DMACC Bears News
Posted 11/20/08 – Updated 12/4/08
National Signing Day at DMACC Baseball
Eight DMACC Sophomores Sign with NCAA Programs
(1st Row L-R - Cole Nelson – Auburn, Eric Holmes – Bradley, Mark Schroeder – NDSU, Nic Obey – NDSU, Mitch Mormann – LSU, Tyler Robbins – Dallas Baptist, Patrick Cooper – Bradley, Jake Astor – Southern Arkansas. 2nd Row L-R – Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald, Assistant Coach Brandon Scott)
On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the DMACC Baseball program announced the signing of 8 of their 2008 sophomores to National Letters of Intent at NCAA schools.
“This is a big day for DMACC Baseball,” said Head DMACC Baseball Coach Dan Fitzgerald. “Southern Arkansas, LSU, North Dakota State, Auburn, Dallas Baptist, and Bradley are nationally recognized programs and to have our players associated with them is a testament to how hard our players have worked to become their best. I am very proud of all of our sophomores – they have helped build DMACC into what it is today.”
Mitch Mormann signed with Louisiana State University. A 17th round pick of the Cleveland Indians in the 2008 MLB First Year Player Draft, Mormann posted a 3.76 era with 59 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched. Mormann was also an All-Region selection and was among the national leaders in saves with 12.
Louisiana State University Associate Head Coach David Grewe on Mitch Mormann:
“The future of LSU Baseball is in good hands with the signing of Mitch Mormann. I am a firm believer that his development under Coach Fitzgerald and Coach Scott will enable Mitch to have great success at both DMACC this year and LSU next year and ultimately in the professional ranks after that. Mitch is power arm pitcher that is going to have a great future and specifically a great future here at LSU. I am extremely excited about the opportunities he will have during his junior year in preparation for his next step. He will be counted on in many ways. Mitch is a special young man that comes from a great family. I am thrilled that he chosen to join the LSU Baseball Family. He is next to join in the long storied tradition and lead our team back to Omaha.”
Bradley University signed two DMACC players in Patrick Cooper and Eric Holmes. Cooper transferred to DMACC from Eastern Kentucky University after being named the top prospect in the Jayhawk League by Baseball America during the summer of 2008. Holmes started 11 games for the Bear’s in 2008 and was 8-2 with a 3.10 era which garnered him 1st Team All-Region honors.
Elvis Dominguez on Eric Holmes and Patrick Cooper:
“Eric has displayed a mid- to upper-80’s, sinking fastball (up to 90 in recent outings) with a quality curveball and changeup. He is a proven winner and a big-game pitcher, evident by the way he pitched in the Junior College World Series last spring. Patrick is a great competitor and a very gifted pitcher that we will depend on greatly during his first year as a Bradley Brave. Patrick undoubtedly will be recognized immediately as one of the top pitchers in the Missouri Valley Conference in the spring of 2010. These guys are a part of an excellent program at DMACC where winning, discipline, accountability, and character are of the utmost importance. Coach Scott, Coach Goliber, and Coach Fitzgerald have done an outstanding job developing both Eric and Patrick, and we are really excited to get them on our campus.”
Cole Nelson signed with Auburn University after posting a 5-0 record in 2008 with a 3.05 era in 10 appearances for the Bears.
Auburn Assistant Matt Heath on Cole Nelson:
“We are very excited that Cole chose Auburn. He has a chance to be a very good pitcher in the SEC, and there is no telling how good Cole will be before he gets on campus due to his tremendous work ethic and the job the staff does at DMACC. Cole’s upside is through the roof, and I think his best days are ahead of him.”
Nic Obey and Mark Schroeder signed with North Dakota State University. Obey hit .344 with 6 HRs and 25 RBI in 42 games played. Schroeder started 12 games for the Bears and posted a 4.08 era with 81 strikeouts in 68.1 innings pitched.
North Dakota State Head Coach Tod Brown on Mark Schroeder and Nic Obey:
“Nic and Mark are two guys that we are really excited about getting. They both come from an extremely competitive program at DMACC where they are leaders on and off the field. Nic is very athletic - can run, throw, defend, hit, and has all the intangible character qualities we want our program to be about. Mark is a true four pitch guy. He has outstanding command and strikes out a ton of hitters. Most importantly, he’s a bigtime competitor and a great kid. Both Mark and Nic are going to be looked upon to contribute immediately for NDSU.”
Dallas Baptist University signed their second DMACC Bear in as many years with the addition of Tyler Robbins. Robbins was named the 2008 ICCAC Player of the Year while also receiving 1st Team All-American Honors after hitting .394 with a DMACC school record 20 HRs. Robbins was also 18-22 on stolen bases with 97 hits and 24 doubles.
Dallas Baptist Head Coach Dan Heefner on Tyler Robbins:
“We are really excited about signing Tyler. He is a true offensive second baseman who brings speed, power, and consistency to the park every day. Tyler comes from an outstanding JUCO baseball program at DMACC, and he knows what it takes to win. He’s had both individual and team success, and he’s been looked upon as a leader. Most importantly, he’s a character guy and will be a great fit at DBU.”
Jake Astor signed with Southern Arkansas University. Astor hit .442 with 96 hits, 21 doubles, 9 HRs, and 72 RBI while being named a 1st Team All-American in 2008. Astor was also a 1st Team All-Region performer and fielded .987 in 476 chances as the Bear’s first baseman.
Southern Arkansas Head Coach Allen Gum on Jake Astor:
“Jake has the rare balance of being able to hit for average while still being able to hit for power. He is coming from one of the top JUCO baseball programs in the country – a program that plays very much like we play. Jake is tough, disciplined, can defend, and can really hit. He’s also a great student and an outstanding human being. Jake is going to be a great addition to Southern Arkansas University.”
The DMACC Bears open their season on February 27th, when they travel to Fort Scott, KS for a four game series with Fort Scott Community College.