2008 Season Superlatives

Rivals.com The Flames finished 2008 with a 35-26-1 record, the best record under a first-year head coach in Liberty program history.

It was the first time in the 35-year history of the program that Liberty recorded 30 or more wins in four consecutive years.

The 2008 pitching staff set a new school season mark with 508 , 103 more than the previous standard of 405. The mark also led the Big South Conference.

Liberty batters set new program single- season marks by hitting 155 doubles and being by a pitch 82 times.

Liberty set a Big South Championship mark by scoring 55 runs over the Flames’ six games in the tournament. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Liberty The Opponents This is Liberty Baseball ...... 1 2009 Opponents...... 48 Flames in the Majors...... 3 Big South Baseball Contacts Directory ...... 52 Flames and ...... 4 2009 Big South Conference Schedule ...... 53 All-Time Honor Roll ...... 6 Flames Series Results...... 54 Worthington Stadium ...... 8 Crowder/Muckel Fieldhouse ...... 10 2008 Season In Review Alumni Game...... 11 2008 Season in Review...... 56 2009 Outlook...... 12 2008 Flames Statistics ...... 58 Depth Chart ...... 13 2008 Results...... 59 Media Information ...... 14 2008 Big South Review ...... 60 Travel Information...... 15 2008 Big South Leaders...... 62 LibertyFlames.com...... 16 Strength and Conditioning...... 17 Records & History Academic Services...... 18 Chronology...... 64 Individual Records...... 66 Credits The Staff Team Records ...... 68 Editor: Ryan Bomberger Head Coach Jim Toman...... 20 Season Top 10...... 69 Assistant Editors: Todd Wetmore, Paul Carmany Assistant Coach Nick Schnabel...... 23 Top Career Performances ...... 70 and Vincent Briedis Assistant Coach Garrett Quinn ...... 24 Year-by-Year Leaders...... 71 Contributors: Owen Benson, Dwayne Groff, Bill Assistant Coach Jeremiah Boles ...... 25 Year-by-Year Results...... 75 Hardin, Brad Johnson, Doug Wallace, Garrett Dir. of Baseball Operations Billy Daniels...... 26 Flames in the Postseason...... 82 Quinn and Jim Toman Assoc. Ath. Comm. Dir. Ryan Bomberger ...... 26 Coaching Year-by-Year Summary ...... 83 Cover Photography: Les Schofer Sports Medicine Staff ...... 27 All-Time Roster ...... 84 Contributing Photographers: Ryan Bomberger, Support Staff ...... 28 Jordan Crossingham, Bob DuVaul, Don Liberty University Garlock, Jamie Hall, P.K. Keller, Tim Lyons, Jeff The Flames Reflections of Dr. Falwell ...... 46 Raymond, Les Schofer, Brian Sennett, Corkey Numerical Roster...... 30 The University...... 88 Trewin, Barry Whitten, WG Sports Photos and Pronunciation Guide ...... 30 Remembering Dr. Falwell ...... 89 LU Archives Alphabetical Roster ...... 31 University Administration ...... 90 Cover Design: Brian Wallace, Liberty Office of . Geographical Roster ...... 31 Athletic Administration ...... 91 Promotional Publications Flames by Class...... 31 Athletic Excellence ...... 96 Layout/Typesetting: Heather Lehosit, Player Profiles...... 32 The Big South Conference...... 98 Morgantown Printing & Binding Photo Roster...... 100 Printing: Morgantown Printing & Binding

2009 BASEBALL QUICK FACTS

General Information Director of Baseball Operations ...... Athletics Communications Name of School ...... Liberty University ...... Billy Daniels (Liberty, ‘06) A.D. for Athletics Communications ...... City/Zip ...... Lynchburg, Va. 24502 Athletic Trainer ...... Scott Lawrenson ...... Todd Wetmore Founded ...... 1971 Strength & Conditioning Coach ...... Matt Hagen Athletics Communications Enrollment ...... 11, 311 Office Phone ...... (434) 582-2292 Nickname ...... Flames Team Information Email ...... [email protected] Mascot...... Eagle Overall Record ...... 35-26-1 School Colors ...... Red, White and Blue Conference Record ...... 14-7/2nd Assoc. Athletics Comm. Dir./Baseball Contact ...... Affiliation...... NCAA Division I Home Record ...... 11-12-1 ...... Ryan Bomberger Conference...... Big South Away Record ...... 15-8 Office Phone ...... (434) 582-2605 Founder ...... Jerry Falwell Neutral ...... 9-6 Email ...... [email protected] Chancellor...... Jerry Falwell, Jr. Starters Returning/Lost (position players) ...... 3/6 Vice Chancellor ...... Dr. Ronald Godwin Pitchers Returning/Lost...... 8/6 Assistant Athletics Comm. Dir...... Vincent Briedis Director of Athletics ...... Jeff Barber Lettermen Returning ...... 11/9 Office Phone ...... (434) 582-2294 Athletics Department Phone ...... (434) 582-2100 Newcomers ...... 19 Email...... [email protected]

Coaching Staff History Assistant Athletics Comm. Dir...... Paul Carmany Head Coach ...... Jim Toman (N.C. State, ’85, ’95) First Year ...... 1974 Office Phone ...... (434) 582-2604 Record at School ...... 35-26-1 (1 Year) All-Time ...... 946-756-8 (.556) Email ...... [email protected] Career Record ...... Same (1 Year) Baseball Office ...... (434) 582-2103 Baseball Stadium Athletics Comm. Graduate Assistant ...... Jennifer Shelton Home Field ...... Worthington Stadium Office Phone ...... (434) 592-4849 Assistant Coaches Capacity ...... 1,000 Email...... [email protected] ...... Nick Schnabel (East Carolina, ‘00) Field Dimensions ...... 325 (LF), 375 (LC), 390 (CF) ...... Garrett Quinn (Maine, ‘98) ...... 375 (RC), 325 (RF) Athletics Communications Fax ...... (434) 582-2076 ...... Jeremiah Boles Surface ...... Grass Athletics Comm. Mailing Address .. 1971 Unversity Blvd...... Lynchburg, VA 24502 Website ...... LibertyFlames.com

2 2009 Liberty Baseball FLAMES IN THE MAJORS

SID BREAM DOUG BRADY Years at Liberty: 1979-81 Years at Liberty: 1989-91 12 Years in the Majors One Year in Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 1, 1983 Major League Debut: Sept. 5, 1995 1983-85 ...... 1995 ...... Chicago White Sox 1985-90 ...... 1991-93 ...... 1994 ......

LEE GUETTERMAN RANDY TOMLIN Years at Liberty: 1978-81 Years at Liberty: 1986-88 11 Years in the Majors Five Years in the Majors Major League Debut: Sept. 12, 1984 Major League Debut: Aug. 6, 1990 1984-87 ...... Seattle Mariners 1990-94 ...... Pittsburgh Pirates 1988-92 ...... New York Yankees 1992 ...... 1993 ...... St. Louis Cardinals 1995-96 ...... Seattle Mariners

LibertyFlames.com 3 FLAMES & PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

1976 1976 1978 1981 1981 1982 CLAY ELLIOT, SS JEFF MINCEY, C BERNIE YOUNG, OF SID BREAM, 1B LEE GUETTERMAN, LHP DOUG SMITH, RHP ATLANTA BRAVES PITTSBURGH PIRATES CHICAGO WHITE SOX LOS ANGELES DODGERS SEATTLE MARINERS MINNESOTA TWINS Drafted 10th Round Drafted 21st Round Signed Free Agent Drafted 2nd Round Drafted 4th Round Drafted 28th Round

1982 1986 1986 1987 1988 1989 RENARD BROWN, OF PAT SIPE, 1B NILES CREEKMORE, RHP CLINT HORSLEY, RHP RANDY TOMLIN, LHP TONY BEASLEY, 2B SEATTLE MARINERS MONTREAL EXPOS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS PITTSBURGH PIRATES BALTIMORE ORIOLES Drafted 3rd Round Signed Free Agent Signed Free Agent Drafted 29th Round Drafted 18th Round Drafted 19th Round

1989 1989 1990 1990 1991 1992 JAMEY MASON, C DOUG REYNOLDS, C FRANK SPEEK, RHP TODD SAMPLES, OF DOUG BRADY, SS RODNEY ASHBY, RHP CALIFORNIA ANGELS BALTIMORE ORIOLES ST. LOUIS CARDINALS MONTREAL EXPOS CHICAGO WHITE SOX CHICAGO CUBS Drafted 51st Round Drafted 33rd Round Drafted 26th Round Drafted 9th Round Drafted 12th Round Signed Free Agent

1993 1994 & 1995 1995 1996 1997 & 1998 1998 RICH HUMPHREY, RHP TERRY WEAVER, 3B JASON BAKER, OF DANNY HODGES, LHP DAVID BENHAM, C JASON BENHAM, 3B HOUSTON ASTROS 1994- LOS ANGELES DODGERS CHICAGO CUBS 1997-NEW YORK METS BALTIMORE ORIOLES Drafted 57th Round Drafted 23rd Round Signed Free Agent Drafted 41st Round Drafted 41st Round Drafted 37th Round 1995- 1998-BOSTON RED SOX Drafted 21st Round Drafted 12th Round 4 2009 Liberty Baseball FLAMES & PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL

1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 2000 DAVID DALTON, SS TIM HARRELL, RHP PHIL KOJACK, RHP BENJI MILLER, RHP STEVE WRIGHT, OF BRIAN ADAMS, LHP ATLANTA BRAVES LOS ANGELES DODGERS PITTSBURGH PIRATES SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS SEATTLE MARINERS BOSTON RED SOX Signed Free Agent Drafted 20th Round Signed Free Agent Drafted 21st Round Drafted 17th Round Drafted 8th Round

2000 & 2004 2000 2001 2002 2002 2002 DAN VALENTIN, RHP SCOTTIE SCOTT, C JOSH BREY, LHP JOEY MONAHAN, SS KEITH BUTLER, CF MATT HAGEN, 3B 2000-OAKLAND ATHLETICS Drafted 31st Round CLEVELAND INDIANS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS CHICAGO CUBS CHICAGO CUBS SEATTLE MARINERS 2004-TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS Signed Free Agent Drafted 4th Round Drafted 7th Round Drafted 10th Round Drafted 12th Round Signed Free Agent

2002 2002 2003 2003 2004 2005 JONATHAN SCHNEIDER, RHP STEVE BAKER, OF LARRY WAYNE YORK, 2B ERICH CLONINGER, C JASON JONES, RHP DAVID BECHTOLD, LHP PITTSBURGH PIRATES MONTREAL EXPOS BOSTON RED SOX NEW YORK YANKEES Drafted 15th Round Drafted 29th Round Drafted 14th Round Drafted 35th Round Drafted 4th Round Drafted 28th Round

2006 & 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 MICHAEL SOLBACH, RHP GARRETT YOUNG, OF PHILLIP LAURENT, OF MICHAEL JUST, 2B RYAN PAGE, LHP DAVID STOKES, RHP 2006 - BOSTON RED SOX SAN DIEGO PADRES HOUSTON ASTROS DETROIT TIGERS Drafted 48th Round Drafted 46th Round Signed Free Agent Signed Free Agent Drafted 20th Round Drafted 28th Round 2007 -ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Drafted 19th Round LibertyFlames.com 5 ALL-TIME HONOR ROLL

JASON DOUG RENARD VaSID All-State First Team BENHAM BRADY BROWN 1991 Doug Brady, IF Chris Robbins, IF Danny Brahn, OF 1996 Steve Wright, OF 1998 Jason Benham, 3B Steve Wright, OF RICHARD MATT PHILLIP 2000 Keith Butler, OF DeWITT STEWART THOMPSON 2002 Larry Wayne York, 2B Marcus Maringola, OF 2004 Jeremiah Boles, OF 2005 Phillip Laurent, OF

VaSID All-State First Team All-Americans 2006 Phillip Laurent, OF First Team 2007 Garrett Young, OF 1981 Sid Bream, 1B NAIA, NABC VaSID All-State Second Team 1981 Renard Brown, OF 2006 Michael Just, 2B NAIA Chad Miller, 3B

Second Team VaSID All-State Honorable Mention 1981 Darrell Manuel, OF 2000 Josh Brey, P NAIA Dan Valentin, P 2002 Joey Monahan, SS Preseason All-Americans 2005 Aaron Grijalva, 1B Third Team 2006 Aaron Grijalva, 1B VaSID Coach of the Year Collegiate Baseball 1991 Johnny Hunton 2000 Dave Pastors (Co-Coach) Freshman All-Americans Team Most Valuable Players First Team Jason Benham 2000 Keith Butler, OF 1974 Richard Zazuetta Collegiate Baseball, 1975 Bill Brown GTE/CoSIDA Academic 1976 Clay Elliott 2005 Aaron Grijalva, 1B All-American Collegiate Baseball 1977 Jeff Mincey College Division 1978 Lee Guetterman First Team Second Team 1979 Sid Bream 1980 Richard DeWitt, SS 2000 Joey Monahan, SS 1980 Sid Bream Baseball America 1981 Sid Bream GTE/CoSIDA Academic 1982 Renard Brown University Division All-District 1983 Darrell Manuel 1984 Todd Nelson Third Team 1998 David Benham, C 1985 Pat Sipe 1998 Jason Benham, 3B Jason Benham, 3B 2005 Phillip Thompson, P 1986 Pat Sipe 2006 Phillip Laurent, OF 1987 Rodney Carter 1988 Randy Tomlin ABCA All-Atlantic Region 1989 Tony Beasley 1990 Todd Swisher First Team 1991 Doug Brady, Chris Robbins 1991 Doug Brady, SS 1992 Mike Kreider Chris Robbins, 2B 1993 Rich Humphrey, Charlie Kim 2000 Josh Brey, LHP 1994 Jeremy Tully 1995 Jake Hines Second Team 1996 Steve Wright 1998 Steve Wright 1997 David Benham 1998 Jason Benham ECAC All-Star Team 1999 Anthony Pennix First Team 2000 Keith Butler, Josh Brey, Dan Valentin 1991 Doug Brady 2001 Trey Miller 1998 Jason Benham 2002 Kelly Knouse 2003 Chad Bryan Second Team 2004 Jeremiah Boles 1998 Steve Wright 2005 Aaron Grijalva Sid Bream 1992 Danny Brahn 2006 Phillip Laurent

6 2009 Liberty Baseball ALL-TIME HONOR ROLL

2007 Garrett Young DANNY BRIAN CHARLIE 2008 Errol Hollinger BRAHN HARRELL KIM Award Winners 1998 Tim Harrell 1999 Darren Adams 2000 Brian Harrell 2001 Chad Bryan 2002 Jeff Haines PHILLIP DARRELL CHRIS 2003 Daniel Bote LAURENT MANUEL ROBBINS 2004 Josh Butcher 2005 David Bechtold 2006 Chad Miller 2007 Tim John 2008 David Stokes 1995 Tim Harrell P 2002 Matt Hagen, 3B Omaha Award Winners Jake Hines 2B Marcus Maringola, OF 2000 Alex Dooley, Israel Noble 1997 Benji Miller, P Keith Butler, DH 1998 David Benham, C 2003 Erich Cloninger, C All-Big South Conference David Dalton, SS Phillip Laurent, DH First Team Brian Harrell, P Chad Bryan, UTL 1992 Danny Brahn, OF Benji Miller, P Jeff Brown, DH 1993 Rich Humphrey, P 1999 Scottie Scott, C P.K. Keller, OF 1993 Charlie Kim, OF 2000 Jay Sullenger, 2B Ryan Page, P Joey Monahan, SS Aaron Grijalva, 1B Josh Brey, P Phillip Laurent, OF Keith Butler 2001 Steve Baker, OF Phillip Thompson, SP Larry Wayne York, 2B 2007 Patrick Gaillard, SS Josh Brey, P P.K. Keller, OF Anthony Pennix, P Michael Solbach, P 2002 Steve Baker, OF Dustin Umberger, P Kelly Knouse, 1B Garrett Young, OF Jason Jones, RHP 2008 Cody Brown, INF 2004 Carlos Garcia, 3B Steven Evans, P 2005 Chris Zuvich, P Jeff Jefferson, OF 2006 Michael Just, 2B Dustin Umberger, P Phillip Laurent, OF Garrett Young, DH Chad Miller, 3B 2007 David Giammaresi, 3B Scholar-Athlete of the Year Tim John, P 2000 Brian Harrell (Co-Scholar Athlete) 1994 Charlie Kim, OF Garrett Young, OF 2001 Matt Stewart 1995 Jason Baker, OF 2008 Errol Hollinger, C 1996 David Benham, C David Stokes, P Rookie of the Year Steve Wright, OF 1995 Tim Harrell 1997 David Benham, C All-Tournament 2000 Keith Butler 1998 Jason Benham, 3B 1993 Rich Humphrey, P (MVP) Steve Wright, OF Beau Martin, C Player of the Year 1999 Anthony Pennix, UTL Sheldon Bream, 1B 1998 Jason Benham 2000 Keith Butler, OF Scott Harmsen, SS 2000 Keith Butler Kelly Knouse, 1B Charlie Kim, OF Scottie Scott, C 1997 Jason Benham, 3B Coach of the Year Dan Valentin, P Ryan McClellan, 1B/DH 1998 Dave Pastors 2001 Trey Miller, OF Mike Giordano, OF 2002 Marcus Maringola, OF 1998 David Dalton, INF (MVP) Larry Wayne York, 2B Steve Wright, OF Tim Harrell Matt Hagen, 3B Bryan Byler, OF Joey Monahan, SS Phil Kojack, P 2003 Chad Bryan, 1B Benji Miller, P 2004 Jeremiah Boles, OF 1999 Anthony Pennix, UTL 2005 Phillip Laurent, OF Trey Miller, OF 2007 Kenneth Negron, 2B 2000 Jason Suitt, P (MVP) Tim Nanry, DH Larry York, IF 2008 P.K. Keller, OF Jay Sullenger, IF Keith Butler, OF Second Team 2001 Trey Miller, OF 1994 Terry Weaver 3B Keith Butler, OF

LibertyFlames.com 7 WORTHINGTON STADIUM

Al Worthington

Year-By-Year Results at Worthington Stadium

arch 28, 2008 was a historic night in the On May 3, 1986, the field was officially named 35 years of Liberty University baseball, as Worthington Field after former Liberty Baseball 2008 ...... 11-12-1 Mfor the first time a night game was con- Coach and Athletic Director Al Worthington. The 2007 ...... 23-9 tested at Worthington Stadium. A record crowd Flames posted a 19-3 win over Maryland in the in- 2006 ...... 22-9 of 3,183 saw the Flames host Coastal Carolina in augural game. 2005 ...... 24-5 the Big South Conference opening game for both Worthington came to Liberty in 1974 after play- 2004 ...... 20-12 squads. Also unveiled that evening was a new ing professional baseball with the New York Gi- 2003 ...... 9-12 state-of-the-art public address system. ants, Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins. He 2002 ...... 13-10-1 The installation of lights and public address built a strong base for the program and recruited 2001 ...... 23-9 system are just a few of several improvement former major leaguers and Liberty players Sid projects which have taken place at the stadium Bream, Lee Guetterman and Randy Tomlin. Wor- 2000 ...... 18-8 over the past two years. Before the beginning of thington posted a 343-191 mark at Liberty as the 1999 ...... 13-9 the 2008 season, a field turf collar was installed Flames moved from the NCCAA level all the way 1998 ...... 20-9 around the home plate area, along with the place- to the NCAA Division I ranks under his leadership. 1997 ...... 10-8 ment of windscreens down each baseline and the He also piloted Liberty to three fifth-place finishes 1996 ...... 10-10 refurbishment of the stadium’s scoreboard. Inside at the NAIA World Series, from 1981 to 1983. 1995 ...... 21-8 the adjacent Crowder/Muckel Field House, the The name was changed from Worthington 1994 ...... 14-12-1 Liberty team locker facility was refurbished with a Field to Worthington Stadium during the 1995 1993 ...... 10-11 Tuflex floor surface and a new paint scheme and season. Worthington Stadium presents one of the 1992 ...... 14-7-1 interior design was implemented throughout the nicest fields on the East Coast. It was recognized 1991 ...... 23-4 building. in 1998 by Sports Turf Magazine as the “Diamond 1990 ...... 13-5-1 The previous year, new flag poles along with of the Year” in college baseball. The Flames have flags featuring each of the Big South Conference an overall record of 486-226-5 since its inception 1989 ...... 15-5 schools were placed along the outfield fence in in 1979. 1988 ...... 8-7 both right and left fields. The state-of-the-art Crowder/Muckel Field 1987 ...... 5-9 This year, a new batter’s eye has been erected House opened in 2003, adjacent to the stadium. It 1986 ...... 15-3 in centerfield along with the stadium’s bullpens includes locker facilities, restrooms, indoor bat- 1985 ...... 14-9 being relocated to behind the outfield walls. In- ting cages, private boxes and a team room. The 1984 ...... 15-4 side the field house, a new mud room has been field received a face-lift in the summer of 1999, as 1983 ...... 25-4 built and several computers have been pur- new Bermuda grass was laid out in the infield. 1982 ...... 24-4 chased and added to the team lounge for play- During the winter of 2000, a new netting backstop 1981 ...... 18-4 ers’ use. was put in place, replacing the steel backstop, 1980 ...... 20-6 Liberty University moved into Worthington Sta- which had been in place since the stadium’s in- 1979 ...... 16-2-1 dium during the 1979 season after playing and ception. practicing at other fields throughout the city of Total ...... 486-226-5 (.681) Lynchburg for four years. At the time the Flames moved to Worthington Stadium, it was named Liberty Field.

8 2009 Liberty Baseball Worthington Stadium at Night

Liberty Starter David Stokes Delivers a Pitch

Flames Celebrate Scoring Game’s First Run

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. Throws out the First Pitch

Part of a Stadium Record Crowd of 3,183 looks on

Sun Sets at Worthington Crowder/Muckel Fieldhouse Alumni Weekend

The Liberty Baseball program completed its fall season with an alumni game over the University’s Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 23-24. The two-day weekend included a golf outing, a dinner and a game underneath the lights at Worthington Stadium.

On the 23rd, 46 alumni took part in the golf outing at London Downs Golf Course in nearby Forest, Va. In the evening, 130 alumni and family members attended a dinner celebrating Liberty baseball, past and present. The program’s founder and first coach, Al Worthington, and Coach Jim Toman meets with alumni former coach Johnny Hunton, along with Liberty Director of Athletics Jeff Barber and Flames Club Director Bob Good spoke after the dinner to the group.

Former Liberty major leaguers Sid Bream (1979-81), Lee Guetterman (1978-81) and Randy Tomlin (1986-88) were among the former players who attended the dinner.

On the evening of the 24th, Bream, Guetterman and Tomlin were among 54 former Liberty players who participated in the alumni game under the lights at Worthington Stadium. Coach Hunton and Coach Worthington led the two squads, with Hunton’s team winning.

Former Liberty Coach Johnny Hunton

David Benham

Sid Bream and Liberty’s first head coach Al Worthington 2009 OUTLOOK

After a strong finish in Head Coach Jim Toman’s first season at Liberty, the Flames enter 2009 looking to win a Big South Championship and advance to a NCAA Regional. Last season, Liberty went 13-3-1 during the month of May to finish the year with a 36-25-1 mark, the best record under a first-year coach in program history. For the third straight year, the Flames finished as the Big South Conference’s runner-up. Liberty won four consecutive games by digits, including beating Coastal Car- olina, 13-2, to force a second championship game. “Last year, we were only five innings from an NCAA Regional,” stated Toman. “This year, we hope to take the next step and put ourselves in a position to earn an at-large berth or to win the Big South Conference tournament. Errol Hollinger “Every year, our goal is to earn a spot in the College World Series, so we obviously need to first earn a regional berth. hander David Stokes and left-hander Ryan Page “We have several returning pitchers who “There are 19 new players on this year’s roster, on its mound staff. The senior duo was each should give us a lot of quality innings and a vari- so it will be a much different Liberty team than it picked in the 2008 Major League Draft. ety of options out of the bullpen,” commented was a year ago. There will be a lot of new faces “Dustin Umberger will be our No. 1 starter,” Toman. “Andrew Wilson, Tyler Light, Brett Curll, in the line-up and on the mound. It may take a stated Toman. “Steven Evans, Mark Swanson Chase Vaden and Joe Steinwedell all had really while to figure out the different roles for each and Shawn Teufel should round out our rotation.” productive falls and could even work their way player.” Umberger enters his senior season off another into the rotation.” Besides the new faces, the Flames return 11 solid campaign in 2008. The right-hander fin- Senior Cody Brown could also letterwinners from last season, including all-con- ished with an 8-3 mark, two saves and 3.80 ERA see time on the mound, along with junior college ference and 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the in 83 innings of work last season. Umberger tied transfers Carter Browning, Zane Bator and Curran Year Watch list member, Errol Hollinger, and the for second in the conference in wins and led the Redal. Newcomer Lance Howe fills out the left Big South strikeout leader from a season ago, league in strikeouts with 88, while walking only 19 side of the Liberty pen, while first year Flames Dustin Umberger. batters. For the second consecutive year, he Chris McDougal, Austin Poretz and Fernand Dulli- “As a whole, our staff is pretty optimistic about earned Big South All-Tournament honors with a van round out the staff from the right side. Dane this team after working with them in the fall,” complete game victory in the 2008 Big South Beakler is coming off of surgery and notes the Flames’ second-year skipper. “We Baseball Championship. may pitch late in the season. seem to have a tough group of kids who want to Evans, a left-hander, moves into starting full- work hard and play hard. If they go out and play time after splitting time between starting and the Catcher like madmen all year long, then we just might sur- bullpen in his freshman season. The sophomore “Our catching corps should be one of our team prise a lot of people. It should be an exciting posted a 3-3 record in 2008, with three saves and strengths,” asserted Toman, a former catcher. team.” a 4.07 ERA in 59 2/3 innings. He struck out 55 “Errol Hollinger, who will be a starting for the during his first season of college baseball. fourth consecutive year, is definitely our No. 1 at A Look at the Flames by Position Swanson and Teufel will be newcomers to the the position. He is one of the top senior catchers Pitching Liberty mound staff. Swanson transfers after two in the country and is on the pre-season Brooks After setting the school’s team record for strike- seasons at Young Harris, while Teufel moves to Wallace Player of the Year Watch List. outs last season, Liberty will look to replace right- the pitcher’s mound after beginning his Flames’ “However, Trey Wimmer and Nathan Thomp- career as a first baseman. son should also earn some valuable time behind the plate. David Mitroff provides depth.” Hollinger comes off his best season in a Liberty uniform in 2008. Last year, the senior finished among the Big South leaders in runs scored (sixth – 60), hits (seventh – 82), RBIs (tied eighth – 47), doubles (tied fifth – 19) and total bases (tied seventh – 127). On the defensive side, he led the conference in runners caught stealing with 26 and fewest passed balls with four. In 62 games, Hollinger hit .319 with eight home runs and a .494 and led the Flames by hitting in 21-straight games. He earned his first selection to the Big South all-conference team at the end of the season.

Infielders Three new players will man positions on the in- field, while the lone returner will change positions Dustin Umberger this season. “We are going to be very strong up the middle.

12 2009 Liberty Baseball 2009 OUTLOOK/DEPTH CHART

Matt Williams had a tremendous fall both defen- against nationally-ranked Ole Miss at the Coca- sively and at the plate, and should be our every- Cola Classic in Mobile, Ala., on Feb. 22. Liberty day shortstop. At second, both P. J. Jimenez and will also face host South Alabama twice and Mer- Kizuku Scott were outstanding in the fall, with cer during the three-day tournament. Jimenez the likely starter. Jimenez will also back- After midweek games at James Madison and up at shortstop. Poretz adds depth at both infield 2008 College World Series participant North Car- positions.” olina, the Flames open their home schedule with As for the corner positions, senior Cody Brown a Saturday (Feb. 28) and a single moves across the diamond from third to first base game Sunday (Mar. 1) verus Manhattan at Wor- this season. In 2008, Brown hit .341 over 60 thington Stadium. games and earned Big South All-Tournament March features the beginning of a home-and- honors. The senior finished fifth in the confer- home series with Duke (Mar. 10), a visit to N.C. ence with 52 RBIs, tied for third with 19 doubles State (Mar. 25), and the start of Liberty’s 24-game and led the Flames with nine home runs. Big South Conference slate. Toman’s charges “We have a lot of options at first base with will host Charleston Southern in a three-game set Cody Brown, Zane Bator, Doug Bream, Trey Wim- to open league play (Mar. 13-15). The Flames will mer and Steven Keener. Cody will likely be our also visit conference foe High Point (Mar. 20-22) everyday starter there,” noted Toman about the and host league newcomer Presbyterian (Mar. 27- position. 29) during the month. At the hot corner, two freshmen have com- In April, the Flames will travel to VMI (Apr. 3-5) peted for the job this fall in Tyler Bream and John and conference newcomer Gardner-Webb (Apr. Long. 24-26), while hosting UNC Asheville (Apr. 10-11) “Tyler Bream made some tremendous defen- and Winthrop (Apr. 17-19) in Big South play. Lib- sive plays at third this fall and has a potent bat. erty will also host Virginia Tech (Apr. 22) to begin Long will also compete for playing time at third a home-and-home series and make its annual base and in the outfield, and has some serious visit to Virginia (Apr. 28). pop in his bat,” assessed Toman. Highlighting the schedule in May will be the opener of a three-game series at Big South de- Outfielders fending champion Coastal Carolina (May 1-3). Despite the loss of 2008 Big South All-Confer- The May 1 contest will be televised live on ence outfielder P.K. Keller, talent in the Liberty out- ESPNU. Liberty will also host Radford (May 14- field will not be in short supply. 16) on the last weekend of the regular season to “Our outfield is much improved from a year conclude conference play. ago. We have a lot more speed with Curran Redal The Flames will travel to Asheville, N.C. for the and Casey Brown, who can both track balls down 2009 Big South Championship. McCormick Sta- in the gaps. Tim Rotola can play all three outfield dium will host this year’s championship from May Andrew Wilson positions and will compete for playing time. Jeff 19-23. The conference champion receives an au- Jefferson led us in hitting this fall and did a nice tomatic berth to a NCAA Regional, the following job in left field. Joseph Feeley, James Hipp, weekend (May 29-June 1). Justin Richardson and Doug Bream are all potent hitters, who will likely see sometime in the outfield as well.” Flames at a Glance With Redal and Casey Brown being junior col- Left Field Center Field Right Field lege transfers, Jefferson is the lone holdover from Jefferson Redal Ca. Brown last season. The sophomore hit .286 in 41 games Feeley Hipp Rotola in 2008, and provided the Flames with a potent Richardson Rotola Long bat at season’s end, as he was named to the Big South All-Tournament squad. Second Base Shortstop Jimenez Schedule Williams Scott Games against 10 2008 NCAA Regional teams, Jimenez Poretz including a contest at NCAA College World Series Poretz participant North Carolina, and a 27-game confer- First Base Third Base ence slate are just some of the highlights of the Co. Brown 2009 schedule. T. Bream Bator “We made a concerted effort to improve our Long D. Bream non-conference schedule this year,” commented Scott Keener Toman. “We will play games against Ole Miss, Left-Handed Pitchers Right-Handed Pitchers North Carolina, Virginia, N.C. State, Duke, Virginia Evans Umberger Steinwedell Tech, South Alabama, Mercer, Manhattan, Temple Teufel Swanson Bator and Fordham, as well as many of the top in-state Redal Wilson McDougal programs. Vaden Light Curll “The schedule will be a good challenge for us, Howe Catchers Co. Brown Poretz and we should be a battle-tested group by the Browning Dullivan time we enter the conference tournament.” Hollinger Thompson Beakler The Flames will open the 2009 campaign Wimmer Mitroff

LibertyFlames.com 13 MEDIA INFORMATION

Media Credentials Postgame Interviews MEDIA OUTLETS Working press credentials for Liberty home On game days, the Flames’ locker room is baseball games can be obtained by contacting closed after games, home or away. Head Coach RADIO the Liberty University Athletics Communications Jim Toman and requested players will be made WRVL- 88.3 Office. Due to space limitations, seating cannot available after a brief 10 minute cooling off Jerry Edwards, Station Manager be guaranteed in the Liberty baseball press box. period. A representative of the Liberty University Box 25,000 Lynchburg, VA 24506 Only requests from sports writers of daily Athletics Communications Office will in Phone: (434) 582-3688 newspapers and sports directors of television coordinating interviews. Fax: (434) 582-2994 stations, along with media agencies covering the visiting team, will receive top priority. Credentials Visiting Radio Stations WWMC – 90.9 “The Light” will not be mailed, but can be picked up at the Liberty University will have a phone line in its Jamie Hall, Station Manager 1971 University Blvd. baseball press box on game day. An I.D. may be press facilities for use by visiting broadcasters. Lynchburg, VA 24502 required when picking up credentials. Visiting stations will need to bring all of their own Phone: (434) 582-3691 equipment required to originate a broadcast. Fax: (434) 582-7461 Game Press Services Please clear up any questions on equipment The Liberty University Athletics prior to the date of the game. All calls must be WVGM 1320 AM “The Game” Communications staff will be at your service made collect or direct dial from the station to the Nick Pierce, Executive Producer 3305 Old Forest Rd. throughout the contest. All members of the media baseball field. There is an emergency line in case Lynchburg, VA 24501 will be provided with line-ups, roster cards, press of technical difficulties. The emergency line is Phone: (434) 534-8500 guides and other pertinent information. Full (434) 582-2914. Fax: (434) 534-6101 statistics will be available at the end of the game. Telephones and a fax machine will also be LibertyFlames.com TELEVISION available for the media’s use. Liberty’s Flames Online, located at WDBJ-TV/Channel 7 Travis Wells, Sports Director LibertyFlames.com on the World Wide Web, is P.O. Box 7 Photography Policies an interactive online site offering everything for Roanoke, VA 24022-0007 Photographers are not permitted inside the the Liberty baseball fan. From updated statistics, Phone: (540) 344-7000 fence or to take photos on top of the dugouts. player and coaches profiles, to weekly game Fax: (540) 344-5097 notes, features and press releases, Interview Policies LibertyFlames.com is the first place to check for WSET-TV/Channel 13 Dennis Carter, Sports Director During the season, Head Coach Jim Toman is the latest Liberty baseball news. 2320 Langhorne Rd. available for interviews weekday mornings, LibertyFlames.com also provides information Lynchburg, VA 24051 except Wednesday, after Flames Club luncheons on how to track every Liberty game via live Phone: (434) 528-1313 and before or after practice in the afternoons. statistics, audio and/or streaming video. In Fax: (434) 847-8800 Players are generally available before or after addition, Flames Online provides comprehensive WSLS-TV/Channel 10 practice and are not available for interviews prior coverage of Liberty’s 18 intercollegiate athletic John Appicello, Sports Director to games. All interviews must be arranged sports, as well as a complete look at Liberty 401 3rd St. SW through the Liberty Athletics Communications University Athletics Department. Log on to Roanoke, VA 24011 Office at least one day in advance at (434) 582- Flames Online at LibertyFlames.com today. Phone: (540) 981-9110 2292. Please do not call the baseball office. Fax: (540) 343-2059 Players will not be asked to miss class or study hall for interviews.

Liberty University Office of Athletics Communications Phone: (434) 582-2292 | Fax: (434) 582-2076

TODD WETMORE RYAN BOMBERGER VINCENT BRIEDIS PAUL CARMANY JENNIFER SHELTON Assistant AD for Associate Athletics Assistant Athletics Assistant Athletics Athletics Communications Communications Communications Director Communications Director Communications Director Graduate Assistant

SID Contact for: SID Contact for: SID Contact for: SID Contact for: SID Contact for: Football Baseball, Men’s Soccer, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Men’s & Women’s Men’s & Women’s & Wrestling Men’s & Women’s Tennis Golf & Athletic Website Track & Field, Volleyball & Cross Country, Women's [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Women’s Basketball Soccer, Softball [email protected] [email protected]

14 2009 Liberty Baseball MEDIA INFORMATION/TRAVEL

MEDIA OUTLETS LYNCHBURG TO: Miles Hrs. PRINT COLLEGE BASEBALL Charleston Southern – Charleston, S.C...... 410 ...... 7:00 Liberty Champion OUTLETS Coastal Carolina – Conway, S.C...... 295 ...... 6:00 Duke – Durham, N.C...... 125 ...... 2:25 Sports Editor Baseball America Fordham – Bronx, N.Y...... 415 ...... 7:35 1971 University Blvd. Aaron Fitt, Assistant Editor Lynchburg, VA 24502 Phone: (800) 845-2726 Gardner-Webb – Boiling Springs, N.C...... 253 ...... 4:30 Phone: (434) 582-2124 Website: BaseballAmerica.com George Mason – Fairfax, Va...... 170 ...... 3:25 Fax (434) 582-2420 High Point – High Point, N.C...... 125 ...... 2:15 College Baseball Blog James Madison – Harrisonburg, Va...... 95 ...... 2:05 Lynchburg News and Advance Brian Foley, Editor Longwood – Farmville, Va...... 50 ...... :55 Chris Morris, Sports Editor Website: thecollegebaseballblog.com Manhattan – Riverdale, N.Y...... 420 ...... 7:35 Chris Lang, Beat Writer Mercer – Macon, Ga...... 495 ...... 8:20 101 Wyndale Drive Collegiate Baseball N.C. State – Raleigh, N.C...... 150 ...... 2:55 P.O. Box 10129 Lou Pavlovich, Jr., Editor North Carolina – Chapel Hill, N.C...... 120 ...... 2:30 Lynchburg, VA 24506 Phone: (520) 623-7815 Old Dominion – Norfolk, Va...... 210 ...... 3:50 Phone: (434) 385-5554 Website: baseballnews.com Fax: (434) 385-5538 Ole Miss –Oxford, Miss...... 725 ...... 12:10 Presbyterian – Clinton, S.C...... 315 ...... 5:20 College Baseball.Rivals.com Radford – Radford, Va...... 94 ...... 1:30 The Richmond Times Dispatch Kendall Rodgers, College Editor South Alabama – Mobile, Ala...... 775 ...... 12:30 Sports Editor Phone: (615) 507 3935 P.O. Box 85333 Website:collegebaseball.rivals.com Temple – Philadelphia, Pa...... 320 ...... 5:50 Richmond, VA 23293 UNC Asheville – Asheville, N.C...... 280 ...... 5:00 Phone: (804) 649-6554 CollegeBaseballInsider.com VCU – Richmond, Va...... 110 ...... 2:25 Fax: (804) 775-8085 Sean Ryan, Phil Stanton. Editors Virginia – Charlottesville, Va...... 65 ...... 1:25 Website:CollegeBasellInsider.com Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, Va...... 93 ...... 1:50 The Roanoke Times VMI – Lynchburg, Va...... 75 ...... 1:30 Sports Editor National College Baseball William & Mary – Williamsburg, Va...... 170 ...... 2:45 P.O. Box 2491 Writers Association Winthrop – Rock Hill, S.C...... 220 ...... 4:00 Roanoke, VA 24010 Bo Carter, Executive Director Phone: (540) 981-3100 Website: sportswriters.net/ncbwa 2009 TRAVEL PLANS: Fax: (540) 524-4698 Feb. 20-22 – COCA-COLA CLASSIC Apr. 24-26 – GARDNER-WEBB Southeastern Baseball Hotel: Ashbury Hotel & Suites Hotel: Holiday Inn Shelby WIRE SERVICES Mark Etheridge, Publisher 600 W. Service Road South 2001 E. Dixon Blvd. Hwy 74 Associated Press Phone: (205) 886-7978 Mobile, Ala. 36608 Shelby, N.C. 28152 Sports Desk Website: SEBaseball.com Telephone: (251) 344-8030 Telephone: (704) 480-0881 600 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219-2684 Mar. 20-22 – HIGH POINT May 1-3 – COASTAL CAROLINA Phone: (800) 552-9935 Hotel: Hotel High Point Hotel: The Caravelle Resort Fax: (800) 357-8525 135 South Main St. 6900 N. Ocean Blvd. High Point, N.C. 27260 Myrtle Beach, N.C. 29572 Telephone: (336) 889-8888 Telephone: (843) 918-8000

Apr. 3-5 – VMI Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 880 N. Lee Highway Lexington, Va. 24450 Telephone: (540) 463-7351

Flames Diamond Quality Inn Flames Diamond Taco Bell Dairy Queen Little Cucci’s Hotel Property 3125 Albert Lankford Dr. Dining Property 2802 Candlers Mnt Road 8021 Timberlake Rd 14805 Forest Rd, #105 Lynchburg, VA 24501 Lynchburg, VA 24502 Lynchburg, VA 24502 Forest, VA 24551 Extended Stay (434) 237-5817 Chick-fil-A Wards Road (434) 237-3965 (434) 237-7030 (434) 525-9510 1910 University Blvd. 4003 Wards Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 Wingate Lynchburg, VA 24502 Flames Other Shakers (434) 239-8863 3777 Candlers Mnt Road (434) 239-2557 Preferred 3401 Candlers Mnt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 Dining Property Applebee’s Lynchburg, VA 24501 Flames 1-877-477-5817 Domino’s Pizza 3624 Candlers Mnt Rd (434) 847-7425 Preferred 5501 Fort Avenue Crown Sterling Lynchburg, VA 24502 Hotel Property Affiliated Hotel Lynchburg, VA 24502 6120 Fort Ave (434) 528-2626 Subway- Campbell Ave. Property (434) 237-7788 Lynchburg, VA 24502 3501 Campbell Ave. Days Inn (434) 239-7744 Kentucky Fried Chicken Lynchburg, VA 24502 3320 Candlers Mnt Road Lynchburg Inn Golden Corral 8322 Timberlake Rd (434) 846-7827 Lynchburg, VA 24502 3436 Odd Fellows Road 4005 Wards Road McDonald’s Lynchburg, VA 24501 (434) 847-8655 Lynchburg, VA 24501 Lynchburg, VA 25402 3405 Candlers Mnt Road (434) 237-2614 Sundae Grill (434) 847-7500 (434) 832-6440 Lynchburg, VA 24502 3700 Candlers Mnt Road Kirkley Hotel (434) 237-4216 Ledo Pizza Lynchburg, VA 24502 2900 Candlers Mnt Road Holiday Inn Select Panera Bread 120 Simons Run Ste G (434) 846-5076 Lynchburg, VA 24502 601 Main Street 3911 Wards Road Sonic Drive-In Lynchburg, VA 24501 (434) 237-6333 Lynchburg, VA 24504 Lynchburg, VA 24502 3805 Wards Rd (434) 237-9495 (434) 528-2500 (434) 239-6992 Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 832-8122

LibertyFlames.com 15 LIBERTYFLAMES.COM

For the most complete and up-to-date informa- Returning for its third season, as a feature on LibertyFlames.com is the only place to which tion on the Liberty University Athletics Depart- LibertyFlames.com will be Liberty Baseball Game family, friends and fans of the Liberty University ment, log on to the department’s official web site Day Central. The expansive web page provides Athletics Department need to go to get the most – www.LibertyFlames.com – the best avenue to Liberty fans with virtually everything they need to current sports information on the Flames. Your find out breaking news on the Flames’ baseball prepare for upcoming games. The web page in- latest updates are just a click of the mouse away program. cludes links to each team’s roster, updated stats, – LibertyFlames.com today! Updated daily, LibertyFlames.com is a premier weekly game notes and more. site which provides Liberty fans with the most Baseball is not the only sport covered by Liber- comprehensive coverage of the Liberty Flames tyFlames.com as you can get information and baseball program on the World Wide Web. It in- schedules for each of Liberty University’s 18 cludes updated rosters, player and coaches’ NCAA Division I sponsored sports. Fans can bios, player features, game releases, statistics, catch up on the latest athletics department news schedule, results and much more. and notes just by clicking on the numerous links The 2007-08 athletics season reached a mile- at LibertyFlames.com. LibertyFlames.com stone for the official web site of Liberty University LibertyFlames.com not only brings you closer Athletics, as LibertyFlames.com received over to the action, but also exists to make your life The No. 1 Online one million hits. Visitors are treated to nearly four easier. Flames fans can visit the site to purchase Destination For new stories per day, making LibertyFlames.com tickets or find information about joining the Lib- Liberty Athletics the ultimate destination for all Flames fans. erty University Flames Club – the athletics depart- Within the site, the Flame faithful will be able to ment’s booster club. access live audio and video coverage of Liberty’s baseball team when available throughout the 2009 season.

16 2009 Liberty Baseball STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

The Liberty strength and conditioning program is used to help develop stronger and more competitive baseball players and athletes. It ensures each athlete gets the maximum benefit from resistance training, improved quickness, injury prevention and sport specific conditioning. Our athletes train year round using various strength training and conditioning methods, looking to challenge them both physically and mentally.

- Liberty Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coach Matt Hagen

Matt Hagen

LibertyFlames.com 17 ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FOR ATHLETICS STAFF

ACADEMIC SERVICES KRISTIE BEITZ Associate Athletics Director for Academic Affairs

MATT ANTHONY Academic Coordinator

Liberty University student-athletes continue to score high marks in the classroom, as well as on the playing field, due to the efforts of the Liberty University Academic Affairs for Athletics Department. Kristie Beitz, in her third year as Liberty’s Associate Athletics Director for Academic Affairs, heads a staff which also includes ANDY COLEMAN Matt Anthony, Andy Coleman, Jeni Coleman and Buck Romero. Director of Academics Kristie Beitz oversees academic affairs for the Flames baseball for Football program. Equipped with facilities at the Vines Center, the Williams Football Operations Center and the Hancock Athletic Center, student-athletes have convenient locations in which to utilize the staff and available resources. Student-athletes receive everything from computer use and tutorial services to lessons on study skills, time management and organizational skills. The Liberty baseball team has excelled in the classroom, with the assistance of the Academic Affairs for Athletics Liberty’s NCAA Divison I Department. CoSIDA Academic All-Americans JENI COLEMAN 2007-08 Big South Academic Coordinator Jarrod Everson Danielle McNaney Presidential Honor Roll First Team (Football) 1998 First Team (Track) 2005 Baseball Team Members Second Team (Football) Second Team (Track) 2004 Doug Bream 1997 Heather Sagan Tommy Bussey Megan Frazee First Team (Track/Cross Joseph Feeley Second Team Country) David Giammaresi (Women’s Basketball) 2002 2008 Errol Hollinger Jason Benham Kristal Tharp Tyler Light Mike Gelatt Second Team Third Team (Baseball) Clarence Nicely 1998 First Team (Men’s Soccer) (Women’s Basketball) 2008 2005 Ryan Page BUCK ROMERO First Team (Men’s Soccer) Jay Cline Aaron Parnell Director of Academics 2007 Cathy Williams Second Team (Football) Aaron Phillips for Men’s Basketball 2005 Third Team Clendon Henderson (Track/Cross Country) Tim Rotola Kristin Colson First Team (Track) 1998 Joe Steinwedell 2008 Second Team (Volleyball) Shawn Teufel 2005 Arlene Zelinskas Jennifer Hodges Second Team (Track) Chase Vaden Holly Deem Third Team 2007 Doug Wallace (Women’s Soccer) Third Team (Track) Andrew Wilson 1998 1999

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