NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State baseball team has added three players to its roster, all of whom will be eligible to compete in 2018, head coach Bo Durkac announced Monday.
The three additions join nine others who signed to play for the Redbirds on November 9, 2016. One of the November signees, Donivan Williams, was drafted by and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2017 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Paul Turelli will join the team as true freshman. Dalton Harvey and Justin Ward are junior college transfers and will play their junior seasons with the team in 2018.
"Recruiting is a never-ending process, and we are always looking to improve our talent level," Durkac said. "Coaches Mike Stalowy and Michael Kellar did a great job bringing in our fall signees, and we are equally excited to add these three players to our fall roster."
The three additions include (listed alphabetically):
Dalton Harvey | RHP | 6-2 | 250 | R/R | Cambridge, Ontario | Monsignor Doyle Catholic SS | Dodge City CC
Durkac on Harvey: "Dalton had two very good years at Dodge City CC. His strikeout-to-walk numbers were outstanding, and we expect him to make an immediate impact in our bullpen."
Paul Turelli | RHP | 6-4 | 195 | R/R | Lake Forest, Ill. | Lake Forest HS
Durkac on Turelli: "Paul just recently converted to a full-time pitcher. Coach Kellar went to see him this spring and was very impressed with Paul. Because he hasn't pitched much in his baseball career, we feel that Paul has a ton of upside. He is an excellent addition to our pitching staff."
Justin Ward | RHP | 6-0 | 174 | R/R | Overland Park, Kan. | Olathe Northwest HS | Johnson County CC
Durkac on Ward: "Justin received excellent reviews from the Johnson County CC staff in terms of his athleticism and his stuff. Justin has been a pitcher for only a few years, but we think that he could be a key component of our pitching staff as he continues to refine his mechanics."
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