(PRESS RELEASE)
The Southern Illinois Miners have announced the signings of outfielder Justin Pearson and infielder/outfielder Greg Kumpel.
Justin Pearson signs with Southern Illinois after finishing his career at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama. Last season for the Chargers, Pearson hit .280 with nine doubles, one triple, and two home runs with 23 runs batted in. He walked 32 times while striking out 18 times giving him a .438 on-base percentage. He also stole 20 bases in 22 attempts.
“Justin is a very strong defensive player with great speed and good knowledge of the strike zone”, said Miners manager Mike Pinto. “He had offensive success in both college and in the college wood-bat league. Reports are that he is an all-out style player who I am excited to see in May.”
During the 2012 season, Pearson also played in the Prospect League where he was named to their Top Prospect List. He finished the season third in hitting with 11 doubles, three triples, three home runs with 29 runs batted in. He walked 55 times while striking out only 35 times. He stole 12 bases in 19 attempts.
Greg Kumpel joins the Miners following his college career at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Kumpel is coming off an injury and illness that has limited his production the last two seasons of his college career. He hit .246 with 12 doubles, one triple and three home runs. Kumpel’s sophomore season was his strongest season as he was selected to the Atlantic-10 All-Conference Second Team. He led St. Joseph’s in batting average (.384), runs scored (31), hits (68), doubles (14), slugging percentage (.525) and on-base percentage (.463).
“Greg went through a difficult time with injury but is 100% healthy now and working with one of the best hitting guys in the country”, said Miners manager Mike Pinto. “He has power and has hit successfully in the past. I have confidence we will see what Greg is capable of this spring.”
