UM Baseball Adds Five JUCO Products

MOBILE, Ala-- The University of Mobile baseball team announced the addition of five JUCO players for the 2011 season. Jefferson Davis C.C. products Ryne Phillips and Michael King will head to Mobile along with Lurleen B. Wallace C.C. products Jeremy Williams, Ryan Waltman and Blake Hanson.

Phillips prepped at Smith Station and will compete for playing time in the Mobile outfield right away. Last season, Phillips hit .375 with 12 doubles, 6 homers and 37 RBI. He slugged .583 and reached base at a clip of .442.

"Ryne is a left-handed hitting outfielder that has the ability to hit for both power and average," Mobile Assistant Coach Jon Seymour said. "He has great instincts for the game and will be counted on to help solidify our outfield."

King is a pitcher who prepped at Auburn High School. He led Jefferson Davis with 5 wins last season, while logging 95 innings and tossing 5 complete games. He struck out 57 and held opposing hitters to a .226 average.

"Michael will be in the mix for a weekend rotation spot on our staff," Seymour said. "He combines great stuff with a great feel for pitching; he is truly a student of the game. He will bring a ton of experience to our staff."

Waltman, a catcher, prepped at Mary G. Montgomery and is expected to contribute offensively and defensively. In 2010, he hit .338 with 9 extra-base hits and 44 RBI.

"Ryan is a local product who shines both at the plate and behind it," Seymour said. "He has a great understanding for calling a game and handling pitchers, and his arm will help keep opposing running games in check. Offensively, he can hit in the middle of our lineup."

Williams is a talented outfielder from Hartford, Ala., who has the ability to be a game changer. He hit .384 with 8 homers, 50 RBI and 53 runs scored in 2010. He posted a .603 slugging percentage and an impressive .487 on-base percentage, while swiping 20 bases in 24 attempts.

"Jeremy is a 5-tool player who brings tremendous passion and enthusiasm for the game," Seymour said. "He is an exciting 'game changer' and will be a lot of fun to watch in the spring."

Rounding out the group is Alma Bryant High School product Blake Hanson. Hanson went 8-0 on the mound with a 3.42 ERA in 50 innings last season. He struck out 39 and walked only 15.

"Blake is a big, strong kid who has plenty of arm strength and a good feel for the game," Seymour said. "He likes the ball in his hand when the game is on the line and will be another candidate for a weekend spot."