July 5, 2005

ATLANTA - HODGES & WIETERS NAMED TO USA BASEBALL NATIONAL TEAM
Third baseman Wes Hodges and catcher/pitcher Matt Wieters have been named to the 22-man USA Baseball National Team. Team USA travels to Japan to begin the 34th annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series on Thursday in Osaka. Team USA will also play a five-game series in Taiwan before returning to the United States for series against Italy and Nicaragua.

SUMMER LEAGUE ACTION
Many of Georgia Tech's players are participating in collegiate leagues this summer. Eight Yellow Jackets are playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League: pitcher Lee Hyde (Orleans Cardinals), first baseman Whit Robbins (Wareham Gatemen), outfielder Jeff Kindel and pitchers Brad Rulon, Blake Wood and Tim Gustafson (Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox), pitcher Ryan Turner (Brewster Whitecaps) and pitcher Tim Ladd (Cotuit Kettleers).

Playing in the New England Collegiate Baseball League are infielders Michael Fisher and Brad Feltes, both with the Keene Swampbats.

TEIXEIRA & VARITEK ELECTED AS STARTERS IN MLB ALL-STAR GAME
Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek and Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixiera have been selected as starters for the American League in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 12, in Detroit. Varitek is making his second appearance in the All-Star Game after also being selected in 2003, while Teixiera will play in his first All-Star Game.

Georgia Tech's all-time All-Stars include: Kevin Brown (1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003), Nomar Garciaparra (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003), Jim Hearn (1952), Mark Teixeira (2005), Jason Varitek (2003, 2005) and Whit Wyatt (1939, 1940, 1941, 1942).

PRO SIGNINGS
Five Georgia Tech players were selected in June's Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Two players - shortstop Tyler Greene (1st round, Cardinals) and outfielder Jeremy Slayden (8th round/Phillies) - have signed contracts and begun their professional careers. Greene has been assigned to the Class A New Jersey Cardinals, while Slayden is with the Class A Batavia Muckdogs.

Pitcher Jordan Crews, a senior in 2005, has signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs and has been assigned to the Arizona League Cubs.