CSU adds six more newcomers in baseball

Head coach Jason Murray

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern baseball coach Jason Murray announced the addition of six more players to the 2005 recruiting class, bringing the total number of newcomers to 12 for the 2006 campaign.

Joing the Buccaneer program this Fall will be right-handed pitchers Dillon Throneburg, Joey Timmerman, Grant Ringenberg and Mike Myers, along with catcher/outfielder John Mark Cleaveland and shortstop Helio Burgos.

“We feel that we have filled some of major needs with this group of players and we look forward to the development process during the Fall,” said Murray. “Many of the young men we are bringing in will compete for immediate playing time with the Buccaneers during the 2006 season .”

Throneburg comes to CSU from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, a team that reached the final game of the 2005 Junior College World Series with a 52-17 record. Throneburg posted an 8-3 career record in two seasons at Parkland, the same school that produced CSU starting pitcher Ryan Sowers on last year’s squad.

“Dillon is a potential impact pitcher for us in 2006,” says Murray. “He has gained valuable big-game experience having played in two JUCO World Series. He has a great work ethic and a desire to be a champion.”

Cleaveland, a native of Dallas, Texas, comes to CSU by way of Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas where he played for coach Skip Johnson. Cleaveland’s versatility as an outfielder who can also catch excites Murray.

“John Mark is a hard-nosed player that should provide immediate depth at all three outfield positions as well as behind the plate. He is a great addition to the program,” said Murray.

Burgos prepped at the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in San Juan, a school providing college preparatory curriculum and a sports program specializing in baseball.

“The signing of Helio is a huge one for us. We feel he will be competing right away for the shortstop position and should make an immediate impact,” said Murray.

Ringenberg attended Middle Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina, earning all-conference honors and a berth on the North Carolina State Games East Team. He finished the season with a 4-0 record, posting a 1.67 earned run average.

“Grant (6-4, 185) has a tremendous upside with his frame and should develop into a pitcher that will add immediate depth to our pitching staff as he gets stronger,” said Murray.

Myers prepped at Jefferson High School in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, playing for one of the nation’s most respected coaches, John Lowery, Sr. A National Honor Society student, Myers received the 2005 John Campbell Award for the highest grade point average at Jefferson High. On the diamond, Myers posted a 6-2 pitching record with a 2.51 earned run average.

“Mike is a special young man with great heart and determination on and off the field. He has unlimited potential here at CSU,” said Murray.

Timmerman will be the second player in this year’s class with local connections. A transfer from Spartanburg Methodist College, Timmerman played his high school baseball at Stratford High where he earned all-state honors as a senior. Timmerman was a perfect 11-0 on the mound in two seasons at Spartanburg, including a 6-0 record and 2.00 earned run average in 2005.

“Joey is a great person, a winner and competitor on the mound,” said Murray. “He will help our pitching staff right away and we look forward to having him back in the Charleston community.”