May 15, 2001

 

Georgetown University's baseball team has inked seven players to letters of intent in the spring signing period, including shortstop Matt Johnson (Bellevue, WA), infield/outfielder Billy Quinn (Alta Loma, CA) and outfielder/left-handed pitcher Tyler Abbott (Seattle, WA). Other pitchers joining the recruiting class are lefthander Travis Danysh (San Antonio, TX), and right-handers Thomas Braun (Kingwood, TX), Pat Harrigan (Syracuse, NY) and Eduardo Pena (Miami, FL).

Johnson, a 5-10, 170 pound shortstop from Bellevue, WA, possesses exceptional defensive abilities and work habits on the field. Third-year head coach Pete Wilk believes that Johnson is one of the top shortstops on the West Coast and will be an immediate impact infielder for the Hoyas and eventually in the BIG EAST.

Quinn, an all-around athlete, can play in the middle, on the corner, or in the outfield. He possesses a great arm and is an offensive minded player, something the Hoyas need. Quinn should be another recruit to have an immediate impact on Georgetown's baseball program according to Head Coach Wilk.

Abbott, an outstanding player who is expected to contribute on the mound and eventually in the outfield, may be the utility player the Hoyas are in need of following the loss of senior Jim Vankoski. "We're excited to get a two-way player of his stature and athletic ability," said Wilk, "and look forward to watching him continue his success at the collegiate level." Abbott, captain of his team, earned All-Conference honors as a junior at Shorewood High School and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Danysh is another incoming freshman that has a chance to start immediately. The 6-3, 180 lbs., left-hander receives high accolades from the Hoyas staff who say "He's (Danysh) a left-hander who has good velocity and location who pitches at a high level of high school ball in Texas. Travis is a diamond in the rough and we're fortunate to have corralled him."

Braun, a 6-5, 180 lbs., right-hander from Kingwood, TX, has a real good chance to start for the Hoyas as a freshman with his ability, maturity and drive. "He's (Braun) a big kid with major league tools who needs some refining but should have an immediate impact on our pitching staff." Added Wilk. "Kingwood High School has a history of churning out big-time pitchers, and we feel Tommy is another gem."

Harrigan, a righty from Syracuse, N.Y., as a junior earned 4th Team All-State, 1st Team All-Central N.Y., 1st Team All-League, and 2nd Team All-City. "Pat has an unlimited amount of potential and a great arm to go with a great pitcher's frame (6-4, 185)." Explained Coach Wilk. "He's another one of the incoming freshman pitchers that has a good chance of starting in his first year. Pat's a quiet kid who we think will make a loud impact on our club immediately and eventually in the league."

Pena, a 6-3, 175 pound, right-hander is going to be an outstanding pitcher in this league, according to Wilk, it's just a matter of when it happens rather than if. "He's (Pena) got a great pitcher's frame and a very good arm. We expect him to compete for a starting job as a freshman. His work habits and personality are infectious. We look forward with great anticipation of Eddie's arrival here at GU."