ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The future of the defending Mountain West champion University of New Mexico baseball program looks to be in good hands as the Lobos signed a talented class of 15 student-athletes.
“We’re beyond excited about this signing class we have coming,” 10th-year UNM coach Ray Birmingham said. “Coaches Ken Jacome and Buddy Gouldsmith did a great job once again this year with this impressive recruiting class and it puts us another step closer to Omaha – that is if we don’t make it this season.”
The Lobos are coming off of their fifth NCAA postseason appearance in the last seven years after winning the Mountain West Tournament on its home field in 2016. The Lobos racked up a 39-23 mark last season – the most wins for the program since 1985.
UNM 2017-18 Early Signing Period Class
Tyler Adge (RHP, R/R, 6-0, 170), Sacramento, Calif. (Jesuit High School)
An all-league honorable mention pitcher last season for Jesuit High School and coach Joe Potulny. … Pitched Jesuit into the playoffs in a tiebreaker game by tossing an 81-pitch complete game, giving up one earned run. … His father Jason Adge was drafted by the Cleveland Indians and played three years in the minor leagues as a pitcher. … His grandfather Fred Luzzi was drafted by the New York Yankees and played three years in the minor leagues as an infielder. … Chose UNM because, “It’s an opportunity to play at a Division I baseball program that is regularly in the NCAA regionals with a chance to play in the College World Series. The coaching staff has a wonderful reputation with a long history of baseball knowledge, which I believe I can learn and grow from. The facilities are amazing, especially the new clubhouse.”
Nick Atkins (IF, R/R, 5-10, 150), Los Angeles, Calif. (Venice High School)
A three-year letterman at Venice High School and coach Kevin Brockway. … Helped the Gondoliers to a league title (finished 11-1 in league play, 27-7 overall) in 2016 by hitting .504 with three home runs, two triples, 20 doubles, 35 RBI, 52 runs and 18 stolen bases. … As a sophomore hit .410 with three triples, 13 doubles, 24 RBI, 24 runs and 16 stolen bases.
Anthony Chavez (LHP, L/L, 6-3, 165), El Paso, Texas (Montwood High School)
Is a two-year letterman at Montwood High School and coach Willie Romo. … Last season as a junior went 4-5 with a 3.38 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 58 innings (11 appearances – 10 starts). … As a sophomore went 4-0 with a 3.74 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 43 innings (eight appearances – seven starts). … Last season at the plate hit .370 with a home run, three triples, four doubles and 20 RBI.
Robert Gasser (LHP, L/L, 6-1, 170), El Dorado Hills, Calif. (Oak Ridge High School)
A three-year letterman at Oak Ridge High School and coach Todd Melton. … Helped guide Oak Ridge to the 2016 Sierra Foothill League championship. … Was also part of the Bass Fishing Club at Oak Ridge. … Father Jim Gasser played college baseball at Nevada and his sister Hannah Gasser is part of the rowing team at San Diego State. … Chose UNM because, “of the program’s impressive record, coaching staff and the bottom line is I really want to be a part of a team that goes to Omaha.” … Picked UNM over St. Mary’s College, Liberty University and Kansas State.
Garrett Gouldsmith (SS, R/R, 5-9, 160), Rio Rancho, N.M. (Rio Rancho High School)
A two-time all-state player in two different states, last season in New Mexico for Rio Rancho High and coach Ron Murphy and in 2015 for Reno High School in Reno, Nevada. … Was the District 1-6A Player of the Year last season after hitting .562 with three home runs, 12 doubles, five triples and 31 stolen bases. … Made just three errors last season in 108 total chances. … Was also named to the All-Metro team last season. …. Is a National Honor Society member. … Has helped team win district title all three years he has played at varsity level. … Chose UNM because, “One, their success on the field and their success in developing players and moving them on to the next level, and two, the facilities are beautiful.” … Picked UNM over Nevada, UCLA and Arizona.
Jacob Hilton (RHP, R/R, 6-3, 205), Littleton, Colo. (Heritage High School)
A three-year letterman for Heritage High School and coach Scott Hormann. … Was named MVP/Athlete as a sophomore. … Also part of Leadership Club at high school … Chose UNM because, “It felt like the right place for me both academically and athletically. I felt like it would be a good place to compete and I love the coaching staff, campus and everything about it just felt like home.”
Larry Leitha (OF/RHP, R/R, 5-11, 200), Center Point, Texas (Center Point High School/New Mexico Junior College)
A two-way player for New Mexico Junior College last season, Leitha hit .337 with 11 home runs, 13 doubles, five triples, 21 stolen bases and 41 RBI for a Thunderbirds team that led the NJCAA in extra-base hits and was second in home runs. … Led the T-Birds in saves with three. … Went 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched last season for NMJC. … Chose New Mexico over Alabama and Mississippi.
Drew Marrufo (C, R/R, 6-1, 175), Santa Teresa, N.M. (Santa Teresa High School)
Marrufo is a four-year letterman for Santa Teresa high School and coach Gilbert Bailon. … Was a first-team all-district player last season and second-team all-district player as a sophomore. … Chose UNM because, “I attended a camp my freshman year in high school and liked everything about the program.”
Brayden Merritt (OF, L/R, 5-9, 165), Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton High School)
A three-year letterman for Hamilton High School and coach Mike Woods. …. Last season led Hamilton to a state championship by hitting .445 with 21 RBI and 11 stolen bases, earning him Second-Team All-Region and First-Team All-Conference honors. … Is also a three-year letterman in football. … Chose UNM because, “I really like the coaching staff and the direction UNM is heading.” … Selected UNM over New Mexico State, Texas State and the University of San Diego.
Dylan Needham (RHP, R/R, 6-2, 190), Walnut, Calif. (Walnut High School)
Is a three-year letterman for Walnut High School and coach Paul Acosta. … Had a 3.56 ERA last season with 27 strikeouts and a .240 opponent batting average in 37.1 innings. … Chose UNM because, “It’s a winning program that gets great run support.” … Selected UNM over La Verne University.
Matthew Rodriguez (RHP, R/R., 6-2, 206), La Puente, Calif. (Glen A. Wilson High School)
Is a four-year letterman for Wilson High School and coach Ray Valasquez. … Was named Valle Vista All League First Team in 2016 and 2015. … Was selected the Wilson High most valuable player in 2016. … Went 8-2 with three saves and a 1.94 ERA in 2016. Struck out 62 in 72 innings, including eight complete games and two shutouts. … Also has lettered in football twice and basketball once.
Phillip Sikes (OF/P, R/R, 6-2, 200), Paris, Texas (Paris High School)
Is a four-year letterman for Paris High School and coach Bill Sikes. … Was named Texas All-State honorable mention (as a pitcher and a shortstop) last season after going 8-2 with a 1.54 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 68 innings while hitting .356 with 19 RBI, 15 runs and 12 stolen bases in 101 at-bats. … Was also named the Red River Valley Most Valuable Player and the district defensive player of the year. … Tossed a one-hitter with 14 strikeouts in the first game of the 2016 state playoffs and in game two hit a go-ahead three-run home run. … Was a first-team all-district player as a sophomore and as a freshman was named the district and Red River Valley Newcomer of the Year. Chose UNM because, “I loved the coaches and the players. I feel that UNM is the best school for me to be successful in baseball and in life.” … Picked UNM over Louisiana Tech.
Jack White (RHP, R/R, 6-4, 180), Albuquerque, N.M. (Cibola High School)
A three-year letterman at Cibola High School for coach Ramon Gonzales. … An all-district pitcher the last two seasons (second team last year). … Has been a part of the National Honor Society, student council and holds a 3.96 GPA with AP/honors courses. … Was born in Chicago, but raised in New Mexico. … His father Greg White is from Canada was a college basketball player at the University of Ottawa. … Chose UNM because, “It’s a great program with great coaches and it’s close to home.”
Josh Wunnenberg (C/1B, R/R, 6-2, 218), Phoenix, Ariz. (Mountain High School)
A three-year letterman at Mountain High School for coaches Brandon Buck (previous) and Matt Denny. … Was named All-City as a sophomore, All-Academic as a junior and to the USA baseball SW Regional Team this season. … Chose UNM because, “They are known for their hitting and are one of the best offensive schools in the country. I also really like the coaches and want to be part of winning a conference title and going to the College World Series.” … Chose UNM over Arizona State, Washington, Texas-Corpus Christi, Baylor and Purdue.
Dylan Zavala (2B/OF, L/R, 5-7, 150), Walnut, Calif. (Walnut High School)
A two-year letterman at Walnut High School for coach Paul Acosta. … Hit .365 with a .500 on-base percentage last season to be selected First-Team All-League in the Hacienda League. … Was also named Rookie of the Year on his high school team that won the Hacienda League title. … His brother Seby Zavala was a standout baseball player at San Diego State and is currently in the Chicago White Sox organization. … Chose UNM because, “of the reputation of developing player to the next level and to play for coach Ray Birmingham.” … Selected UNM over Air Force and Duke.