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UNC-Charlotte catcher keeps it in the family by joining Wilson Tobs

April 30, 2008

Wilson, NC — The Wilson Tobs added another piece to their 2008 puzzle this week, announcing the signing of UNC-Charlotte freshman catcher Ross Steedley. Steedley follows in the footsteps of his brother, Spencer, a pitcher, who played with the Tobs in 2005. Ross, a 2007 graduate of East Rowan High School, has played in 19 games with the Charlotte 49ers this season.

"Steedley has done a really solid job behind the plate," said UNC-Charlotte head coach Loren Hibbs. "His strength is really handling pitchers. He works at it, and he's more of an old school type of catcher in that he really focuses on his defense."

During his senior season at East Rowan, Ross was named to the All-Conference and All-County teams, as well as the Rowan County Player of the Year. A catcher who also spent a great deal of time on the mound in high school, he uses his family background and leadership ability to his advantage behind the plate.

"Ross comes from an outstanding family background in baseball," said UNC-Charlotte assistant coach Brandon Hall. "He is very technically sound as a catcher, and he can really throw. He understands the game, and is a real coach on the field."

If Ross chooses to follow the baseball path of his brother, who also played at UNC-Charlotte, he is heading in the right direction. Spencer is currently pitching for the Beloit Snappers, the class-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Despite playing in only his first season of collegiate baseball, Ross exhibits the attitude of a true veteran.

"I really wanted to play in a summer wood bat league," Steedley said in a phone interview. "Stats aren't the most important thing to me. I try to go day by day, and work on my catching skills and leadership qualities. A well-pitched and caught game is the most important thing to me, not individual statistics."

In his first 19 games with the 49ers, Steedley is hitting an even .240, with one homer, five RBI's, and a .350 on base percentage. He has caught four runners in 19 stolen base attempts behind the dish.

"Wilson was my first choice because I always enjoyed the atmosphere and the crowd when I came here to see my brother play," he said. "I have always enjoyed the way things were run here. They are a first class organization."

The Tobs' season begins on Wednesday, May 28, when they travel to Wilmington to take on the Sharks at 7:05 PM. Wilson will host its home opener on Friday, May 30 against the Florence RedWolves, with first pitch also scheduled for 7:05 PM.

The Wilson Tobs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its twelfth season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

Contact:
Ben Jones
252-291-8627