Early Signing Period?

[usmgh]

Has anyone heard about any signees? Is our Sports Information Department the worst in the country?

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

For whatever reason, the Sports Information Department doesn't usually get around to publishing anything about the baseball signing class until mid-December.

The Tuscaloosa News has recently reported the signings of LHP Del Howell from American Christian Academy and C J.J. Basewell from South Lamar HS in Millport.

Howell (6'4/185) will be gunning for the AHSAA career strikeout record next season. He has already K'ed 374 in 206 career innings pitched. Considered a fairly advanced high school hurler, Howell posted a 12-2 record last season, helping lead the Patriots to their second consecutive Class 1A state championship. According to the article, his fastball sits in the low 90s and he can throw a curve, slider, and change for strikes.

Baswell (6'0/200) hit .531 with 8 homers and 34 driven in for Class 2A-runner up South Lamar.

It is my understanding that SS/RHP Jake Smith of Hueytown, one of the top three prospects in the state, has signed or is expected to soon.

 

[DC1982]

saw Jake Smith play in a legion tournament. He's a stud, as is Howell. Haven't seen the other kid play yet.

 

[bamajake]

I have seen JJ play a couple of times. Short and simple -- the kid can play. Last spring I had South Lamar for a double header. The first game went 11 innings. JJ pitched the first 9 and played first for the last two. He caught the entire second game. His swing was the same in his last at bat in the second game as it was the first at bat in the first game. that day he had a HR and, if I remember correctly, three or four doubles. Everything was hit hard. He was intentionally walked two or three times and unintentionally once. He also seemed to have a great attitude. I think we will all learn to like him very quickly.