Baseball Signs Four to Early Letters

YPSILANTI, Mich. — The reigning Mid-American Conference West Division Champion Eastern Michigan University baseball team continued with the development of the program, signing four players to National Letters of Intent announced first-year head coach Jake Boss.

John Crooks (Toledo, Ohio-Ottawa Hills), Austin Grate (Ft. Wayne, Ind.-R. Nelson Snider), Kendall Lewis (Lewistown, Ohio-Indian Lake), and Brent Ohrman (Adrian, Mich.-Adrian) have all signed on to become Eagles. “I would like to commend Coach Young on the time and commitment it took to recruit these four quality student-athletes. I know they will not only contribute to improving the baseball program, but the university as well,” said Boss.

Crooks, a three-year letter winning infielder at Ottawa Hills High School, batted .477 during his junior season with 12 home runs, 48 RBI’s and 51 runs scored. His 51 runs scored ranks seventh all-time in the state of Ohio. “John was one of the better hitters I saw all summer. He gives us power at the plate and hopefully has a chance to show his bat speed and strength early on in his career at Eastern,” said Boss. On the mound, Crooks was 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA, 47 strikeouts and six saves registered. An Honorable Mention All-State selection his junior year, Crooks has earned All-League selections in both his sophomore and junior years and was also part of the Ohio Junior Team that competed in Texas over the summer.

Grate is a right-handed pitcher/outfielder from R. Nelson Snider High School. He is a three-year letterman for the Panthers and was a member of the 2006 State Championship team. “Austin is a great fundamental athlete and a hard thrower. He as a chance to be a two-way player in the outfield and on the mound for us,” said Boss. During his junior season, Grate hit .243 in 29 games with two home runs, 19 RBI’s and was good on 6-of-7 stolen base attempts. On the mound, he compiled an 0-2 record, posting a 2.90 ERA with 23 strikeouts and two saves.

Lewis, an Honor Roll student from Indian Lake High School, is a 6’4”, right-handed pitcher and infielder. “He shows signs of a power arm and is consistent,” said Boss. “He will only get better as he continues to grow.” A two-year letterwinner, he posted an 8-0 record with a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings pitched. Over the past summer Lewis enjoyed much success, pitching two no-hitters and two one-hitters. His first career no hitter came at the Beast of the East Tournament.

Ohrman is a National Honor Society and Honor Roll member from Adrian High. A 6’0” short stop and second baseman, Ohrman is a three-sport standout for the Maples. He is a two-time All-Southeastern Conference selection in basketball and baseball as well as a two-time All-County and All-District selection in baseball. Last season he batted .452 with four home runs, 20 RBI’s, and 24 stolen bases in 34 games played, leading to All-Academic District and Region accolades. “Brent is a tremendous athlete that could serve us well in several different ways,” said Boss. “I look forward to working with a versatile player of his stature.”

Coach Boss and the Eagles open the season with a weekend series at New Mexico, February 22.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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