The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazer Baseball Announces The Signing Of Ryan Nance
11/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 17, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Ryan Nance, a right-handed pitcher from Hinds Community College in Raymond, Miss., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend UAB and compete for the Blazer baseball program.
This past spring, Nance helped Hinds to its first regional appearance in five years as the Eagles climbed as high as No. 16 in Division II of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Nance posted a 2-2 record on the mound with four saves and a 3.50 ERA. He struck out 35 batters in 36.2 innings.
Nance will complete his sophomore season at Hinds this coming spring and will then enroll at UAB for the 2010-11 academic year.
"When you build a pitching staff, you want to have many different looks to throw at your opponents," UAB head coach Brian Shoop said. "In Ryan Nance we have found a power breaking ball that is special. He is complete and gifted in many areas as a pitcher, but that one pitch sets him apart and will give opposing hitters fits over the next two years.
"You match that with his competitive nature and a work ethic that is off the charts, and Ryan will most certainly play a huge role on the UAB pitching staff over the next two years."
Nance was a three-year letterwinner at Northwest Rankin High School in Brandon, Miss. As a senior and team captain in 2008, he earned all-metro honors from the Clarion-Ledger and Mississippi 5A all-state recognition after going 11-2 with a 3.12 ERA. He was also named all-district for the second consecutive season, having recorded 72 strikeouts in 75 2/3 innings.
As a high school junior in 2007, Nance managed an 8-3 record with a 2.36 ERA and 52 strikeouts.
During his high school years, Nance also played summer baseball for the Jackson 96ers. In 2007, he was named team MVP at the East Cobb Perfect Game Showcase Tournament.
The son of Michael and Stephanie Nance and Renee Nance, Ryan Nance is a Phi Theta Kappa honors student and a member of the Alpha Beta Gamma business honor society.
"Ryan is another outstanding student who wants to excel in the classroom as much as on the field," Shoop said. "He also has a tremendously high moral fiber about him that will make him a great role model for all the young players who follow UAB baseball. Ryan Nance is exactly the type of player and well-rounded person we are trying to recruit at UAB."
