THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 3, 1995 TAG: 9508030614
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Old Dominion's baseball team stayed close to home, going heavily for pitching in the recruiting period that ended Tuesday.
The Monarchs signed four players from South Hampton Roads and one from the Eastern Shore. Among the 11 incoming freshmen, eight are pitchers.
ODU coach Tony Guzzo vowed when he was hired last year to recruit harder in the area. Among the new signings released this week are Indian River pitcher David Bailey, Green Run pitcher/infielder David Abbott and Northampton pitcher Nathan Travis.
The Monarchs previously announced the signing of Western Branch catcher Nick Ardagna and Norfolk Academy pitcher Ben Hamlet.
First Colonial outfielder David Winter also committed to the Monarchs, but won't be on an athletic scholarship.
Ardagna, Abbott and Winter were first-team All-Tidewater selections and Bailey was a second-team pick.
Abbott was 9-1 with an 0.82 ERA and batted .473 with 44 RBIs for state Group AAA champion Green Run. He turned down a full scholarship from Norfolk State for a partial grant from ODU, Abbott said.
``ODU offered better competition and the chance for a better future in baseball,'' Abbott said.
Abbott expects to play some infield and pitch out of the bullpen next spring.
``I think I've got a good chance to get a lot of playing time,'' he said.
Winter, best known for his great range and accurate throwing arm in centerfield, batted .425 with 13 stolen bases for First Colonial last season.
``Playing for Old Dominion has been a goal and a dream of mine,'' Winter said.
ODU lost starting centerfielder Kevin Gibbs in the major league draft.
``Those are big shoes to fill,'' Winter said. ``I know they don't have a lot of outfielders and if I get to play (right away) that would be great.''
Bailey was voted the Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern District after going 7-2 with a 1.69 ERA. He also considered Christopher Newport, Ferrum and Louisburg.
Pitching became a priority for ODU after staff ace Brett Wheeler announced he was transferring to Mississippi State. Another starter, Anthony Eannacony, also is considering changing schools and a third starter, Maika Symmonds, graduated and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
``When ODU first talked to me they said I'd be in the bullpen,'' Bailey said.``But with everybody leaving I hope to get a few starts and a lot more innings.''
Guzzo was unavailable for comment. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
David Abbott
David Bailey
David Winter
by CNB