The Judson University baseball team, led by head coach Rich Benjamin, has had its fair share of success the last two seasons. After a 39-win campaign last spring, the Eagles are poised to make some more noise at the NAIA level. Brian Brauer, Nate Rohl, Zach Liebman, and Johnny Amann, who all made solid contributions last year, are returning. Incoming freshmen that will probably see some playing time include Austin LeClere, Derek Talbot, and Billy Wright.
But perhaps the biggest thing that will put this team over the edge in 2011 is the transfers Benjamin's program will be getting this fall and then into the spring. Three notable players, all pitchers, will now be throwing for Judson. Here they are:
Ryan Pollock- Potomac State College, W.Va. (CL Central). Pollock hit 94 on the radar gun last spring and his power arm can be utilized either in the rotation or middle relief. Haven't seen him pitch since his high school days, but he was pretty good then as well.
T.J. Swank- Coastal Carolina (Prairie Ridge). Swank has a year of experience at a major D1 school after redshirting last spring. He is a sidewinder/submariner, throws around 81-82, very good changeup. Valuable at the back end of the bullpen.
Ben Palmer- Dallas Baptist (Westminister). The southpaw threw two years for the Texas school. Used primarily out of the bullpen at DB, but has started in the past.
These additions could potentially put Judson at 45+ wins, a huge number at the level they are at. Should be a good spring in Elgin.
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