Jacksonville State has signed seven players to play baseball for the Gamecocks for the 2011 season, head coach Jim Case announced today.

Pitchers Trae Santos, Bradley Raulston, Taylor Sparks and Travis Stout, joins infielders Ben Waldrip, Michael Bishop and Andrew Bishop in the signing class.

“As we went into the recruiting process for 2011, we had some positions that we felt like would need immediate attention,” said Case. “We feel very confident that we addressed our needs and we expect these young men to all have an impact within our program.”

The Gamecocks inked three players from Pelham High School, including twins Andrew and Michael Bishop, and Santos, where they played for head coach Jeff Mauldin.

“These three young men play in one of the finest programs in our state and know how to win, which is a credit to Coach Mauldin and his staff,” said Case. “We feel very blessed to have three players from one program, where class, integrity and a love for competition has been instilled daily.”

Michael batted .432 with eight home runs as a junior last year, where was an honorable mention Louisville Slugger All-American after being named The Birmingham News Shelby County Player of the Year.

“Michael has the ability to be a plus player for us, both offensively and defensively,” said Case. “He can really run and throw and will hit with power, as well.”

Andrew hit .304 with five doubles and 13 stolen bases and was voted the team Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

“Andrew will be an impact player with his speed, bat and his ability to play in the middle of the infield,” said Case.

Santos posted a 6-1 record on the mound with 53 strikeouts and was also an honorable mention Louisville Slugger All-American after being named The Birmingham News Shelby County Pitcher of the Year in 2009.

“We believe Trae will be an outstanding addition to our team, both as a position player and a pitcher,” added Case.

Waldrip is a 2009 New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star as a freshman at St. Anselm College, where he batted .394 with three home runs and 27 runs batted in last season.

“In looking for experience with a chance to earn a place in the middle of the order, we feel fortunate to have Ben join our program,” said Case. “He brings a confidence that has come from being able to hit everywhere he has ever played.”

Stout prepped at Holy Innocents Episcopal School, where he had 61 strikeouts in just 51 innings on the mound, to help his team to the Elite 8 in 2008 and a region championship in 2009. He was also a member of the Fletcher Baseball World Series Championship team with the East Cobb Titans summer league team in 2008.

“Travis has impressed our staff from the first time we saw him play,” Case said. “He will have the opportunity to pitch and play the infield. He plays the game with a little bit of attitude, which we love.”

Raulston batted .347 with seven home runs and 37 RBI as a junior at Southside High School last season. He also posted a 9-2 record on the mound with 94 strikeouts to earn All-State honors in 2009.

“Brad brings a power arm to our program and those type of arms are hard to find,” said Case. “He loves to compete and will also have the opportunity to swing the bat. We believe he will have the ability to contribute right away and Coach Bone and his staff has done a great job in preparing Brad to make this step.”

Sparks played for former Gamecock Wes Brooks at Oxford High School, and had 70 strikeouts in 40 innings on the mound as a junior for the Yellow Jackets.

“Taylor brings a plus-left handed arm to our program,” Case said. “Coach Brooks, one of our all-time great players, has done an outstanding job at Oxford High and we look forward to having another local player with such huge upside.”

Former Gamecock Ben Tootle, who was a third round draft choice last summer in the major league baseball draft, also prepped at Oxford High School.

Since joining the Ohio Valley Conference in 2004, the Gamecocks are the winningest team in the conference with a 66.5 winning percentage, posting an impressive 105-53 OVC record.

Jacksonville State Baseball Signees
Ben Waldrip (1B, 6-6, 225, Medford, Mass./Cypress JC)
Trae Santos (RHP/1B, 6-1, 237, Pelham, Ala./Pelham HS)
Michael Bishop (OF/1B, 6-2, 180, Pelham, Ala./Pelham HS)
Bradley Raulston (RHP/OF, 6-1, 210, Southside, Ala./Southside HS)
Andrew Bishop (INF, 5-11, 175, Pelham, Ala./Pelham HS)
Taylor Sparks (LHP, 6-0, 175, Oxford, Ala./Oxford HS)
Travis Stout (RHP/INF, 5-10, 175, Smyrna, Ga./Holy Innocents HS)