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Slippery Rock University Announces 2014 Early Signing Class

November 22, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

http://www.rockathletics.com/images/topnav_logo.pngJeff Messer heads into his 29th season at the helm of the Slippery Rock University program in 2014 and has put together one of his best early recruiting classes in some time. He has guided The Rock to 869 wins in his 28 years, an average of 31 wins per season. The four Pennsylvania recruits that signed early are likely to help add to that total during their tenure wearing green and white.

According to Messer, "We definitely feel like this group of players will be able to compete immediately in the PSAC. Each of these student-athletes is capable of playing multiple defensive positions while making an immediate offensive impact."

Messer has seen talented players come and go. He has also been lucky enough to recruit and coach a number that have gone on to play professionally, none more successful than current St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams. Messer's advice to future prospects is, "Get college exposure early, and don't wait until your senior year. If you will be participating in an event such as those run by PBR, let college coaches know in advance that you will be participating. Not everyone can play in the ACC, find a school where you can play, enjoy yourself, get a good education and that is affordable."

Messer's son Billy is in his 2nd year as an assistant under his father and former college coach. Billy had a solid career in a Slippery Rock uniform and spent two years as the Director of Baseball Operations at the University of Virginia prior to returning to The Rock. His hard work on the recruiting trail has helped Messer put together a class that boasts four recruits ranked in the top 84 spots in the Class of 2014 rankings.

2014 Early Commits

C/3B Christian Porterfield, West Middlesex HS (No. 37 in PA, No. 260 in PBR combined rankings)

Porterfield is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound right-handed hitter that showcased a bat exit velocity of 96 mph at the PA Top Prospect Games in June. Porterfield went 4-for-7 with two doubles and five RBI during game play. He continues to show improvement behind the plate with pop times of 1.97-2.10 on throws of 76 mph out of the crouch. Porterfield showcased the ability to play 3B, 1B and the outfield as well during game play.

C Tyler Walters, Saegertown HS (No. 38 in PA, No. 322 in PBR combined rankings)

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound catcher is one of the top hitters in the state. He has put up prolific numbers for Saegertown High School. Walters has shown the ability to hit for power and to drive in runs, but also has demonstrated the ability to use all fields and to hit for average. He has worked hard to improve his foot speed (7.29 60-yard dash) and continues to improve defensively.

1B/RHP Andrew Null, Montoursville HS (No. 72 in PA)

Null was the PBR District IV Player of the Year for 2013. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound 1B/RHP was named 1st-team all-Heartland Athletic Conference Division I at both positions, after posting a .455 AVG with 19 R, 7 HR, 31 RBI, a .529 OBP and 10 SB. Null led the Warriors to a 16-5 overall record and within a whisker of upsetting eventual state champion Loyalsock Township in the district semifinals. In that game, he matched PBR PA No. 2 ranked 2015 Kyle Datres pitch for pitch in the 2-1 loss. On the season, Null went 6-3 with a 1.40 ERA, 30 H and 61 K in 48 IP.

OF Kyle Wise, Saegertown HS (No. 84 in PA)

Wise is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound prospect with athletic actions in the outfield and the foot speed to go get the ball. He showcased an event best 91 mph arm at the PA Top Prospect Games in June. Wise went on to go 3-for-6 with a triple in game play earning MVP honors for the Red Team.

            Christian PorterfieldTyler Walters Andrew Null Kyle Wise
                      Porterfield                        Walters                              Null                                 Wise

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