Ball State University Athletics
Baseball Inks Five Recruits for the 2017 Season
November 13, 2015 | Baseball
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State head baseball coach Rich Maloney announced that five student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Ball State and compete for the Cardinals in 2017 – John Baker, Jake Clawson, Joe Gunn, Justin Kirkpatrick and Michael Pachmayer.
“I want to commend recruiting coordinator Scott French and pitching coach Todd Linklater on their great effort in securing this outstanding group of young men,” Maloney said. “I expect these guys to wear the Ball State uniform with the utmost class and honor the tradition of excellence the players before them have built.”
Baker, hailing from Fenton, Michigan, was the winning pitcher for Hartland High in the 2015 state championship game, marking the Eagles' first state title. The righty finished his junior year with a 10-2 record, 0.91 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 85 innings pitched. At the plate, Baker hit .342 with 28 RBIs. He was an all-district, all-region and all-state selection last spring.
“I love the way John competes,” Maloney said. “He is a physical kid who has a good arm and the ability to throw several pitches for strikes.”
Clawson is a local product out of Daleville, Indiana who plays high school baseball for Yorktown High. He was an all-conference honoree and voted the team's most valuable pitcher in 2015 as he helped the Tigers win their conference title. Through his junior season, Clawson has amassed 60 hits, 61 runs, 32 RBIs, 10 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 26 stolen bases. On the mound, Clawson has seven wins and 104 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched.
“Jake's versatility and athleticism was very attractive to us,” Maloney said. “He has experience in both the outfield and infield, not to mention he possesses a strong arm and has plenty of power potential.”
Gunn is a four-year starter at Union Area High out of New Castle, Pennsylvania. The outfielder is a .403 career hitter in high school and earned first team all-conference accolades as a junior. Gunn attended the East Coast Pro Showcase event last summer. He also excels on the football field where he ran for 1,000 yards and threw 10 touchdown passes this fall as the Scotties' quarterback.
“Joe is an excellent athlete who was also a two-way player in football,” Maloney said. “He loves to compete, he runs well and with his bat, should be an early contributor for us.”
Kirkpatrick graduated from Pendleton Heights High in Pendleton, Indiana and then moved on play for Vincennes University where he was the starting shortstop for the Trailblazers last spring. As a prepster, Kirkpatrick was a second team all-conference pick and hit .315 with 14 doubles and three triples as a senior. He helped Pendleton Heights win two county championships and one conference title. Kirkpatrick will compete for Vincennes again this spring and join Ball State next fall.
“Justin is a slick-fielding shortstop who could play second base as well,” Maloney said. “Justin runs well and has a good arm. We really like his athleticism.”
Pachmayer is winding down his high school career for Hamilton Southeastern High in Fishers, Indiana. The 6-6 pitcher has earned two letters for the Royals and helped his squad win the 2015 sectional title. As a junior, Pachmayer complied a 3.53 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 43.2 innings pitched.
“Michael fits our profile of a tall and wiry kid with his best days in front of him,” Maloney said. “Our strength training program will be a great benefit to him. I see a very promising future for him.”
Ball State had a memorable 2015 campaign, compiling a 33-25 record and advancing to the MAC championship game.
For the most up-to-date news on the football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateBB and @CoachMaloney.
