Published: November 12, 2008 11:18 pm      

Six Diamond Eagles ink with 4-year schools

Six Meridian Community College baseball players have made it official to continue their college baseball careers with university programs.

Eric Callender, Matt Cox, Garrett Harris, Brent Tanner, Wesley Thigpen, and Tyler Vick — all sophomores for the Eagles — signed national letters of intent Tuesday afternoon in MCC’s Graham Gymnasium.

Callender, a right-handed pitcher signed to play for the University of Mississippi. A transfer from Southeastern Louisiana University to MCC, Callender led the team with an ERA of 1.7 this fall and did not allow a run until his third start.

“Eric is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher, who has a great breaking ball,” said MCC coach Chris Rose.

Cox, also a right-handed pitcher signed to play for Southeastern Louisiana University.

A starting pitcher all season in 2008 for MCC, Cox — a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and a preseason Academic All-America candidate — had a 3.87 ERA.

“Matt will pitch in the upper 80s with a good breaking ball,” said Rose.

Fellow right-hander Harris signed to pitch for the University of South Alabama.

A graduate of New Hope High School, Harris holds almost every pitching record at New Hope. As an Eagle, last year he was in the starting rotation for MCC all season long.

Harris is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“Garrett can throw a fastball in the upper 80s, topping out at 90,” said Rose. “He also has a sharp 12-6 curve ball.”

Tanner, who throws right and bats left, signed to play for the University of South Alabama.

A transfer from Mississippi State University to MCC, Tanner was named to the Second Team All-MACJC last year for MCC. Tanner hit four homeruns in the 2008 MACJC State Tournament.

“Brent is a left-handed batter with power,” said MCC Coach Chris Rose. "He batted in the three spot for us every game this fall.”

Thigpen signed to play for Mississippi State University.

A member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Thigpen was named 2008 First Team MACJC All-State last year.

Thigpen caught 55 games for MCC last year and batted .368. He also threw out 85% of base stealers.

“Wesley is a great player,” said Rose. “He was our team captain which speaks volumes for his character.”

Vick, a right-handed infielder, signed to play for the University of South Alabama.

A graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Vick was named to the 2008 NJCAA All-Region team after batting .375 and hitting 15 home runs last year.

“Tyler had to miss some games last year due to a wrist injury or his numbers would’ve been even more impressive," Rose said. "Still he is a possible draft pick in 2009.”