December 16, 2011

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer baseball program added six members to its 2012 recruiting class, as announced on Friday afternoon by head coach Craig Gibson.

 

Aided by assistant coaches Brent Shade and Justin Holmes, the 2012 recruiting class includes three pitchers and three position players who will enroll at Mercer in the fall of 2012.

 

"Brent Shade and Justin Holmes did an outstanding job addressing our team needs and putting this class together," said Gibson. "We didn't have a big class in terms of numbers, but I feel as though these six student-athletes are very talented and will be part of a solid 2012 class."

 

The Bears latest recruiting class consists of three right-handed pitchers, a utility player, a third baseman and a first baseman. The Orange and Black once again tapped into the state's talent rich baseball pool, with five of the six players hailing from the Peach State.

 

2012 Mercer Baseball Recruiting Class

Stephen Glaze

Position: Right-handed pitcher
Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.
Previous School: Middle Georgia College

 

Bio:

Glaze appeared in nine games out of the bullpen for Middle Georgia last season, primarily as a middle reliever. He totaled 11 strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched and held opposing batters to a .156 batting average. Armed with a devastating slider, Glaze reunites with former high school teammate Derrick Workman whom he starred with at Dominion Christian.

 

What they are saying about Glaze:

"Stephen gives us a late inning side arm specialist out of the bullpen that wants the ball when the game is on the line. We try and build our staff from the late innings to the first inning and Stephen gives us a weapon that will be extremely tough to beat late."

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University

 

 

 

Corey Kafka

Position: Right-handed pitcher
Hometown: Tunnel Hill, Ga.
High School: Ringgold High School

 

Bio:

Kafka is currently the ace of his Ringgold High School team and one of the top pitchers for Team Elite. Kafka posses three pitches, including a hard fastball, a curve ball and a change-up. Kafka was named a 2011 All-North Georgia Pitcher and an All-Region 7AAA Honorable Mention selection after going 7-1 to help Ringgold to a Class AAA runner-up finish as a junior. Kafka was also ranked as the second best 2012 prospect in the 2011 Perfect Game Southeast Prospect Showcase.

 

What they are saying about Kafka:

"Corey adds a hard throwing and mentally tough right handed arm to our class. He has competed on the big stage throughout his high school career and we expect him to fit right in and pay dividends immediately." 

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University

 

Howard Joe         

Position: Utility Player
Hometown: Dunwoody, Ga.
High School: Holy Innocents High School

 

Bio:

Joe has started every game in both his sophomore and junior seasons at Holy Innocents at either shortstop or third base. A career .323 hitter, Joe has average 30 RBI over those two seasons in helping lead the Golden Bears to the Elite 8 and Sweet 16 in the Georgia State Finals.

 

What they are saying about Joe:

"Howard is a big and physical athlete that can play on the corners. Howard has excelled throughout his high school career at Holy Innocents and is a proven winner that will continue to grow both on and off the field here at Mercer."  

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University

 

Joe Koehler

Position: Third Baseman
Hometown: New Port Richey, Fla.
High School: Mitchell High School

Bio:

Koehler is a left-handed hitter who can play both second and third base. Koehler committed to Mercer after helping Mitchell capture its second district title in school history and advance to the Class 4A Region semifinals. During his junior season at Mitchell, Koehler batted .448 with 30 RBIs and five home runs. He led the Mustangs in runs scored (46), doubles (14), walks (30) and stolen bases (18). Koehler was a St. Petersburg Times' All-North Suncoast first team selection following the 2011 season.

 

What they are saying about Koehler:

"Joe is a very skilled left-handed hitter that can run. He is very talented, can play anywhere on the field and will without doubt make our club much better during his playing career."   

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University

 

 

 

 

Daniel Payne

Position: First Baseman
Hometown: Savannah, Ga.
High School: Calvary Baptist High School

 

Bio:

Payne is a strong left-handed first baseman out of Calvary Baptist High School. Payne was given an 8.5 out 10.0 rating according to PerfectGame.com as a first baseman. One of only 186 players in the country named to 2010 Rawlings National Underclass Top Prospect Team and also garnered recognition as a 2011 PerfectGame.com Underclass Preseason All-American honorable mention pick. Payne was ranked as high as the 59th best prospect in the state of Georgia according to MaxPreps.com

 

What they are saying about Payne:

"Daniel is a big, physical left-handed hitter. His plus tool is his power and in our park he will be fun to watch."     

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University

 

 

 

 

Ben Spears

Position: Right-handed pitcher
Hometown: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Wesleyan High School

 

Bio:

Spears is a two-sport athlete at Wesleyan High School, lettering in both baseball and swimming. Spears helped the Wolves to a Region 5 and Class A State Championship in 2010. The 6-6 hurler was ranked as high as the 88th best prospect in the state of Georgia according to MaxPreps.com.

 

What they are saying about Spears:

"Ben is a big right-handed pitcher that has all the tools to be special. He didn't pitch a lot his junior year due to tendonitis, but his upside is tremendous. He is just starting to blossom on the mound and with his makeup, he will be a joy to watch as he grows in our program."   

Craig Gibson- Head Baseball Coach Mercer University