June 19, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – Several returning South Carolina baseball players are in the midst of summer baseball across the United States with 17 players in action in five different leagues. The summer wood bat leagues give current players a chance to showcase their skills and prepare for the next college season.

Fresh off an All-American season at first base, Justin Smoak begins his first stint with USA Baseball as a member of the National Team. Smoak will compete throughout the summer for the Red, White & Blue including a trip to the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil and the 2007 World Port Tournament in the Netherlands.

Several Gamecock players will also be competing in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Right-handed pitcher Mike Cisco and shortstop Reese Havens return to the Cotuit Kettleers this summer with infielder James Darnell also returning to play for Hyannis. Andrew Crisp is also headed to the Cape to play for Chatham with right-handed pitcher Wynn Pelzer a member of the Orleans Cardinals.

The Coastal Plains League features eight current Gamecock players including four members staying in the Capital City to play for the Columbia Blowfish. Pitchers Blake Cooper, Nick Godwin and Curtis Johnson expect to see action for Columbia along with outfielder Adam Crisp. Carolina also boasts three players with the Spartanburg Stingers; catcher Kyle Enders, pitcher Alex Farotto and pitcher Evan Goldberg. Also playing in the CPL is right-handed pitcher/catcher Parker Bangs for Fayetteville.

Two current Gamecock players are up in Virginia playing in the Valley League with infielder Chris Love at Fauquier and outfielder DeAngleo Mack with Staunton. Carolina also has one player up in the Midwest in the Northwoods League with pitcher Sean Wideberg playing for St. Cloud.