Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Presbyterian Baseball Welcomes Three Transfers To Its Roster
CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian head baseball coach Elton Pollock recently announced that the Blue Hose baseball team will welcome three transfers to its squad, with two of the three transfers joining the school’s baseball program from NCAA Division I institutions and the other being a proven NCAA Division II baseball player. Joining the Blue Hose for the 2007 season are Mitchell Odom (University of Georgia), Bobby Holmes (Virginia Commonwealth) and Jared Combs (Armstrong Atlantic State).
Thomas “Mitchell” Odom comes to Presbyterian from the University of Georgia. A native of Bogart, Ga., Odom played for the Bulldogs for two years.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound pitcher was a Wendy’s high school All-American before signing with the Bulldogs. During his senior year of high school Odom concluded his scholastic career by securing a miniscule 1.07 ERA and a record of 6-1 for Oconee County.
During his senior season Odom also had a remarkable streak of holding his opponents without a run, going 22 innings without giving up a run. Odom recorded 37 punchouts during the stretch.
“Mitchell Odom brings a wealth of experience to the Blue Hose baseball pitching staff,” noted Pollock. “I would classify him as a power pitcher with the ability to throw three pitches for a strike. Mitchell is a starter with a closer mentality and will be counted on heavily for leadership this upcoming season.”
Robert Michael Holmes comes to the PC baseball program from Virginia Commonwealth University. The Quinton, Va. native played in 10 games last season for the Rams. The third baseman garnered a fielding percentage of .923.
Holmes received a plethora of plaudits during his high school career, including being named first team all-district for three seasons and All-Virginia. Holmes had a cumulative batting average of .482 during his three years playing for Kenny Lewis at Lee-Davis High School.
“Bobby Holmes is a very good defensive third baseman with power to all fields,” remarked Pollock. “With the loss of Matt Bodie in our lineup, he will be counted on to fill a big hole in the middle of our batting order. I am excited to have him on board.”
Jared Michael Combs, a shortstop, comes to Presbyterian after two seasons at Armstrong Atlantic State University in his hometown of Savannah, Ga.
Combs was a regular for the Pirates last season, seeing action in 55 games (54 starts) in the 2006 season. Combs hit .256 and acquired 21 RBIs and four home runs for the Pirates in the 2006 campaign.
“Jared Combs is a proven college baseball player with over 80 games of collegiate experience under his belt,” said Pollock. “He will provide some much needed power in our lineup and will be called upon to solidify our defense at the shortstop position.”
The Blue Hose commence their 2006 season on the road at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2007 against Limestone in Gaffney, S.C. The first home game of the year for PC is at 2 p.m. on Feb. 4 when the squad welcomes Anderson.