Baseball Inks Six In Early Signing Period
ALBANY, N.Y. – Continuing its reputation of reaping top-notch recruiting classes, the University at Albany baseball program has inked six standout ballplayers to National Letters of Intent in the early signing period. High school signees Kenneth Hayden (Mount Kisco, N.Y.), Shawn Blake (Stratford, Conn.), Michael Adams (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), and Michael Milo (Scarsdale, N.Y.), as well as Junior College transfers Trevor DeMerritt (San Jose, Calif.) and Karson Canaday (Sonora, Calif.) will make up head coach Jon Mueller’s 2014-15 incoming class.
“We are extremely excited to add these talented student-athletes to our team,” said Mueller. “With great effort and determination, this group will have an immediate impact in 2015.”
High School Signees:
KENNETH HAYDEN – OF
Kenneth Hayden is an outfielder from Mount Kisco, N.Y. and attends Fox Lane High School. Hayden hit .384 with six extra-base hits while scoring 23 runs in 22 games during his junior season. Hayden earned all-league honors, while making all of his 22 starts in centerfield.
Mueller on Hayden: “Kenny is a defensive minded outfielder who runs at an above-average level, registering as low as 6.4 seconds in the 60 yard dash. His ability to defend will benefit the middle of our outfield.”
SHAWN BLAKE – 1B/OF
Shawn Blake, a first baseman and outfielder, is from Stratford, Conn. and attends Fairfield College Preparatory. Blake was the starting first baseman for the Jesuits last season and helped lead them to the Class LL state semifinals for the first time in 20 years. He received numerous accolades, including All-SCC Quinnipiac Division and New Haven Register All-Area Team honors. He was also selected to play in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Junior All-Star Game. Perfect Game has ranked Blake as one of the top players in the state of Connecticut.
Mueller on Blake: “Shawn is an athletic player who we expect to contribute immediately either at first base or corner outfield. He has a fluid left-handed swing which will allow him to make the adjustments necessary to hit Division I pitching.”
MICHAEL ADAMS — RHP
Michael Adams, a right-handed pitcher from Mechanicsburg, Pa., attends Cumberland Valley High School. Adams was selected to the Mid Penn Conference All-Star Team. Adams was also selected to the Team Pennsylvania roster for the Big 26 Baseball Classic. This summer Adams led Hampden Township to a 30-5 record and Region 4 runner-up finish in the Pennsylvania American Legion playoffs.
Mueller on Adams: “Michael is a big right-handed pitcher with very good mechanics to go along with his upper 80′s fastball. His 6’5″ frame and advanced feel for two off-speed pitches has us excited for the impact he will have on our pitching staff.”
MICHAEL MILO — INF
Michael Milo is a third baseman from Scarsdale, NY and attends Eastchester Senior High School. Milo was named All-Section I First Team. Milo hit .552 with eight extra-base hits and 17 RBIs as a junior while playing shortstop for Eastchester. He sustained a shoulder injury, which cut his summer with the NJ Marlins short, but he is well ahead of his rehab timeline.
Mueller on Milo: “Michael is a very athletic, well-built young man who played shortstop in high school but projects as a third baseman for us. He has a pure swing, good hands and feet, and will compete for playing time his freshman year.”
Junior College Signees:
TREVOR DEMERRITT – INF
Trevor DeMerritt, a shortstop from San Jose, Calif., attends West Valley College. He was named First Team All-Coast Golden Gate Conference as a freshman, batting .303 with nine stolen bases. DeMerritt played in the NorCal JC Showcase this past fall.
Mueller on DeMerritt: “Trevor is a hard-nosed player whose athleticism on defense and ability to handle the bat will make him an immediate impact player for us next year. He has a strong arm, great range and can run. We are looking forward to him making the quick adjustment to DI baseball in the America East.”
KARSON CANADAY – INF
Karson Canaday, a second baseman from Sonora, Calif., currently attends West Hills College. Canaday was a Second Team All Central Valley Conference selection as a freshman. In his rookie season, he logged 23 stolen bases and hit .358 with 28 runs and 10 doubles. He also boasted a .439 on-base percentage and a .965 fielding percentage.
Mueller on Canaday: “Karson is a quick-handed, excellent fielding second baseman who also handles the bat very well. He is expected to ignite our offense at the plate and on the bases with his aggressive style of play.”
This talented class comes on the heels of UAlbany’s 2013-14 incoming group that was recognized as the top recruiting class in the Northeast Region by Baseball America.
