2010 Baseball

HENDERSON, Tenn. - New Freed-Hardeman University head baseball coach Jonathan Estes and his staff have been very busy this summer, bringing in a large recruiting class that has been completed with the recent addition of six more players.

Estes announced the signings of Joey Scott (Arnold, Mo.), Hunter Newby (Knoxville, Tenn.), Isaac Grizzell (Jackson, Tenn.), Justin Mackey (Sand Rock, Ala.), Josh Reynolds (Murray, Ky.), and Shawn Prince (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) to scholarships for the 2010 season.

Scott, a catcher, prepped at Fox HS in Arnold, Mo., and played American Legion for Rock Memorial Post 283 in Imperial, Mo.  During the American Legion season, he hit .380 with a .464 on-base percentage.

"Joey is a left-handed hitting catcher that can contribute both offensively and behind the plate," said Estes. "I am very eager to see Joey grow and mature as a student and as a player while at Freed-Hardeman. We think Joey has a bright future."

Newby, a right-handed pitcher who stands 6-foot-7, transfers to FHU from King (Tenn.) College where he was 4-5 in with 26 strikeouts in 50 innings 13 appearances as a freshman.  He played his high school ball at Farragut HS in Knoxville, Tenn., and helped lead the Admirals to Class AAA state championships in 2006 and 2008.  His sister, Whitney, is a freshman on the FHU women's soccer team.

"Hunter is a big, tall pitcher with college experience," Estes said.  "He has great movement on his fastball and his off-speed stuff has good bite.  Hunter comes from a very athletic family and we look forward to seeing him pitch the next three years."

Grizzell, an outfielder, transfers from Lambuth (Tenn.) University after playing football there his freshman year.  Grizzell prepped at Jackson Christian School in Jackson, Tenn., where he played both football and baseball.

"Isaac is a raw player that had to battle some injuries in the past. He is healthy at this point and we are excited to see what he can do on the baseball diamond," said Estes. "We think he has a chance to really develop and be a positive contribution for us over the next several years."

Mackey, an infielder/pitcher, prepped at Sand Rock HS in Sand Rock, Ala., where he hit an impressive .507 as a senior with 10 doubles and 33 RBI.  He was an all-state selection in baseball as well as football and basketball.

"Justin is a very athletic player that has pretty much done it all at the high school level. I think once he is able to concentrate on one sport, he will really start to realize his potential," Estes said. "Justin is going to be able to help us on the infield and on the mound and I expect great things from Justin over his career at FHU."

Reynolds comes to FHU from Wabash Valley (Ind.) College, where he redshirted last season.  The infielder/pitcher performed well in the Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee (KIT) League over the summer, going 3-3 with one save and a 4.23 ERA in 38-1/3 innings pitched.

"Josh is another two-way player that should be an immediate contributor for us," Estes said. "He has pitched at a high level in the KIT league and will be able to provide immediate help to our pitching staff. Josh should also figure into the mix in the middle infield as well. Josh has high aspirations in the classroom as well which makes him a great fit for our program."

Prince, an outfielder, prepped at Cape Central HS where he was an all-district selection as a senior after hitting .347 with seven stolen bases.

"Shawn is a kind of a throw back player that is very gritty and will do what is necessary to get the job done," said Estes. "He is excited to be in a great environment that FHU provides and we are glad that he will be wearing the Lions across his chest."