Cardinal Baseball Signs Six for 2002 Season
January 22, 2001 | Baseball
Jan. 22, 2001
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville head baseball coach Lelo Prado announced today the signing of six players for the 2001-2002 academic year. The recruiting class, which includes two junior college transfers and four incoming freshmen, consists of four pitchers and two outfielders.
"This is an outstanding group of student-athletes," said Prado. "We really focused on our positional needs with this class, and we are confident that we have covered that in all aspects of the game."
Headlining the class is Patrick Sadler, a 6-0, 190-pound right-handed pitcher out of Washington, Pa. Rated among the top-100 high school players in the country by Baseball America, the Trinity High School standout also plays third base and swings the bat well.
"Patrick has all the makings to be a great collegiate pitcher," said Prado. "He has a live arm and a very good breaking ball. He has competed in many different showcases and has done very well."
Dan Cunningham and William McKenzie, both junior college transfers, will provide immediate experience to the Cardinals. Cunningham, a 6-0, 185-pound outfielder from South Suburban (Ill.) College, has leadoff-type speed to go with his aggressive style of play. McKenzie, a 6-7, 220-pound pitcher from Walters State (Tenn.) Community College, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Cards' rotation next season.
"Dan is the kind of player who wants to make things happen, and we look for him to provide leadership in the outfield," said Prado. "Willie has already been drafted twice and is hungry to play at the next level. He has the ability to be very good."
Zach Jackson, Daniel Plasencia and Landon Helm round out the class. Jackson, a 6-5, 195-pound left-handed pitcher out of Cranberry Township, Pa., will be counted on to contribute on the mound right away. Plasencia, a 5-11, 175-pound outfielder from Tampa, Fla., comes from one of the top high school programs in the country (Jesuit HS) and was named most valuable player last year at the Florida High School State Tournament. Helm, a 6-3, 205-pound right-handed pitcher out of Jamestown, Ky., brings strength and athleticism to the Cardinals.
"We feel Zach is one of the best left-handed pitchers around," Prado said. "Daniel is a versatile player who can play all three outfield positions or second base. Both are students of the game and work extremely hard to learn more every day. Landon has a live arm with a deceptive motion and should have an excellent collegiate career."
The Cardinals open the 2001 season with a nine-day road trip, beginning with Southern California in Los Angeles on Feb. 3. After playing eight games in California and Hawaii, the Cards return home for a four-game series with Detroit Mercy beginning Feb. 16 at Cardinal Stadium.
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown (High School/Junior College) |
| Dan Cunningham | OF | 6-0 | 185 | Chicago, Ill. (South Suburban College) |
| Landon Helm | RHP | 6-3 | 205 | Jamestown, Ky. (Russell County HS) |
| Zach Jackson | LHP | 6-5 | 195 | Cranberry Township, Pa. (Seneca Valley HS) |
| William McKenzie | RHP | 6-7 | 220 | Kingsport, Tenn. (Walters State CC) |
| Daniel Plasencia | OF/2B | 5-11 | 175 | Tampa, Fla. (Jesuit HS) |
| Patrick Sadler | RHP | 6-0 | 190 | Washington, Pa. (Trinity HS) |
