Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Sign Four in Baseball
4/30/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 30, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University baseball coach Steve Jaksa announced the signing of four players to national letters-of-intent.
Joining the Chippewas in the fall of 2003 will be: Jason Brown, a right-handed pitcher from DeWitt; Jason Cairns, a right-handed pitcher from John Logan CC in Carterville, Ill.; Jeff Richardson, a first baseman and right-handed pitcher from Swartz Creek; and Andrew Wertz, an infielder from Rockford.
"This is a solid group of young players who will all have the opportunity to add to our program next season," Jaksa said. "We continue to fill what we feel are areas of need while trying to build depth. We're close to finalizing this class."
Following is a look at each new recruit:
Brown -- Jason is a 5-11, 200-pounder who throws in the high 80s. "Jason has a bulldog mentality," said Jaksa. "He comes after people and has good command of three pitches."
Cairns -- Jason is a 6-3, 190-pounder from Traverse City who attended CMU in 2001-02 before transferring. He's been throwing 89-91 miles-per-hour at John Logan. "We were disappointed when Jason left and we're excited that he's coming back," Jaksa said. "He has a great arm and he's become a three-pitch guy."
Richardson -- Jeff is a 6-6, 230-pounder who will be given the opportunity to pitch and play first base. "Jeff is just learning what he can do in baseball and we're looking forward to working with him," Jaksa said.
Wertz -- Andrew is a 6-2, 185-pounder who bats left and throws right. "Andrew has a nice, smooth swing," Jaksa said. "We think he's going to get bigger and stronger, and will eventually hit for power."
These four join a quartet who signed early with CMU in the fall: Brad Foutch, a catcher from Lake Fenton; Mike Kirschenheiter, a right-handed pitcher from Birmingham Brother Rice; Jeff Tebeau, an outfielder from Williamston; and Andy Wingert, a right-handed pitcher from Farmington Hills Harrison.
Jaksa indicated he'd like to sign one or two more players to complete this class.
