GCSU Baseball Adds Five for 2009

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The Georgia College & State University baseball team and interim head coach Tom Carty announced a strong early signee class of five for the 2009 season today. The Bobcats will bring in one player from Germany and four from the peach state.

“I am very excited about this recruiting class,” said Carty. “This is the largest number of players we have signed in the early signing period since my arrival. The experience Martin Dewald brings along with the raw skills of the high school players makes this the best class we have had early. This is a tribute to our program’s past success and the reputation of Georgia College & State University as one of the top universities in the Southeast. These young men bring enthusiasm to the game of baseball as well as a serious approach to their studies. They are fine young men who we look forward to having on campus next Fall. I know our returning players will enjoy playing with the five newest Bobcats.”

Martin Dewald, 5-9, 185, RHP/OF/C, Mannheim, Germany/Gordon College
Hit .363 with six doubles, four triples and 28 RBI last season for Gordon College under head coach Travis McClanahan … As a hitter, he only struck out nine times last season … As a pitcher, he was 5-2 with seven saves and a 2.11 ERA … Struck out 29 in 21 innings … Member of the German National Team since 2001.

Carty on Dewald: “Martin is an experienced player who brings a variety of skills to our program. He was a successful closer and hitter at Gordon. We feel he will contribute to our team right away as a pitcher and hitter. His time with the German National team has made him a mature player who will mix in well with our returning team in 2009.”

Jack Frankhouser, 6-3, 170, RHP, Sylvania, Ga./Screven County
Pitched 74 innings, surrendering only 67 Hits with 96 strikeouts this past spring at Screven County, where he was coached by Billy Pollock ... He also pitched this summer with the Savannah Chain Program … He plans on majoring in business.

Carty on Frankhouser: “We saw Jack a few times this past year and every time he looked better. He has an upper 80’s fastball with room to grow. He has great energy and enthusiasm and we see him competing to pitch and developing very well here next year.”

Will Gates, 6-2, 185, OF, Suwanee, Ga./South Forsyth
Hit .358 with a .465 on-base percentage and .418 slugging last season for South Forsyth under head coach Jamie Corr ... Hit for the cycle with 11 RBI in one game last season.

Carty on Gates: “Will brings a combination of speed and strength to our outfield. He has a tremendous work ethic and has the tools to play at the next level.”

Chris Schaive, 6-3, 170, RHP/OF, Alpharetta, Ga./Northview
Hit .370 with four doubles and one home run this summer for the East Cobb Astros ... He also pitched 28 innings with a 2.97 ERA and 21 strikeouts ... Played at Northview under head coach Chan English … Father (John) played baseball at the University of New Orleans before playing professionally in the minor leagues … Plans on majoring in criminal justice.

Carty on Schaive: “Chris is a very talented young player who has the skills to be a legitimate two way guy at the college level. He will be upper 80’s to low 90’s on the mound and swings the bat well enough to compete for at bats as a true freshman.”

Galen Smith, 6-1, 185, C, Valdosta, Ga./Valdosta
Hit .333 with a .458 on-base percentage while at Valdosta last spring under head coach Bart Shuman … He also threw out 80% of the runners who attempted to steal … Selected 2007 1-AAAAA All Region First Team Catcher … Played this summer and fall for the TNL travel program.

Carty on Smith: “Galen brings a gritty enthusiasm to catching and that is what we like in our catchers. He has a strong arm and receives very well. He has leadership skills and has continued to develop as a strong hitter.”

The Bobcats begin the 2008 season Friday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. when they host Division II National Champion University of Tampa at Kurtz Field.