Central Michigan University Athletics
Baseball Signs 14 Recruits
7/17/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
July 17, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University head baseball coach Judd Folske announced the signing of 14 players to national letters-of-intent for 2000-2001.
The Chippewas, 41-17 in 2000, lost 10 seniors including pitchers who accounted for 44 starts and 28 wins. CMU also lost 45 percent of it offense.
"We lost a lot through graduation but I think this group will step in immediately and help pick up the slack," Folske said. "We emphasized pitching in our recruiting and I'm excited with the kids we've signed.
"I can't say enough about the job Steve Jaksa (assistant coach) did in helping to recruit this class."
Two talented junior college players are among those signed -- right-handed pitcher Lee Naplin (St. Clair CC) and catcher Brad Reid (North Central Texas College). Naplin's fastball has been clocked as high as 93 miles-per-hour while Reid is an outstanding defensive catcher who will battle for the starting job.
Pitchers Ryan Cremeans (Adrian) and Jeff Opalewski (Saginaw/Heritage) were drafted by Detroit and Cleveland, respectively.
Derek Schaller, a catcher from North Branch, was named MVP of the East-West prep all-star game this summer after slugging three hits in the game at Comerica Park.
Nine of the 14 new Chippewas will receive academic aid, also.
"Not only are our new players excellent on the diamond but they've also succeeded in the classroom," Folske said. "We take great pride in that as well."
| 2000-01 Baseball Recruits | |||||
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | B/T | Hometown/Last School |
| Dave Alexander | OF | 6-1 | 185 | R/R | Grand Blanc/Same |
| Matt Antey | LHP | 6-5 | 200 | L/L | Newburgh, Ind./Castle |
| Ryan Cremeans | LHP | 6-3 | 185 | L/L | Adrian/Same |
| Joe Donlon | LHP | 5-11 | 175 | L/L | Windsor, Ont./Holy Name |
| Jim Geldhof | IF | 6-0 | 175 | L/R | Troy/Same |
| Matt Loridas | OF/1B | 6-5 | 205 | R/R | Farmington Hills/Catholic Central |
| Lee Naplin | RHP | 6-3 | 195 | R/R | North Street/St. Clair CC |
| Jeff Opalewski | RHP | 6-3 | 175 | R/R | Saginaw/Heritage |
| Travis Osborn | RHP | 6-2 | 190 | R/R | Adrian/Same |
| Nick Patterson | RHP | 5-9 | 175 | R/R | Saginaw/Heritage |
| Brad Reid | C | 6-0 | 175 | L/R | Sault Ste. Marie, Ont./N. Central Texas |
| Keith Sampsell | C | 6-4 | 205 | R/R | Vicksburg/Same |
| Derek Schaller | C | 5-11 | 185 | L/R | Columbiaville/North Branch |
| Chris Schell | RHP | 6-5 | 200 | R/R | Mount Pleasant/Same |
