Comment
Print
Holton, a 6-0, 183-pound redshirt sophomore from West Palm Beach, Fla., is considered one of the top defensive catchers in the conference. After redshirting in the 2010 season, Holton became a part time starter behind the plate in the 2011 season. He played in 33 games, starting 18, and accounted for 21 assists and three RBIs. Now a sophomore, Holton has started 15 games at the midpoint of the season and accumulated a .980 fielding percentage.
“Jimmy comes highly recommended by head coach Monte Lee as one of the best defensive catchers around,” added Owls head coach Phil Disher. “He will prove invaluable behind the plate and will surely be one of our pitching staff’s favorite targets.”
Heidt is a 6-0, 190-pound freshman from Garden City, S.C. He is a versatile player that can play any of the infield positions, although he has primarily split time between second and third base. As a heralded recruit who hit .473 in high school, Heidt has started 32 out of 34 games this season. He is currently batting .268 with an impressive 10 doubles and 14 RBIs, and be a key piece in the Forest City infield for the 2012 season.
“Gunnar is an everyday middle infielder for the Cougars who provides both a solid glove and a good bat,” added Disher. “He will be able to solidify our middle infielder and be a major contributor to us this summer.”
Due to some lingering arm issues, Dorton has not made an appearance for the Cougars in 2012, and has used this year to redshirt. He is expected to be healthy for the start of the Owls season. Hailing from Lugoff-Elgin, S.C., Dorton is a 6-3, 190-pound righty with tremendous pro potential. He was drafted in the 15th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of high school, and was ranked as the fourth-best right-handed pitcher in the summer of 2011 by The Diamond Prospects. He led Lugoff-Elgin to a state championship in 2010 and was selected to play in the North-South All-Star game.
“Dorton is a redshirt freshman starting pitcher who was previously drafted in the 15th round by the Cincinnati Reds,” said Disher. “Although he had to redshirt due to some preseason arm trouble he will be fully healthy and be one of our key starters this summer.”
Owls Opening Night is set for May 29 versus the Asheboro Copperheads. A limited number of season tickets are still available for the 2012 season. Season tickets begin at less than $5 a game. For more information about any of the Owls ticket plans, please call the Owls front office at 828-245-0000 or visit www.forestcitybaseball.com
The Forest City Owls are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season in 2012, the CPL features 14 teams playing in NC, SC, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players a chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had more than 930 alums drafted and 48 alums – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their major league debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on facebook (at http://www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via twitter (at cpleague).
