Louisville, KY – The 2013 Spalding Golden Eagles baseball team looks to build off last year’s success with an overall record of 32-11-1 (17-7 in the SLIAC) and winning the 2012 USCAA National Championship. This season marks the first year Spalding will participate as a full member of NCAA Division- III making SU eligible to compete in the postseason as a member of the SLIAC.

Spalding comes into this season under the guidance of first year head coach Jeremy Sheetinger, known as a vigorous worker and a determined recruiter. Sheetinger comes to Spalding after working as the Head Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator at Saint Joseph’s College (NCAA Division II) in Indiana for the past two seasons, including coaching stints at every NCAA level as well as the NAIA.

The Golden Eagles approach this season with 14 returning players including junior short stop Derek Ferch, a 2012 USCAA All-American, 2012 First Team All-SLIAC, and Central Region First Team (Division III), senior SLIAC All-Conference pitcher Kyle Hudson, and Cameron Norris, a 2012 First Team SLIAC DH.

The 2013 Spalding baseball team will rely heavily on a talented core of infielders including junior shortstop Derek Ferch, as well as senior first basemen Keith Gorence and Zane Wheatley. Ferch comes back for his junior year after hitting .388 and leading the Golden Eagles in starts and eleven major offensive categories. Gorence enters his senior season after batting .356 in 29 games last season. Zane brings a load of experience along with power to the lineup hitting 15 career homeruns for SU.

This year’s pitching staff is led by seniors Kyle Hudson and Ben Glassner. Hudson had an impressive season last year with a team-leading 2.35 ERA and a 5-3 record for the Golden Eagles. Glassner made his impact mainly from the bullpen last season, making one start, accumulating a 4.50 ERA with 9 strikeouts in 12 innings of work. The talented new comers to this pitching staff whom are poised to make an immediate impact this year include freshman Wes Phan, sophomore Mike Grindstaff, sophomore Ryan Mosby, and freshman Jarrod Messex.

The 2013 Golden Eagle Nine will begin their season at home, playing at Derby City Field on February 22nd against the College of Mount St. Joesph. In that same weekend SU will travel to Centre College for a doubleheader on Sunday, the 24th.  The 2013 Golden Eagles will be ready to make an immediate impact entering its first year as a full member of NCAA Division-III.

Tags: Men's Baseball //