Temple University Athletics
Baseball Inks Five In Early Signing Period
11.21.06 | Baseball
Nov. 21, 2006
PHILADELPHIA - Temple head baseball coach Rob Valli has announced the signing of five student-athletes, Jordan Cannon, Rafael Cordero, Byron McKoy, Ben White and Steve Young to National Letters of Intent.
"We are a significantly better baseball program with the addition of these five outstanding student-athletes," Valli said. "Not only are they great baseball players, but they are also outstanding students with solid character from wonderful families."
Cannon (Reading, Pa. / Exeter Twp.), is a left-handed pitcher who has been a three-year starter at Exeter Twp. High School. A 2006 Carpenter Cup selection, he struck out over a batter per inning during his scholastic career. He played this fall for the Berkshire Red Sox and compiled a 1.69 ERA.
"What makes Jordan such a great sign is his experience and competitive nature," Valli said. "He's a big strong lefthander that goes right at hitters."
Cordero (Colonia, N.J. / John F. Kennedy-Iselin) is a slick-fielding shortstop from John F. Kennedy High School. He received second team All-New Jersey Group II, all-county and all-conference honors last spring.
"Rafael can play defense in our conference right now," Valli said. "His tireless work ethic will prepare him to hit in our lineup early in his college career."
McKoy (Charlotte, N.C. / Independence), is a speedy centerfielder from Charlotte, N.C. He batted .365 with three home runs and 22 RBI as a junior at Independence High School. Playing for his AAU travel team, he batted .350 with nine triples and 22 stolen bases.
"Byron has game changing speed," Valli said. "We believe that he will develop into an impact centerfielder here at Temple."
White (Parkesburg, Pa. / Coatesville), helped lead Coatesville to a 23-1 record and District 1 Championship last spring. He was 5-0 with a 1.67 ERA as a junior.
"Ben projects to be a top pitcher in the Atlantic 10," Valli said. "His maturity, baseball instincts, and athleticism will elevate his game quickly."
Young (Spring City, Pa. / Spring-Ford) earned all-area honors from the Times Herald and all-conference citations as a sophomore and junior. He hit .473 as a sophomore and .397 with three home runs and 17 RBI as a junior.
"Steve can flat out hit and he is one of the best offensive players in the area," Valli said. "We project him to hit for average and some power."
The recruiting class is the beginning of the second class for Valli and recruiting coordinator Casey Fahy. Since being hired last October, Valli has signed a total of 29 players.
"We had very specific needs in this recruiting class," Valli said. "Our goal was to add a hitter, a true shortstop and centerfielder, and two impact arms. Coach Fahy did an excellent job recruiting the East Coast and met every one of our needs."
Temple begins its 2007 season on February 16 at UNC Wilmington.
