University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Baseball Signs Eight During Early Signing Period
11/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Baran is a 6-1, 190 pound outfielder from Apple Valley, Minn. He originally graduated from Apple Valley High School, but played last year at Iowa Central Junior College. He is a converted third baseman from high school who developed into a strong offensive threat and a dependable outfielder at Iowa Central Junior College. At Iowa Central Junior College, Baran helped lead the team to the championship game of the NJCAA Division II World Series where they lost to Grand Rapids Community College. He hit .391 with three runs and four RBI to make the All-Tournament team.
Brabender is a 6-6, 215 pound right-handed pitcher out of Oregon High School in Oregon, Wis. He was named first team All-Badger South Conference and was an all-district third-team selection as a junior in 2003. Brabender was ranked 89th among high school seniors who have signed to play college baseball by Baseball America. Brabender was the 260th ranked high school player on the Baseball America-Perfect Game High School Scouting Report list. He is the fifth-ranked prospect and second-ranked pitcher to come out of the state of Wisconsin in this year's senior class. He is a three-pitch strike thrower, who has developed outstanding control of his changeup to go along with an 87-90 mph fastball.
Chlan is a 5-10, 175 pound middle infielder from Apple Valley High School in Minnesota. He was named to the Honorable Mention Pioneer Press All-State Baseball team in his junior season. Chlan was also named to the Lake Conference Pioneer Press All-Conference team. He is also a good athlete who was ranked the fourth best defensive back in football for the class of 2004 by MinnesotaPreps.com. Chlan is a solid defensive middle infielder who can play either second base or shortstop.
DeSmidt is 5-11, 215 pound catcher out of Mahtomedi High School in Minnesota. He was named to the Honorable Mention Pioneer Press All-State Team as a junior. DeSmidt was also named to the Classic Suburban Pioneer Press All-Conference team. He is a very good catcher who will hit for power.
Herbert is a 6-2, 210 pound catcher out of White Bear Lake High School in Minnesota. He was named to the Honorable Mention All-State Pioneer Press team. Herbert was also named to the Suburban East Pioneer Press All-Conference Team. He is a strong athlete who provides a physical presence behind home plate.
Hummel is a 6-2, 190 pound third baseman out of Jackson County High School in Lakefield, Minn. His baseball team finished third in the state tournament in 2003. Hummel is a three-sport star who has excelled in baseball, football and basketball at Jackson County High School. He great all-around athlete at third base.
Jost is a 6-3, 190 pound outfielder from Tartan High School in Minnesota. He was named to the Pioneer Press All-State Team. Jost was also named to the Classic Suburban Pioneer Press All-Conference team as a junior. He led the Metro Area with 12 home runs in his junior season. Jost also batted .430 and drove in 34 runs as the leadoff hitter. He had a terrific two-week period, hitting eight home runs and driving in 26 RBI, while patrolling left field for the Tartan. Jost is a good power-hitter, who runs well and has an accurate arm.
Perinar is a 6-0, 175 pound right-handed pitcher out of Minooka High School in Shorewood, Ill. He was Honorable Mention All-State, All-Suburban Prairie League and an All-Area Selection in his junior season. Perinar was also selected to the East squad to represent the top juniors in Illinois in a game played in Peoria, Ill. As a sophomore he was 3-3 with a 2.35 ERA and 59 strikeouts. Perinar was also 8-4 in his junior season. He was ranked No. 386 in the Baseball American Perfect Game High Scouting Report List. He is the fourth-ranked pitcher and ninth-ranked senior prospect out of Illinois this year. He has an excellent breaking ball with sharp bite, and has the potential to be a multiple pitch pitcher with good command of the strike zone.
"I think the class as a whole are players that we went after from the beginning and got commitments from.," said Minnesota Head Baseball Coach John Anderson. "The two pitchers we got commitments from, are players from a group that we wanted from the beginning of the process. From that standpoint we did an outstanding job getting pitchers that will have a great chance to develop in our program, and that bodes well for the future of our pitching staff."
"From a positional standpoint we did a good job of getting some players who will provide a solid foundation for our program in the years to come. We signed a pair of catchers who give us different things, but will both contribute to our program. We added a strong middle infielder and an athletic third baseman, along with a pair of offensively-talented outfielders"
"I am happy with the class I think it will be well-represented for years to come. I think we have the right players when it comes to the package of physical ability and attitude. The impressive part is that they all really wanted to be part of the Golden Gopher baseball program. I have always said I like to have the players who want to be here and are coming to the program for all the right reasons, and this class embodies that."
Recruit Pos. B-T Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School) Kyle Baran OF R-R 6-1 190 Apple Valley, Minn. (Iowa Central JC) Dusty Brabender RHP R-R 6-6 215 Oregon, Wis. (Oregon) Jeremy Chlan IF R-R 5-10 175 Apple Valley, Minn. (Apple Valley) Jeff DeSmidt C R-R 5-11 215 Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mahtomedi) Chris Herbert C R-R 6-2 210 White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake) Jon Hummel 3B R-R 6-2 190 Lakefield, Minn. (Jackson County) Bryan Jost OF L-L 6-3 190 Oakdale, Minn. (Tartan) Gary Perinar RHP R-R 6-0 175 Shorewood, Ill. (Minooka) Kyle Baran (on coming to Minnesota) - "Basically I came down to Iowa Central as an opportunity to play baseball and improve. I needed some work on my game coming out of high school and it was a good opportunity for me to get better. I am excited about coming home and play for Minnesota. It is a dream come true."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Kyle Baran - "Kyle has really improved his game at Iowa Central CC. He was a third baseman in high school, but has really developed into a strong offensive threat and a dependable outfielder. He is really a very good hitter with power and should make an immediate impact for our outfield in 2005."
Dusty Brabender (on coming to Minnesota) - "I came to Minnesota because of the great tradition of the baseball program. I enjoyed the players and coaching staff when I came on my visit. I have always wanted to play baseball in the Big Ten, and Minnesota has a very good tradition in the conference. It is also close to home for me."
Todd Oakes - Minnesota Pitching Coach (on Dusty Brabender) - "The most impressive quality we saw with Dusty (Brabender) during the recruiting process was his sincere desire to be a Gopher and his ability to get stronger and stronger as his summer and fall season progressed. He is a very self-motivated and dedicated athlete that works hard at maximizing his potential. We feel Dusty can bring an immediate presence to our pitching staff that will help us carry on the success and tradition of the Gopher baseball program."
Jeremy Chlan (on coming to Minnesota) - "I feel thrilled to be a Golden Gopher next season. It will be fun to play in the Minnesota baseball program. They have a great coaching staff. John Anderson has been very successful at Minnesota, and I have a lot of respect for him and the rest of the coaching staff."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Jeremy Chlan - "Jeremy is a quality young man with a big upside. He is a very fierce competitor, solid defensive player and a slashing type hitter. We anticipate Jeremy will stay in the middle infield at either second base or shortstop."
Jeffrey DeSmidt (on coming to Minnesota) - "I am looking forward to playing for Minnesota. I have heard nothing but great things about the coaching staff. I have always wanted to be a Golden Gopher. I have been around the program through camps, and I enjoy being around the staff and players."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Jeffrey DeSmidt- "Jeff is a very good hitter with power. He really is an outstanding student athlete as well. Jeff will help the catching position as we lose our top two catchers in the next two years. We like Jeff's attitude and passion for the game. He will remind our fans of former Gopher great Josh Holthaus."
Chris Herbert (on coming to Minnesota) - "I am excited about being part of the great tradition of Golden Gopher baseball. This is a really strong program, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for the coaching staff. I am looking forward to contributing and am very honored to be playing at Minnesota."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Chris Herbert - "Chris is a very strong athlete who will give us a physical presence behind the plate. He has a powerful arm, has a quick bat and reminds the coaches of former Gopher catcher Darren Grass. Chris has a very good temperament for baseball and we feel fortunate to be able to work with him on his development as a player."
Jon Hummel (on coming to Minnesota) - "The coaching staff is great group and played a big role in my decision to go to Minnesota. It is a good program and I am excited to become a part of it. I am excited about the opportunities academically and athletically that the University of Minnesota presents to me."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Jon Hummel - "Jon is a very good all-around athlete. He plays three sports at Jackson County Central and has excelled in all three. Jon has good power, runs well and has a good throwing arm. We plan to play him at third base."
Bryan Jost (on coming to Minnesota) - "I have always lived near the University of Minnesota so it feels like home to me. The coaches have been great and I am looking forward to playing for a great staff. When it came to the decision-making process the University of Minnesota just seemed like the right fit for me."
Rob Fornasiere - Minnesota Assistant Head Coach (Recruiting Coordinator) on Bryan Jost - "Bryan is an emerging talent who really loves the game. He comes from an athletic family with strong ties to our program. Bryan runs well, has an accurate arm and projects as a power-hitter to all fields. He is a dedicated athlete that works on his game year round."
Gary Perinar (on coming to Minnesota)- "This coaching staff is a great group that I am looking forward to playing for throughout my college career. It is also a good group of players in the program. I felt comfortable around everyone and Minnesota is a good fit for me. I also like the opportunity that the Metrodome provides for us to play baseball no matter what the weather is outdoors."
Todd Oakes - Minnesota Pitching Coach (on Gary Perinar) - "Gary was persistent in showing a sincere interest in play at Minnesota and stuck with us throughout the fall recruiting process. He has an excellent breaking ball with a sharp bite that will be a competitive pitch at the college level. His curveball compliments his above average high school fastball that he throws in the 86-90 mph range. He has the potential to be a multiple-pitch pitcher with good command of the strike zone. His personality, work ethic and pitching ability are a great match for the Gopher baseball program. We think he can make an immediate impact on the success of our pitching staff."
