The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
McKinley Signs NLI To Play Baseball At UAB
6/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 12, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Mark McKinley, a right-handed closer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, has signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play baseball at UAB next season. McKinley was a 2008 Preseason Junior College All-American and set a school record with 13 saves this past season.
"We are thrilled that Mark McKinley has decided to continue his baseball career at UAB," said Blazer head coach Brian Shoop. "This a great fit in every way. Mark is a tremendous student who wants to major in electrical engineering, so we are a perfect place for him to earn his college degree."
McKinley finished his two-year career at Mississippi Gulf Coast with a record of 7-4, while boasting a 2.62 ERA to go along with 14 saves. McKinley is the latest standout reliever from Mississippi Gulf Coast as Southern Miss' Tyler Conn, who led the nation with 18 saves this past season, also played two seasons at the school.
"On the field, Mark was an all-state player in Mississippi who played for an outstanding coach in Cooper Ferris and we believe he is ready to immediately improve our staff," Shoop said. "Mark was a three-sport athlete in high school and his size and athleticism will bring an imposing presence to the mound. He is a prototype Conference USA pitcher who should play a big role for us in 2009."
McKinley played his scholastic baseball at Vancleave High School where he was a four-year letterwinner for head coach Michael Henry. An all-district performer, McKinley won a Gold Glove playing at third base in 2004 and was the 2005 All-Area Pitcher of the Year.
He was a perfect 7-0 with a 0.61 ERA in 2005 and in 2006, he went 6-3 with a 2.35 ERA. McKinley was a 2006 All-South Team selection and was an all-state football player at Vancleave, while also lettering in basketball for one season.
McKinley has also excelled in the classroom. In high school, he won the Wendy's Heisman Academic Award and was named Who's Who Among High School Honor Students.
At Mississippi Gulf Coast, he was recognized in 2006 and 2007 with scholarships from the Rotary Club of Gautier, Miss. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was a Vice Presidents Honor List student.
"Mark is also an outstanding person as evidenced by his honors and awards and he will fit in perfectly with our players," Shoop said. "We fully expect Mark to excel in every area at UAB; on the mound, in the classroom and most importantly off the field. He is a great addition to our baseball family and I know his teammates and our fans will all love him."
