The North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League announced the signings of outfielders Jacob Daniel and Justin Leeson, right-handed pitcher Trent Franzago, and third baseman Cameron Griffin in preparation for the 2011 season opener on June 10 against the Vermont Mountaineers.

Jacob Daniel, a native of Russellville, Alabama, just finished his junior year at Eastern Kentucky University where he led the Colonels in two of the three Triple Crown categories with 9 home runs and 44 RBIs. Daniel started in 55 games and also sported a .333 batting average (2nd on the team) to go with an astonishing .977 OPS. He finished in the top ten in five different offensive categories in the Ohio Valley Conference.

In 2010, Daniel started 42 games at designated hitter and batted .292 with six home runs, 11 doubles, two triples, 27 RBI and 33 runs scored. He played his best ball against OVC opponents, batting .322 with four long balls during conference play. In 2009, Daniel was named to the OVC All-Freshman team after leading all EKU freshman in batting average (.361), triples (6 – 4th best in conference) and slugging percentage (.524). He also scored 40 runs, drove in 30 runs, smashed three home runs, and stole 10 bases. Daniel was terrific with men on base and finished the year second on the team with a .444 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Exton, Pennsylvania native Justin Leeson carried a heavy workload at Georgetown University patrolling centerfield this past season by starting in all 55 of the Hoyas games as a sophomore, finishing with a .268 bating average while clubbing four home runs and adding 35 RBIs (3rd). He was the Hoyas most efficient baserunner and swiped 24 of 26 bases. In batting at the top of the order, Leeson had 224 at-bats and 53 runs, both first. As a first-year player in 2010, Leeson appeared in 29 games with nine starts, leading all freshmen with nine hits in 46 at-bats, seven RBIs, and 10 total bases. He also finished fourth on the team in steals, swiping eight bags while only getting thrown out twice.

Trent Franzago, a native of Byron, GA, is a junior starting pitcher at Georgia Southwestern University. Franzago enjoyed his finest season in 2011 and led the Hurricanes with five wins (5-4), a 2.70 starters’ ERA, and tied for the team lead with 59 strikeouts. He averaged seven innings per start and finished the year with a team-high 3 complete games. As a sophomore in 2010, Franzago went 2-1 in 13 appearances, including four starts. His 33 innings of work were the seventh highest total on the team, and he only issued 12 walks. Franzago recorded two no-hitters as a senior at Peach County High School in 2007, leading the Trojans to a Region Championship after going 9-3 with a 1.37 ERA.

Cameron Griffin, out of Jonesboro, Georgia, is a sophomore at Columbus State University. Griffin appeared in 31 games this past season with 24 starts while seeing time in the outfield this season and at his regular position at third base.  During his freshman year in 2010, Griffin batted .301 with 6 home runs and 31 RBIs in 52 starts at third base for the Cougars. He was a big part of Columbus State’s success as the school won the Peach Belt Conference championship and was named the conference’s Freshman of the Week in March after he batted .421 in 5 games with 3 home runs and 6 RBIs.

This is the SteepleCats 10th Season and to thank their fans for their loyalty and support through the years, the SteepleCats are having a fireworks show following the game on opening night, Friday, June 10.  In addition, the first 250 adult fans in attendance will receive a free commemorative 10th Season t-shirt compliments of the SteepleCats Presenting Sponsor, Hoosac Bank.  Opening Night is Friday, June 10 at 6:30 when the defending West Division Champion SteepleCats take on division rival Vermont Mountaineers.

Don’t forget to save-save-save by purchasing your Season Ticket at Val’s Variety in Adams; Creations or Man’s World Styling Salon in North Adams; Billmont’s Country Store in Stamford, VT; or by calling 663-7333.  For more information, visit the team’s redesigned website at www.steeplecats.com.