NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Fresh off a spectacular 2009 season culminated by the Carleton baseball program’s first appearance in the MIAC Playoffs, the Knights will welcome a talented crop of first-year student-athletes to the fold when the fall term begins.
“As always, we’ve brought in what might be the brightest group of college baseball players in America,” said Head Coach Aaron Rushing, whose squad recorded 21 victories last season, the second-highest total in school history.
“This group is particularly impressive. In many cases they led their high school teams to either remarkable turnarounds or unprecedented team success. It’s a testament to the work ethic and leadership abilities of these young men. As we continue to turn the Carleton baseball program around, the combination of skill and leadership is of the utmost importance.”
Christopher Baur (Alexandria, Va.) recently finished his playing career at Georgetown Day School in Washington, D.C. A two-year captain and three-year starter, the speedy first baseman/outfielder had an outstanding prep career. His career highs included a .400 batting average and a .743 slugging percentage. During his senior year, Baur helped the Hoppers to a remarkable turnaround from only two wins the previous season to a spot in the conference championship game.
Christopher Griffin (Newport Beach, Calif.) comes to Carleton after four stellar seasons as the first baseman for the Sage Hill School where he led the Lightning to back-to-back Academy League championships. He hit .457 as a junior and .483 with 29 RBI during his senior campaign as he was twice tabbed for the Los Angeles Times’ Daily Pilot Dream Team as the area’s best first baseman and was an All-California Interscholastic Federation pick as a senior.
Ted Harmon (Edina, Minn.) was the first reliever out of the bullpen for the Edina Hornets. His efforts helped the Hornets to one of their most successful seasons this decade as Edina won its first playoff game and advanced out of sub-sections for the first time in more than five years. He recently hurled a complete game two-hitter in the Gopher Classic Tournament. Harmon also started on the Edina football team, helping to anchor the Hornets offensive line. He looks forward to continuing the tradition of outstanding two-sport athletes at Carleton.
Dana Lyons joins the Knights infield from University Prep in Seattle, Wash. A versatile infielder, he played all three infield spots for the Pumas and as a senior he was named team MVP after hitting .420.
Eduardo Motino (Chicago, Ill.) joins the Knights pitching staff after an outstanding season for Lincoln Park High School. He dominated while serving as the Lion’s ace for the second straight year, going a perfect 7-0 on the mound during the regular season, including a 4-0 mark in league play. Over the final two seasons of his high school career, Motino posted a 12-3 overall record with a 9-1 ledger during league play. He was named to the Jackie Robinson Central All-League Team and was also named to the senior all-star game.
Jacob Rice (North Oaks, Minn.) joins the Knights after concluding an outstanding prep career at St. Paul Academy. A third baseman, Rice held down the cleanup spot for the Spartans in fine fashion, leading the team in batting average and extra-base hits while ranking first or second on the squad in virtually every offensive category. His exploits earned him a spot on the All-Section team. He was also awarded the Colonel Griggs Trophy as the top male athlete who demonstrates exemplary leadership, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit. An outstanding athlete, Rice also lettered in soccer and hockey. On the ice, he was an All-Tri-Metro Conference selection and captained the SPA team to its best season in more than a decade.
Henry Rownd (Rochester, Minn.) joins the many talented southpaws on Carleton’s pitching staff. He pitched and played outfield for the Rochester Lourdes Eagles, who advanced to the sub-sectional championship game. Rownd’s prowess on the mound factored in half of his squad’s 14 wins, as he posted five wins and a pair of saves as a senior. He excelled offensively as well, tying for second on the roster with 17 RBI. His performance earned him recognition on the academic all-state, All-Hiawatha Valley League and all sub-section teams.
Outfielder Will Watson (Minneapolis, Minn.) provided excitement at the top of the order for the upstart DeLaSalle baseball program. Hitting leadoff and playing centerfield, he led the Islanders to their first ever Minnesota State Tournament appearance, where he reached base at least twice in each game in the tournament. An All-Tri-Metro Conference selection, Watson recorded double-digit stolen bases and an on-base percentage above .500.
Adam Zweber (Corvallis, Ore.) is the newest backstop for the Knights. As a senior, he led Corvallis High School to the championship game and a runner-up finish in the Oregon 5A state tournament. His standout career was rewarded with a pair of All-Mid-Willamette League awards. He was named to the first team as a senior after being on the second team following his junior season.
