Baseball Signs A Pair During Spring Period

Head Coach Jason Murray

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Buccaneer Head Baseball Coach Jason Murray announced two additions to the baseball team during the spring signing period.

Jake Cox will transfer to CSU after spending two years as the starting catcher under Coach Marty Smith at Central Florida Community College in Ocala, Fla. Jake attended Lakeland Senior HS in Lakeland, Fla., where he was voted All-County three years as a catcher. He also received the Principal Award 3 times during high school for his achievements with his grade point average. The son of Jon and Kim Cox, Jake was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 2005 draft.

“Jake is a very good defensive catcher who has the ability to shut down the running game,” said Murray. “He does a great job at receiving and blocking which will give our pitchers confidence during their outings. Jake is bulldog and leader out on the field. We are excited about having him as a Buccaneer.”

Tom Burkett is an outfielder from Yough Sr. High in Herminie, Pa. Tom has been a varsity starter all four years at Yough Sr. High. As captain his junior season, Tom finished the year being on the WPIAL All-Section team hitting .479 with 5 homeruns and 27 RBI. As captain his senior year, after only 38 at bats, Tom was hitting .579 with 17 RBI, 19 runs, and is 17-17 in stolen bases. The son of Jim and Gail Burkett, Tom also plays on the YSHS football team, earning first-team All-Conference honors on both sides of the ball.

“Tom is a future prospect for the next level,” commented Murray. “He has great speed which will help him on the defensive end and on the offensive side of the game. We are very fortunate to land a player like Tom who has several tools to become a great player early in his career and help the 2008 team win!”