Nov. 17, 2012
NORFOLK, VA--- Old Dominion University Head Baseball Coach Chris Finwood announced the signing of seven players (five high school and two junior college) during the fall early signing period to letters of intent for the 2013-14 school year.
The class includes: Adam Bainbridge (LHP, Wilson West Lawn HS, PA), Joey Benitez (LHP, Archbishop Spalding HS, MD), Turner Bishop (1B/OF/LHP, Kellam HS, VA) Taylor Ostrich (1B/OF, Indian Hills CC, IA), Sam Sinnen (RHP, Kellam HS, VA),Willie Sligh (RHP, Louisburg CC, NC), and Nick Walker (IF, Kellam HS, VA).
"We are excited about this early signing class. Our assistant coaches Karl Nonemaker and Tim LaVigne worked tirelessly to create relationships with these young men and their families. They are all quality individuals who will add to the character of our baseball team and Old Dominion University. This class is our second recruiting class and will compliment our first class that arrived on campus this fall. This class should continue to balance out our pitching staff and also add left-handed power and athleticism positionally." - ODU Head Coach Chris Finwood
Below is more information on the newest Monarchs with quotes on each from Chris Finwood:
Adam Bainbridge11-3 combined pitching record for 2010-2011.All-County performer in 2011.
"Adam has great pitch-ability and athleticism that will really help him to develop while he is here. He was a little bit of a sleeper because he missed most of his junior year with an injury. He came back strong in the summer and we are very excited to have signed him."
Joey Benitez9-5 combined pitching record for 2011-2012.Struck out 55 in 51.1 innings pitched in 2012.
" Joey is another very pitchable left-hander with an outstanding breaking ball. He has a lot of feel and a very efficient delivery that will lend itself to him developing. Joey played for the prestigious Baseball U program this summer for head coach John Wells and joins Baseball U alums Connor Myers and Tommy Alexander here at ODU. He has had a lot of success both in high school and in summer ball."
Turner Bishop2nd team all Beach District Performer in 2010 as a freshman2011-2012 Pre-season Perfect Game All-American
"Turner is a top-end athlete who has a chance to be a power hitter and a power pitcher at the collegiate level. His high school career has been hampered by two wrestling injuries, but we have seen him play enough for the Tidewater Drillers summer program to know that he is a special talent."
Taylor Ostrich2nd team all-region selection for Indian Hills CC in 2012.348 with 17 doubles and a.445 On Base Percentage
"Taylor is a legitimate middle-of-the-order left-handed bat and we expect him to come in and solidify the middle of our line-up. He was a 3-sport star in high school and is very athletic."
Sam Sinnen
11-2, 1.5 ERA, 71 Ks in 20122nd Team All-Tidewater in 20122nd Team All Beach District
"We really like Sam's pitch-ability and competitiveness. He reminds me of Matt Ridings, who was an All-American at Western Kentucky. He is another member of the Drillers program and Kellam HS who we are excited decided to stay home and play for the Monarchs. He follows in his brother Brooks' footsteps who was an infielder here from 2005-2008."
Willie Sligh6-1, 2.36 ERA, 37 SO, 33 hits, 45.2 IP in 2012Helped Louisburg to a 52-9 record.
"Willie has electric stuff and we love both his competitiveness and his versatility on the mound. He had a great freshman year for one of the top junior colleges in the country last year. He is the second Brookville High player to play for me, following Brandon Inge at VCU."
Nick WalkerPlayed SS for Kellam and batted .380 with 5 homeruns in 2012.
"Nick is another outstanding athlete and the 3rd member of the Drillers program and Coach St. Claire Jones' Kellam program, who finished 2nd in the State in 2012. He is a high school shortstop who can play all three infield positions and is a plus runner."