Thomas Inks Six During Early Signing Period

AIKEN, S.C. – University of South Carolina Aiken head baseball coach Kenny Thomas announced the signing of six players during the early signing period on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

The six players come from three different states with five of the six signees coming from the prep ranks.

 “What an effort our entire coaching staff has given to sign these six players,” noted Thomas. “We are in a year that we did not lose a lot of players (as seniors) so we only went after a few guys and only wanted to sign the right guys for us. And I think we did. Obviously, you can see we went after some pitching, and I think we got some quality arms that should make an immediate impact in 2012. I’m excited about the five pitchers as I think they all can be big time guys for us. Schmitt is also a great pick up for us; he can flat play infield.

“I want to congratulate our assistant coaches on their hard work in this recruiting effort. Recruiting is a year-round, tireless process but with rewards you see a couple of years later. Pacer fans should know the program is on solid ground.”

Ty Barkell is a right-handed pitcher who can also play first base. The Monument, Colo. native is currently a student at Palmer Ridge High School.

“Big, strong, hard throwing right-handed pitcher with some power at the plate,” mused Thomas. “We will definitely look at Ty as a two-way player and see which avenue that takes him. A 90-plus guy on the mound with some tools at the plate makes him very interesting. Look for big things out of this guy.”

Wyatt Brown comes to Aiken after two seasons at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga. A right-handed pitcher, Brown calls Suwanne, Ga. home.

Thomas articulated that Brown “is a strong throwing right-handed pitcher that should come in and compete for a weekend spot. He knows how to pitch with three pitches. This was a big catch for us, a guy we went after hard and I think will pay off for us.”

A native of Uvalda, Ga., Zach Burton joins the USC Aiken baseball program as a right-handed pitcher.

 “Great pick up for us in Zach Burton,” remarked Thomas. “We worked extremely hard to get this guy and it will pay off for us someday soon. Can run the fast ball up there close to 90, has all the pitches, and really knows how to pitch. I can’t wait to see him stroll out to the mound at the ‘Bert.”

Brady Schmitt will join the Pacer baseball program out of St. Johns College High School. The Fairfax, Va. native is an infielder.

“Slick fielding infielder that comes from a big-time high school program,” said Thomas. “This guy could very well be an impact player and do early in his career. Absolutely knows how to play the game and has all the tools. He could play anywhere on the infield but his natural position is shortstop.”

A native of Appling, Ga., Bradley Spires, a right-handed pitcher, joins the USC Aiken baseball program out of Evans High School.

“Bradley has great potential; the amount he has improved over the past year is unbelievable,” noted Thomas. “This guy came out of nowhere a year ago to become one of the best pitchers in the Augusta area. Great movement on his fast ball and his velocity continues to climb. A dedicated player that will make a big impact on our program.”

Robert Troiano is a right-handed pitcher out of St. James High School in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

“Robert just started pitching this past year, converting from behind the plate,” said Thomas. “He has great movement on his fast ball from the ¾ arm slot. This guy has great potential; look for him to come out of the bull pen for the Pacers someday.”

The six newcomers join a USC Aiken baseball program that has won 30 or more games in each of the last 10 seasons, while also having played in five of the last six NCAA Division II Tournaments.