Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Four Players Sign NLI's to Play Baseball at FAU
11/10/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 10, 2005
Florida Atlantic University's baseball program signed four additional players on Thursday bringing the total number of players to sign during the early signing period to eight. Mike Barbara, Ryan Ouellette and Billy Degnan, are three junior college transfers that will add experience to the squad while Larry Walicki is a high school senior from Park Vista.
At St. Petersburg Community College, Barbara posted an 8-1 record with eight saves and a 1.91 ERA last year when the team finished second at the 2005 JUCO World Series. The 6'3" right-handed pitcher earned Second Team All-Conference recognition and was drafted in the 41st round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
"Mike can do it all on the mound," said recruiting coordinator John McCormack "He can start, relieve and close. He has three pitches he throws for strikes and he will continue to improve. We look for Mike to be a vital part of our staff next year."
A native of Palm City, FL, Ryan Ouellette will make the trek down Interstate 95 where fellow Martin County High School player Mike Crotta already resides. Ouellette spent his freshman season at Virginia before transferring to Indian River Community College as a sophomore.
"Ryan is one of the hardest working players that I have seen," said McCormack. "He has tremendous stuff and he is still learning how good he can be. I know he will be a force on next year's staff."
Billy Degnan is a local product from Delray Beach, FL and went to Atlantic High School before making his way to Tallahassee Community College. McCormack believes that the outfielder/infielder will provide big offense for the squad. "Billy is a physically gifted athlete that consistently hits the ball hard. We feel Billy will prove to be a power bat in the middle of our lineup."
The second Park Vista Community High School player to sign this season, Larry Walicki will remain teammates with Justin Dalles next season. Walicki is a First-Team All-Conference and Second-Team All-County recipient. A 6'1", 165 pound left-handed pitcher/outfielder, McCormack believe he could either pitch or play the field in college. "Larry can really pitch, with his curveball being his dominant pitch. He can also swing the bat. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in college. I know he will be successful due to his work ethic."
The Owls' season will get underway in February when the team hosts Tennessee.
