ESU baseball announces signing of 3 players to letters of intent
By Jesse Newell
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Emporia State baseball coach Bob Fornelli has announced the signing of three players who will compete for the Hornets in the spring of 2008.
The three include shortstop Anthony Dreiling, designated hitter Richie Stewart and catcher Rudy Weiser.
“I think we got three quality young men,” Fornelli said, “that could come in here and be an asset to our program and the future.”
Dreiling will transfer to ESU from Barton County CC. He hit .296 for the Cougars last season in 48 games, notching 22 runs and also 22 RBIs.
Originally from Lawrence, Dreiling was a first-team All-Sunflower League performer for Lawrence Free State High School in 2005.
“He’s going to continue to get bigger and stronger,” Fornelli said “and we think he has a chance to be a very good player in our conference.”
Stewart will come to ESU from Western Nebraska CC. He hit .305 with 29 RBIs last season for the Cougars.
His offensive numbers should go up at ESU, as he plays in a wooden-bat league at WNCC.
“Richie’s going to be a surprise to everybody, I think,” Fornelli said. “To have an opportunity to bring him in here and get an aluminum bat in his hand, we think he’s going to have a chance to be a very good offensive player for us as a DH.”
Weiser will join the program from Manhattan High School. Last season, he hit .305 with 10 RBI and 10 runs scored for the Indians, who earned both the League and Regional championships. He earned All-Centennial League honors as a junior.
“We’re really excited about Rudy Weiser, a young man who could come in here and be a very good catcher for years to come,” Fornelli said. “He could be a big part of our program and do exciting things for us behind the plate.
“We’re excited to get him. There were a lot of people on him, and he chose to come here. It’s a good deal for us.”
Rudy is the son of Tim Weiser, who played baseball at ESU and is the current Athletic Director at Kansas State University. Tim is also the cousin of ESU Athletic Director Kent Weiser.
Fornelli said he expected to ink four or five additional players during the Spring signing period.