Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baseball Lands Finest Signing Class
11/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 13, 2002
National exposure gained from an NCAA Super Regional appearance has helped Florida Atlantic University land its finest early signing class ever. The squad is expected to lose around 14 players after the 2003 season to graduation and the draft so key spots will need to be filled. Eight players have committed to FAU in 2003-2004, with four from the Broward/Palm Beach/Martin County Area.
"With the number of players and the quality of players we are expecting to lose, this recruiting class is extremely important for our program," said recruiting coordinator John McCormack. "FAU has established itself as a premier program. This class will allow us to continue on our 'road to Omaha'.
Two players will join former teammate Derek Hutton when they move to the collegiate level from Palm Beach Gardens High School. Mike McBryde and Justin Martin were members of the Gators' team that won Districts in 2002. The duo is very familiar with one another as Martin caught for the 6-1, right-handed, McBryde. The pitcher also plays centerfield and is expected to make an impact at FAU. " He is one of the finest athletes in South Florida and is a very gifted young man that will be able to add to the team offensively, defensively and on the mound," stated recruiting coordinator John McCormack. "Martin understands how to call a game and handle pitchers. He will be a valuable asset to the pitchers and I look forward to working with him."
Robbie Widlansky represents Broward County in this year's signing class. Widlansky will join his brother Josh, a current FAU infielder, at FAU next season. "Robbie has outstanding work habits and athletic ability that will allow him to play at FAU right away. He will be able to serve the team at third base, second base, outfield and at first." He was named the 6-A Player-of-the-Year his junior year after holding a .475 batting average with 10 doubles and three homers.
Andrew Tomlin will come to FAU after playing his prep career for Garry Kamphouse. Kamphouse played for FAU in 1995-96 and was also the high school coach for current FAU infielder Rusty Brown. The right-handed pitcher from North Fort Myers HS posted an 8-3 record with a 1.5 ERA, 79 1/3 IP, 1 save, 104 strikeouts, and 12 walks as a junior. For his efforts the 6'2" pitcher was named Co-MVP and Pitcher-of-the-Year at his school along with All-Area and All-Conference recognition. "Andrew's breaking ball and change are solid college pitches already," commented McCormack. Along with his talents on the field, Tomlin works hard in the classroom and holds a 4.4 GPA and hopes to become a doctor.
A product of Martin County High School, Mike Crotta earned Second Team All-Treasure Coast after posting a 4-4 record and a 2.82 ERA in 52 innings last season. During the summer, the 6'6" right-hander posted a 0.43 ERA and struck out 40 in 43 innings. Playing with the Treasure Coast Yellow Jackets, he was teammates with McBryde and Martin. "Mike is big and strong and knows how to pitch. He will have the opportunity to pitch in the rotation immediately," said McCormack. Crotta has pitched at a high level including pitching in the prestigious Area Code games this summer. "These experiences will help him right away in college."
Rounding out the high school signees is out of state player, Brandon Kloess. Kloess is a right-handed pitcher from Montgomery, AL who has put together a 16-4 record over his three years at St. James High School. He has earned All-Capitol City Conference honors twice, Montgomery Metro Player-of-the-Year and was named to the Birmingham News' All-State Team. He is listed in the high school records as the only pitcher to throw a perfect game at St. John's when he retired 21 batters. John McCormack believes that Kloess will be a huge part of the FAU pitching staff. "Brandon has the heart of a lion. He is a pitcher that continues to come after the hitter which will help him make his mark at FAU."
Two junior college transfers also committed in the early signing period. St. Petersburg Community College players Jonathon Shapland and Jason Costello will bring maturity and experience to FAU. Shapland (OF) is an aggressive hitter who will move right into the lineup. "Jonathon is a big strong switch hitter that will hit in the middle of the order next year. He is an above average outfielder with a great arm and should flourish at FAU," stated McCormack. As a freshman he hit .355 with six home runs and twenty doubles and was drafted in the 40th-round by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jason Costello, a left-handed pitcher, helped St. Petersburg CC win the Sun-Coast conference by posting a 4-4 record, 2 saves and a 1.52 ERA. McCormack believes Costello could play a number of roles at FAU. "Jason is a winner and has won at every level. He is a versatile pitcher who has started, worked out of the middle and has closed games. He will be a force on next year's pitching staff." Along with a strong presence on the mound, the freshman also succeeded in the classroom. He earned Sun Coast Conference and All-State Academic recognition.
"It is imperative to use this class as well as the past success, including 46 wins and a Super Regional appearance, as the foundation for the next two to three years. The future is exciting." John McCormack believes that the early signing period for Florida Atlantic University baseball could be the best ever. The excitement is not over as the period continues through November 20.
