Marshall University Athletics
@HerdBaseball Inks Nine in 2015-16 Recruiting Class
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall baseball and Coach Jeff Waggoner have announced the program's 2015-16 recruiting class Thursday.
The class consists of three junior college players and six high school seniors who will join the Herd for the 2016 season.
The junior college signees include two infielders-- Tommy Lane (Pendelton, Ore.) and Leo Valenti (Olympia, Wash.) - and right handed pitcher Gabe Gunter (Andalusia, Ala.). Joining the Herd from high school is four pitchers - Tyler Schmidt (Croswell, Mich.), Josh Shapiro (Bexley, Ohio), Wade Martin (Portsmouth, Ohio), and Jordan Johnston (Lockport, Ill.) - a catcher, John Stewart III (Granville, N.Y.) and infielder Joey Hernandez (Toa Alta, Puerto Rico).
Tommy Lane, INF 6-6, 215 Mt. Hood (Ore.) JC
Waggoner on Lane: " Tommy is a middle of the order bat that has major home run potential. He is very smooth around the bag at first base defensively."
Leo Valenti, INF 6-0, 180 Pierce (Wash.) JC
Waggoner on Valenti: "Leo is just a very good all-around baseball guy. He is a grinder, knows the game well and does everything in the game of baseball at a high level."
Gabe Gunter, RHP 6-6, 250 Shelton State (Ala.) JC
Waggoner on Gunter: " Gabe has a power arm with tremendous upside. Imposing size, athletic ability as well as toughness."
Tyler Schmidt, LHP/OF 6-2, 175 Croswell-Lexington High School
Waggoner on Schmidt: "Tyler is a very good athlete, with a power arm on the mound. He is also a very good outfielder that has a quick bat."
Josh Shapiro, LHP 6-2, 170 Bexley High School
Waggoner on Shapiro: "Josh Is a great competitor on the mound. He is a very good athlete who throws three pitches for strikes."
Wade Martin, RHP 6-3, 180 Wheelersburg High School
Waggoner on Martin: "Wade is a very polished pitcher that commands the strike zone with every pitch. Great competitor that can really pitch."
Jordan Johnston, RHP 6-3, 185 Rockport Township East High School
Waggoner on Johnston: "Jordan is a power arm that has a very high ceiling for his potential, good size with athletic ability and toughness."
John Stewart III, C 6-2, 170 Greenwich Senior High School
Waggoner on Stewart: "John is from a baseball background and knows the game very well. He has a plus arm defensively and good swing and approach at the plate."
Joey Hernandez, INF 5-10, 160 Wesleyan Academy
Waggoner on Hernandez: "Joey is very good defensively with the glove. He is a top of the order hitter that has some gap power and very good speed."
