HENDERSON, Tenn. - The Freed-Hardeman baseball program recently added five transfers to its 2011 signing class, rounding out a busy year of recruiting for coaches Jonathan Estes and J.D. Flowers.
"We had specific needs to address with graduation, and this group of transfers answers every need we had," said Estes, who is entering his second season with FHU. "These guys are hungry to help us continue winning and taking the next step, which is challenging for a conference title."
Kirkland Wheeler transfers from Motlow State (Tenn.) Community College, where the outfielder hit .331 with 12 doubles, 10 homeruns and 50 RBI last season.
"Kirkland is a big bat that we needed with the loss of a couple of our seniors," Estes said. "We expect Kirkland to hit in the middle of our order and play a solid outfield. He hits from the left side which gives us more balance in our line-up."
Joining Wheeler from Motlow State is Andy Southard, a left-handed pitcher who went 3-3 in 13 games with 77 innings pitched last season.
"Andy has been the game one starter for two years for a quality Motlow State program. It is that experience and his pitching IQ that attracted us to him," said Estes. "He knows what he is doing on the hill and has a great work-ethic off the field. Andy makes our staff better."
Outfielder Tyler Wilson comes to FHU after playing two seasons at Chipola (Fla.) Community College, where he hit .256 with 19 RBI last season.
"Tyler has big-time tools," Estes said. "He has plus speed and a good arm in the outfield. We like what he can do with the bat. His junior college team had seven players drafted this spring so he comes from a great program that does a great job preparing players for the next level."
Justin Stout brings another arm to the pitching staff, transferring from Middle Tennessee State University. The right-hander played his freshman season at Tennessee Wesleyan College before attending MTSU where he did not play baseball.
"Justin is a great addition to our staff because he adds the power arm that we were lacking last season," said Estes. "He has the bulldog attitude that you like from your pitchers and wants the ball at every opportunity. He his getting the kinks worked out this summer in the KIT League so we expect him to come in and compete for a rotation spot this fall."
Joel Pierce is no stranger to the TranSouth Conference, having been the starting catcher at Crichton (Tenn.) College before it discontinued its athletic programs. Pierce hit .279 with 10 doubles and 19 RBI in his final season with the Comets.
"Joel is a huge pick-up for us because of his experience and ability," Estes said. "He has been a starting catcher in the Transouth and has great defensive tools. He is grateful for an opportunity to continue his career and we are glad he is doing in a Lions uniform."
