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July 22, 2004 Princess Anne, MD - "The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Baseball program is on the right track," said Head Coach Bobby Rodriguez. "I am thrilled that my first recruiting class here is really taking shape." Rodriguez was at the helm of the Fighting Hawks last season and although the wins didn't pile up he developed the existing players into a team that cut the run differential down and surprised many teams by taking leads late into the game. "We surprised some people last season, we took Maryland down to the final innings and even tied Central Connecticut, one of the best teams in the region. Where we really got hurt is pitching. There was some solid pitching performances from Leon Tilghman and Gray Kitchens, but we used them a lot and they got tired, plus they are lost to graduation. One thing I concentrated on was pitching and got guys to help [Dereck] Casper and [Sean] Davis," Rodriguez added. "But that doesn't mean I didn't go after some hitters and fielders too, we made improvements all around." The Hawks have started local, adding three from Wicomico High School in nearby Salisbury, MD. Kyle Bethards (6'4, 190 lbs.) is a left-handed pitcher who went 5-2 last season for the Indians, including a no-hitter against Crisfield. He was second team All-Bayside Conference, played in the conference All-Star game, had an ERA of 2.35 and even hit .301 at the plate. "Kyle can hit, but I hope he doesn't have to," said Rodriguez. "He should be in my starting rotation and be a leader on the mound." UMES also got his teammate Shawn Wetzel (R/R, 5'11, 175 lbs.), a shortstop/utility player. "He will be a solid lead-off hitter. He has great speed on the bases and a tremendous on-base percentage. He doesn't have to hit to make an impact on offense," Rodriguez added. Another WI-HI grad is Greg Ennis (R/R, 6'0 175 lbs.) who is expected to fight for time. While listed as a catcher or utility player Ennis is expected to contribute in many forms. "Greg is a great kid. He learns quick, he will be like having another coach out there. He has a great understanding of the game. His bunting skills are sharp and he gets on base a lot," Rodriguez continued. "Adam Merritt can flat out hit the ball," Rodriguez said. "Merritt (R/R 5'11 190 lbs.) is a true first baseman but can play at the hot corner (3B) or as a DH. He has major power, decent speed, and can really be a great Division I player." He was the only senior on the Chincoteague High School baseball team and the first player to sign with UMES out of that school in several seasons. He was first team All-District and All-Region as a designated hitter and 2nd team All-State in the same position his junior and senior years. His final year he hit a whopping .426 with 24 RBIs, 30 runs, 11 stolen bases, and 24 walks. The average is an improvement from previous years where he hit .423 as a sophomore and .418 as a junior. He was also named first team all district as an outfielder his first two years and even pitched his freshman year throwing a no hitter against Arcadia and was named Second team All-District that same season. Joining Merritt from out of state is Scot Givens from Laurel, De. Scott played for the Bulldogs at Laurel High School usually at third base. Givens (R/R, 6'0 5'11) "is good Division I material," said Rodriguez. "He has a ton of potential to be a great player, hit for power, and develop his already good hands. He hit right around .300 but he is a good contact hitter. Scot will give us a lot of single and doubles that are critical to moving the offense." Two very local signees are from nearby Washington High School right in Princess Anne. Ken Richardson (R/R, 5'11 170 lbs.) is a 3B/UTL player who "will be an excellent lead-off hitter. He is aggressive, has a good arm and a good fielding range," added Rodriguez. For the Jaguars Richardson hit .300, stole ten bases and scored 21 times. He committed only two errors all season and even collected four wins and a save as a pitcher. Richardson's teammate is Dusty Webster. Webster (L/L, 6'4, 185 lbs.) hit .409 last season, swiped nine bases, scored 17 times and drove in 14. He carried a perfect fielding percentage through the season and on the mound went 3-2 with one save and 36 strikeouts. "Dusty will be primarily used as a pitcher but I know he can hit," said Rodriguez. "His pitching has a great upside, his stats show he can play the outfield and hit, but I am confident with a little work he will become an incredible DI pitcher."
"I am very pleased with these local players," Coach Rodriguez said. "I think we have a great nucleus returning in Greg Cathell, Butch Mills, Rob Benak, Pete Mayta, Anthony Jackson, Joel Maher, and the aforementioned pitchers, but these guys add a lot to the team. I plan on signing some more players both locally and regionally, but I am thrilled with this start."
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