PROFILING USA BASEBALL’S 2010 SIGNEES ... LANCE BROWN
MOBILE, Ala. ? Though he’s one of six 2010 signees who will come to USA after two years of junior college experience, Lance Brown will have a head up on the rest of the future Jags.
While playing his freshman season for coach Marc Rardin at Iowa Western Community College, Brown got the chance to pitch on the biggest stage in junior college baseball. The Reivers went 55-10 and earned a berth in the Junior College World Series.
“He pitched in front of 15,000 people at the Junior College World Series last year,” assistant coach Scot Sealy said. “He’s been in the limelight, pitched on the big stage, and coming to Division I isn’t going to be a big shock to him.”
Brown started against Shelton State in Iowa Western’s second game. He worked 4.0 innings and allowed four runs, but the Reivers fell 10-2. Despite the outcome, Sealy said the experience he gained will help him make the transition when he gets to South Alabama.
“We wanted junior college kids who could come in and influence the program as soon as possible,” Sealy said. “He was their ace last year, and he’ll probably be their No. 1 or No. 2 guy this season. He’s another guy that we expect will come in here and pitch on weekends.”
Brown’s success started well before getting to Iowa Western. He was twice named first-team All-State during his prep career at Mount Ayr High School. He posted a 35-9 record with a 1.46 ERA and 458 strikeouts for the Raiders.
Additionally, Brown was honored as the winner of the 2007 Class 2A Bob Feller Pitching Award after posting an 11-1 record with a 0.97 ERA and 128 strikeouts in his senior season. He also hit .455 with 21 home runs and 131 RBI during his high school days.
Brown joined the Iowa Western program for the 2008 season. He posted a 7-2 record with 48 strikeouts in 54.0 innings pitched over 15 outings. With his competitive nature, Brown’s coach said he’s expecting even better numbers from the sophomore in 2009.
“Every pitcher is going to give you something when they take the mound, but you just don’t know what until the game starts. Lance will compete,” Rardin said. “If he has his good stuff, he will pitch very well. If he is struggling with command and quality of pitches thrown, he will still continue to compete and give you and your staff a chance.”
Following his sophomore season at Iowa Western, Brown will head south to the warmer weather at Stanky Field. He’ll have two years of eligibility remaining when he joins the Jag program.
Click below to view previous editions of "Profiling USA Baseball's 2010 Signees ..."
Garrett Harris
Tyler Vick
Brent Tanner
Nolan Earley
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