. Caple plays the game the right way in every facet of the game. He was a staple in the outfield for a very good Palomar team. Ben comes from baseball bloodlines and is looked at to be an immediate impact player for the Sycamores.

Coach Meggs on Caple - “Ben is a gamer. While he won’t be your best runner, nor will he lead your team in homeruns, Ben will lead your team in two out hits. He knows how to play, and more importantly Ben knows how to win.”

Pascual del Real, Jr. - Del Real will be an impact player at shortstop for ISU. Coached by former big leaguer Andy Messersmith, Del Real is one of the most electric shortstops in the country.

Coach Meggs on del Real - “Pascual is what we want in a shortstop. Not only does he play hard, but he truly understands the game. While he will battle offensively, it’s his passion for defense that makes him fun to watch.”

Brian Jett - Jett is the third commitment to ISU from Olney Central. He joins Shoemaker and Dougherty from a perennial juco power. Jett is a physical first baseman who can move well around the base. His left handed swing will be looked at immediately to provide power and RBI’s in the middle of the lineup.

Coach Meggs on Jett - “We feel Brian has only scratched the surface regarding the finished product. Brian is already accomplished around the bag, runs above average for a big guy, and will only get stronger with time. Before it's all over, I believe Brian will drive in enough runs to be an all conference first baseman in the Missouri Valley Conference.”