Smith to join Smith behind the plate in 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sp-05 CB/cb 04/27/183
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Opponents could get a double-dose of Smith behind the plate in 2006, Austin Peay State University's
baseball team announcing it has signed Matt Smith, of Paducah, Ky., to join forces with backstop Tommy Smith.
The 5-11, 190-pound, Matt Smith will join the Govs after finishing a two-year stint at Southeastern Illinois College. He was
named first-team All-Great Rivers Athletic Conference in 2005 after batting .356 (53-of-149) with 33 RBI. He recorded 32
extra-base hits during the season, including 24 doubles and seven home runs, a .671 slugging percentage.
"We expect Matt to come in and be a backup to Tommy (Smith) with (Matt) Hamaker," said Austin Peay head coach Gary
McClure. "He will have the opportunity to play first base and maybe outfield or designated hitter. Matt swings the bat real well
and could get into the lineup with his bat alone. I believe he will help us right away in a lot of different capacities. Defensively,
he has a very strong arm and does a great job catching. He will give us a lot of depth at catcher next season."
2006 Austin Peay Baseball Signees
? Ryan Gilboy, 6-2, 180-pound, utility player (Racine, Wis./William Horlick HS)
? Matt Hamaker, 5-11, 188-pound, catcher (Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville HS)
? Jake Lane, 6-3, 210-pound, first baseman (Clarksville, Tenn./Southeastern Illinois)
? Michael Parson, 6-1, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher (St. Peters, Mo./Francis Howell Central HS)
? Matt Reynolds, 6-5, 200-pound, left-handed pitcher (St. Charles, Ill./Kishwaukee CC)
? Matt Smith, 5-11, 190-pound, catcher (Paducah, Ky./Southeastern Illinois)
? Richard "Ben" Wilshire, 6-4, 195-pound, right-handed pitcher (Fairview, Tenn./Columbia State CC)