Pirates sign first baseman

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

As the snowflakes fall this week on Hopkins County, Tradewater Pirates coach Brandon Kitch awaits the signed contracts of nearly 20 players.

Kitch locked down his first official Pirate in Barton Community College (Okla.) first baseman Austin Messerli on Monday while paperwork for 17 other players has been mailed.

Messerli, a 6-5, 220-pound sophomore, played his first collegiate season at Faulkner University (Ala.), where Kitch currently works as an assistant coach. After one season, Messerli, a native of Norman, Okla. opted to transfer closer to home.

With such a large frame, Kitch expects a lot of production from Messerli.

“I look for him to put up some big offensive numbers,” Kitch said. “He reminds me of Richie Sexson, he’s got that look...He has the potential to play at the next level.”

At Faulkner, Messerli started the season with hits in each of his first two games and finished the season with a .286 average in 21 at-bats. His best game came on March 9 against Auburn University at Montgomery (Ala.) when Messerli recorded his lone multi-hit performance of the season with a two-for-two day.

Although Messerli did not garner much experience on the field, he said he benefited quite a bit from watching starting first baseman Winston Stone, who hit .394 on the year.

“I learned what the mental approach was to an at-bat: what you’re looking for with no strikes, what your approach is when you’re behind in the count, ahead in the count,” Messerli said.

Although he has the stature of a power hitter, Kitch said Messerli has the ability to hit to all fields.

“He can drive the ball in the gaps, He’ll shorten up his swing and put it in play with two strikes. I look for him to drive in some runs for us and hit four, five, six hole this summer.

While Kitch likened Messerli to Sexson, the future Pirate described his hitting ability to that of third baseman Troy Glaus.

“I don’t play third, but we both stand up, our bodies are more upward when we’re hitting,” Messerli said. “We don’t bend our knees a whole lot and we have power to all fields.”

The plan to sign Messerli was one that was set in motion even before Kitch signed to coach Tradewater because of the duo’s long-standing friendship, which dates back to Kitch’s coaching days at Oklahoma City University.

“One of the big things I look for in a coach is trust and I’ve known him six, eight years and we’ve built a pretty good relationship,” Messerli said. “I trust him in what he knows and what he teaches.”

Once Kitch interviewed for the Pirates job, he alerted Messerli of his potential need for a first baseman.

“‘If I get the job, you’re the first one I’m going to go to,’” Messerli recounted Kitch’s words. “He called me and said he got the job, so we’re here now where we are.”

Before Kitch began at Faulkner, he coached at Vernon College (Texas) and recruited Messerli, but the pair’s relationship began when as a young boy, Messerli attended winter hitting camps run by the OCU staff, which included Kitch.

“I’m excited for Austin, I’ve known him since he was 12 years old,” Kitch said. “He’s matured into a very physical baseball player as far as looking the part and playing the part.”

When Messerli is not playing first base, Kitch said he plans to use him in the outfield or at designated hitter.

Messerli may also find a pair of former Faulkner teammates on the Tradewater squad. Kitch said he is looking to add one or two other Eagle players.

In addition to his Faulkner connection, Kitch said he is expecting the signed contract of Oral Roberts University (Okla.) shortstop Colby Price.

Price a junior shortstop earned a perfect fielding percentage in 40 games during the 2008 season.

“He’s supposed to be a defensive specialist and has a real good glove,” Kitch said. “I think that we’re going to hit enough that pitching and defense is going to be the difference, but I’m really excited about this kid.”

While the contracts await each respective signature, Kitch said the Tradewater organization has plenty to look forward to in Messerli.

“I think the fans are going to look at him and just go ‘Wow,’ he said. “You can sit here and talk him up, but he’s going to have to go out and prove it. I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on the kid, but if he goes out there and proves it, he’s going to be fun to watch.”