University of Arizona Athletics

TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona head baseball coach Andy Lopez has announced the signing of 14 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the fall signing period, which began last Wednesday. The newest crop of players to sign with the four-time national championship program are scheduled to join the Wildcats for the 2015-16 academic calendar to begin next August.

“I am very excited to announce this class of ballplayers,” said Lopez. “I feel like we have addressed some key areas that will need bolstering after this spring, and each of these players will have the opportunity to come in and compete.”

The class includes eight pitchers, four position players and a pair of two-way players. The group is comprised of a dozen high school prospects and two junior college players.

“We met a lot of our needs in this class, especially with some of the arms,” added Lopez. “Everyone knows pitching is the name of the game, and we have some guys that will get strengthen our presence on the mound. But we also have some talented position players that will certainly contribute offensively and defensively for us.”

Of the 14 signees, seven hail from California and four are from their home state of Arizona. Others from Canada, North Carolina and Illinois round out the class.

“We have always recruited well on a national scale, and this is another example of that philosophy,” said Lopez. “I’m really excited that we have some local guys who have been recruited nationally that we are able to keep close to home. Overall, it’s a really solid group that is eager to wear the Arizona uniform and come in here to compete starting next fall.”

Arizona completed its 2014 fall practice season last week. It will begin official preparations for the 2015 season when school resumes in January, before opening the year against Eastern Michigan on Friday, Feb. 13, at Hi Corbett Field.