Baseball Announces 2015 Signing Class
TEMPE, Ariz. – The Sun Devil Baseball program and head coach Tracy Smith have announced its 12-member 2015 signing class.
“I’d like to thank the previous ASU coaching staff – Tim Esmay, Ken Knutson and Mike Benjamin – for all their work they put in with this class prior to our arrival,” coach Smith said. “There is a mix of guys who committed to them and committed to us, and that is a testament to the family and legacy of this great program.”
The class features four student-athletes ranked in the top 10 of their respective states, according to Perfect Game, including Tyler Williams, who is No. 1 in the state of Arizona and No. 42 in the nation. Blake Perkins and Alejo Lopez are fourth and seventh in Arizona, respectively, and Fitz Stadler is eighth in Illinois.
“This class has a lot of upside” coach Smith said. “Like most kids at this age, this class has several players who haven’t reached their potential yet, but have the chance to be very good down the road. We are bringing in a good mix of all positions, and we added versatility and strength on the mound, at the plate and in the field. More importantly, we are bringing in kids who understand what it means to wear ASU on their chests!”
The signees, which include six pitchers and six position players, will join the baseball program for the 2015-16 school year and the 2016 baseball season. Five different states are represented in the class, including six signees Arizona, two from California and Illinois, and one each from Nevada and Pennsylvania.
Coach Smith on all 12 signees:
Gage Canning, OF, Ramona, Calif./Ramona HS
“Gage projects as a leadoff-type hitter, in a similar mold to current ASU center fielder Johnny Sewald. He plays the game the right way and is fun to watch. He has an above-average arm in the outfield and has some pop in his bat for a guy his size.”
VIDEO - Gage on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Zach Dixon, LHP, Las Vegas, Nev./Centennial HS
“Zach, a left-handed pitcher out of Las Vegas, has command of three pitches and we’re excited to add him to the staff. We came across him a little late in the recruiting process, but immediately loved his composure on the mound. He will have a chance to get innings right away because of his ability to throw all his pitches for strikes.”
VIDEO - Zach on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Alan Garcia, OF, Phoenix, Ariz./Mountain Pointe HS
“Alan is a physical left-handed hitting outfielder. We’re really excited about his bat, which is one of the best in the state of Arizona. He is a potential middle-of-our-order type guy for us. He has an above-average arm and athleticism for his size. I can’t wait to see him develop.”
VIDEO - Alan on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Connor Higgins, LHP, Orefield, Pa./Parkland HS
“Connor is a big, strong left-handed pitcher that projects very well. His fastball is difficult to square up for opposing hitters. We have been recruiting him for a long time, and we love his make-up and presence on the mound. He has a chance to be special.”
VIDEO - Connor on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Christian Isbell, RHP, Scottsdale, Ariz./Horizon HS
“Chris is a local right-handed pitcher from a very successful high school program at Horizon and controls a three-pitch mix. His pitch-ability is his strength. He is only going to get better and better as he gets stronger.”
VIDEO - Christian on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Liam Jenkins, RHP, Mokena, Ill./Lincoln-Way North HS
“A big, physical right-handed pitcher, Liam’s best days are certainly ahead of him. His 6’8” frame allows him to have tremendous plane on the baseball, which makes it difficult on hitters. He is just now growing into his body, so we can’t wait to see how far he comes along in the next couple years with us.”
VIDEO - Liam on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Alejo Lopez, INF, Glendale, Ariz./Greenway HS,
“We feel we have one of, if not the best, middle infielders in Arizona in Alejo. He just does everything well and has a chance to be an above-average college player. He can hit from both sides of the plate, and combined with his defensive abilities, we’re really excited about his potential to be an impact player for us.”
VIDEO - Alejo on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Kevin McCann, RHP, Bonita, Calif./Bonita Vista HS
“Kevin is a projectable right-handed pitcher that we’ve recruited for a long time. He continues to improve each time we see him. He is an exceptional athlete for his size and we think his future is very bright in Tempe.”
VIDEO - Kevin on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Jeremy McCuin, INF, Gilbert, Ariz./Perry HS
“What impressed us the most about Jeremy is his versatility; both in the field and at the plate. He is a switch hitter and has the ability to play every position in the infield. He has the potential to play every day as he continues to add strength.”
VIDEO - Jeremy on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Blake Perkins, OF, Litchfield Park, Ariz./Verrado HS
“Blake is one of the top athletes in the state of Arizona and a potential five-tool player. We feel he can be an immediate impact player at ASU immediately. He’s a polished outfielder that glides from gap-to-gap, and is someone we’re very excited to get on campus."
VIDEO - Blake on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Fitzpatrick Stadler, RHP, Glenbrook, Ill./Glenbrook South HS
“Fitz is a 6-foot, 10-inch right-handed pitcher out of Illinois and is the younger brother of Walker and Sully, who both pitched for me at Indiana. He is extremely athletic for his size and was a Division I football recruit as a quarterback. We think he has a chance to be one of the elite college pitchers in the country.”
VIDEO - Fitz on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
Tyler Williams, OF, Peoria, Ariz./Raymond S. Kellis HS
“Tyler is an exceptional athlete with above-average foot speed and tremendous size. He can really run the ball down in the outfield. His power at this stage in the game for him is what makes him special. He comes from a great baseball family and knows how to play the game the right way.
VIDEO - Tyler on why he joined the #SunDevilFamily
2015 Season Tickets
Season tickets are available now for the 2015 season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Tickets range from $99 for general admission to $375 for field reserved/infield box, and season parking passes cost $35. Click here to view the 2015 Sun Devil Baseball pricing map and click here to purchase tickets.
Transitioning The Legacy Campaign
Season ticket holders will also have an opportunity to make a capital campaign commitment towards the Phoenix Muni renovations. All gifts, no matter the size, are important and appreciated, and can be a one-time gift or a five-year pledge. Fans interested in naming opportunities at Phoenix Muni can contact the Sun Devil Club at 480-727-7700. All commitments are tax-deductible through the Sun Devil Club. Join our community and own a piece of our hometown team.
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