Gaski signs eight to UNCG baseball roster

GREENSBORO, NC – UNC Greensboro baseball coach Mike Gaski received commitments from eight student-athletes during the National Letter of Intent signing period.

Commitment letters were received from Trevor Edwards of Toronto, Ontario, Raymond Frias of Bronx, NY, ALex Frederick of Cockeysville, MD, Zachary Furl of Sanford, NC, Jacob Golliday of Kill Devil Hills, NC, MattParish of Morristown, NJ, Eric Temple of Pittsburgh, PA, and Tyler Vogler of Pfafftown, NC.

Edwards is a 6-1 first baseman/catcher from Taddle Creek Academy in Ontario and is a three-year member of Team Ontario. This past summer, Edwards 10 doubles and 19 RBI off of 20 hits for Team Ontario.

“Trevor has a great feel for the game and a very high level of understanding for a player his age,” said Gaski. “His bat is a plus tool. Trevor will add to the program both behind the plate and at the corner infield positions.”

Frias is a product of All Hallows High School in New York. This past summer the 5-10 infielder competed in the 2007 Northeast Top Prospects Games as a member of the New York Nine team. The team was coached by Matt Hyde and Cesar Presbott, both scouts for the New York Yankees.

“Raymond is a true athlete and a very versatile player who can play second, shortstop, or third base,” stated Gaski. “He has great instincts and really knows how to play the game. Raymond should make an immediate impact on the team.”

Frederick is a dual-sport athlete playing both baseball and basketball for the Dulaney High School Lions in Maryland. The 6-0 infielder hit .403 last season and tallied 19 RBI. He was one of two juniors selected to the 18-player Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches (MSABC) North All-Star team.

“Alex’s baseball intelligence and leadership qualities are two of the big reasons for bringing him into the program,” commented Gaski. “He brings great defensive skills, a strong bat, and baseball savvy.”

Furl is a 6-0 right-handed pitcher for the Lee County High School Yellow Jackets. Under coach Charlie Spivey, he has registered a 1.62 ERA and 83 strikeouts in only 56 innings. He is currently ranked on IMPACT Baseball’s Top 50 North Carolina Seniors of 2008.

“Zach’s make-up is off the charts,” said Gaski. “He’s a fierce competitor with above average ability on the mound. He will bring with him a tremendous work ethic and a desire to win along with his strong right arm.”

Golliday is a 6-1 catcher for First Flight High School under coach Ray Scott and a member of the Tidewater White Sox fall showcase team. Last spring, he participated in the Perfect Game Atlantic Coast Top Prospect Games, the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Invitational Tournament, and the Impact Baseball Futures Games. Golliday is ranked 28th by IMPACT Baseball North Carolina rankings and 442nd nationally by Perfect Game.

“We feel that Jacob is the top catching prospect in the state this year,” Gaski said. “He brings tremendous athleticism to the position combined with a great arm. Jacob has power potential at the plate and a passion for the game. He will be a great addition to the Spartan program.”

Parish is a 6-4 right-handed pitcher from Morristown High School. During the fall he pitched in various national showcases and for  is currently ranked 293rd in the nation by Perfect Game.

“Matt is one of the best pitching prospects in the Northeast and has great potential for collegiate ball,” said Gaski. “His feel for pitching is already very developed and he should make an immediate impact on the UNCG pitching staff.”

Temple is a 6-0 outfielder for the Shaler High School Titans coached by Bob Hinds. This past spring, he was one of four Allegheny River League players chosen to play in the East-West All-Star Showcase in Harrisburg, PA. He is a .300 hitter who can play all three outfield positions.

“Eric comes from a great family and has a strong work ethic that will be an asset to UNCG baseball,” stated Gaski. “He has a very aggressive style of play, great speed in the outfield, and brings enthusiasm to any ball club.”

Vogler is a 5-10 infielder for Mt. Tabor High School. He was voted all-county by Triad Sports and the team's Most Offensive player. This past summer, Vogler hit .391 at the World Wood Bat Association Tournament and his team, the South Charlotte Panthers, finished runner-up. Currently, he is ranked 25th on Impact Baseball’s Top 50 Seniors of North Carolina.

“Tyler is a two-sport star that will bring a tough mentality to the program,” said Gaski. “His versatility in the field and strong hitting ability will make him a great addition to our club. He is a hard-nosed athlete with a winning make-up.

“We are very excited to see what each of these players can bring to the program. They each have their own strengths and talents that should mesh well with the guys we have already.”

The Spartans kick off the 2008 baseball season at home with three home games against Kent State on February 22-24.

For news about UNCG baseball, complete season schedule, and any other information regarding Spartan athletics log onto www.UNCGSpartans.com.

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