Alabama Baseball Inks 11 to 2016-17 Signing Class

Alabama head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard announced the signing of 11 players during the early signing period for the 2016-17 academic year. Included in this year’s class of signees are prep standouts Nathan Altstadt (Solon, Ohio), Camden Bauer (O’Fallon, Ill.), Cal Jones (Dadeville, Ala.), Will Lumpkin (Roanoke, Ala.), Deacon Medders (Moundville, Ala.), Sonny Potter (Vestavia Hills, Ala.), Garrett Rukes (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), and John Trousdale (Rogersville, Ala.). Also a part of the newest class are junior college transfers Hunter Alexander (St. Johns River CC (Fla.) – Green Cove Springs, Fla.), Zach Clark (Pearl River CC (Miss.) – Springfield, La.), and Garrett Suchey (Wallace State-Hanceville CC (Ala.) – Morris, Ala.).

”We were able to address some needs that we have,” said Alabama head coach Mitch Gaspard. “There’s certainly some depth in this class. We filled some left-handed pitching holes that we were looking to take care of, and we feel like we got some really athletic position players.”

The Alabama coaching staff once again added depth and potential to strengthen a roster already filled with talent, and the newest additions will push for playing time the moment they step on campus. Four of the Crimson Tide signees hail from Alabama, while other signees come from Florida, Illinois, and Ohio to round out the class.

“All of these guys will have an opportunity to come in, compete and contribute for us quickly,” Gaspard added. “It’s a pretty well-rounded class in terms of being able to touch on each of our needs. These positional guys provide a lot of versatility in the field, while the pitchers add a lot of depth that will allow us to sure up our bullpen and add some arms to our rotation.”

Alabama’s coaching staff, including a diligent effort from assistant coaches Dax Norris and Andy Phillips, helped secure some of the top recruits coming out of high school. This year’s class of 11 players features five pitchers, four infielders, one outfielder and one catcher.