Cardinal Baseball Signs 10 Newcomers
July 13, 2000 | Baseball
November 23, 1999
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville baseball team has signed six high school freshmen and four junior college players to play in the 2000-01 season. The list is headlined by 6'3" outfielder Justin Woodrow from Knoch H.S. in Sarver, PA., 6'1" shortstop Jason LaFountain who attends Proctor H.S. in Utica, NY. and 6'3" Central Hardin H.S. pitcher Chase Cruse from Upton, KY.
"This is a fantastic group of athletes and individuals," said Head Coach Lelo Prado. "In our effort to put this program in the nation's elite, we have pursued and received commitments from players that were recruited by teams that perennially compete in Omaha."
Woodrow is regarded as the top prep player in Pennsylvania, and could be drafted in the early rounds of the upcoming draft.
"The only negative in recruiting players like this is the risk of them choosing to pursue a professional career early," Prado stated, "but that is a risk you must be willing to take at this level. Justin has all the tools to be a tremendous college player. He will be an exciting player to watch."
LaFountain will be a second generation member of the Cardinal baseball team. His father Jim was at Louisville from 1973-76 and is a member of the U of L Hall of Fame. Against Western Kentucky in 1976 he logged 16 total bases, 14 RBI and four home runs-including three grand slams, each still stand as Cardinal single-game records. The 14 RBI stood as the NCAA record until last season.
"Jason is a super young man and will be a great asset to our program," said Prado. "He is a great all-around player and will look to contribute early in his career."
Cruse is one of the top players in the state of Kentucky, and is one of six hurlers in the group of signees.
"We are very excited to have Chase in our program," Prado noted. "He has a very live arm and shows great desire to refine his skills."
The Cardinals posted a 37-19 record last season and achieved a top 25 ranking for the first time in school history. The season opens February 12th at Cardinal Stadium against Evansville.
Name Ht. Pos. Hometown (School) William Alvarez 6-1 RHP Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)Chase Cruse 6-3 RHP Upton, Ky. (Central Hardin HS)Derek Davis 5-11 RHP Redding, Calif. (Shasta Col.)Carlos de la Osa 5-10 C Miami, Fla. (Monsignor Pace HS)Jason LaFountain 6-1 SS Utica, N.Y. (Proctor HS)Chad Petty 6-2 LHP West Farmington, Ohio (Chalker HS)Ryan Smith 6-3 C West Covina, Calif. (East Los Angeles Col.)Mike Tisdale* 6-3 RHP Peterborough, Ontario (St. Petersburg Col.)Jake Tompkins* 6-0 RHP Auburn, Calif. (Sacramento City Col.)Justin Woodrow 6-3 OF Sarver, Pa. (Knoch HS)
*Only attended one year of junior college and will have
three years of eligibility remaining.
