Fresno State Athletics
2005-06 Baseball Recruiting Class Honored By Collegiate Baseball
10/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 3, 2005
Fresno, Calif. - For the third consecutive year, Fresno State baseball has brought in a top 20 recruiting class, as announced by Collegiate Baseball. The publication has ranked the top recruiting classes in Division I baseball for the last 23 years.
This season's 16-member class was named the 19th best recruiting class, following a no. 17 ranking in 2004-05 and a no. 16 class the year beforehand. This is also the sixth year in a row that head coach Mike Batesole has produced a top 20 recruiting class, dating back to his last three years at Cal State Northridge.
"Getting great players is always something that is essential to creating a program that continues to grow," said head coach Mike Batesole. "This is our third year with a top 20 recruiting class, and with that first group of players that included Nick Moresi and Christian Vitters reaching their junior year, they should provide leadership and mesh well with the talent that is joining the team this year, along with the players that entered the program last year."
This year's class features some top pitchers from the area along with some solid position players. Among the local talent recruited this year is two-time draftee Andy Underwood, who has spent the past two seasons as the ace at Fresno City College after being a draft-and-follow for the Kansas City Royals. Additionally, Buchanan High School standout Justin Wilson joins the Bulldogs after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 37th round. A two-way star for the Bears, Wilson was a top local prospect and should bolster the Fresno State pitching staff.
"Underwood was the California Junior College Pitcher of the Year the last two seasons, and Justin Wilson is a great local prospect as well," said Batesole. "Our ability to attract local players like these to our program is a great reflection of the support that we receive from the Fresno community, the Dugout Club, and the University."
Fresno State also welcomes two more 2005 MLB draftees to the squad. Tanner Scheppers is a left-handed pitching prospect from Laguna Niguel, Calif., who was drafted in the 29th round by the Baltimore Orioles. Among the position players, 45th round draft pick and catcher Frank Lo Nigro turned down the Texas Rangers and transferred from Fullerton College. The Bulldogs have also signed one of the Valley's top shortstops in Adam O'Daniel, a two-year all conference selection out of Clovis High School.
The No. 19 placement makes Fresno State the only team in the WAC to receive a ranking. San Jose State was also considered in the 40-team list, and former WAC member Rice was listed at No. 29.
