The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Jonah Smith Signs With the Blazers
11/9/2017 11:53:00 AM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB baseball team added its second signee to the class of 2018, right handed pitcher Jonah Smith from Sweet Water, Ala.
"Jonah Smith is another incredible athlete that we are so excited to welcome to the UAB Baseball Family," head coach Brian Shoop said. "When anyone mentions great athletes in Sweetwater, Alabama it is Jonah Smith who comes to mind. He is on the football field for literally every play of the game playing quarterback and linebacker and is leading his Sweetwater team to a potential state football championship this fall."
Smith comes to Birmingham after a highly touted high school career at Sweet Water where he has served as team captain for two years. As a junior he held a 14-2 record with a 1.11 ERA and threw 123 strikeouts over 88.1 innings pitched guiding his team to the 1A State Title. He was just as dominant at the plate with a .372 batting average, 11 doubles, eight triples, 37 RBI and 29 runs.
"He was a key component to his Sweetwater Bulldogs winning the 1A State Baseball Championship last spring," Shoop said. "We have always believed that great athletes make great pitchers and we fully believe Jonah will continue that trend at UAB.
Coach Perry Roth first saw Jonah at the North South All-Star game in Montgomery this past summer. Jonah was flying under the radar so to speak as he didn't play travel ball where most players are seen these days. But Coach Roth immediately felt Jonah would be a great match at UAB and we could not be more excited that Jonah has chosen to be a Blazer."
He was tabbed the 2017 Alabama Sports Writer Association Class 1A Pitcher and Player of the Year. He was named the 2017 Marengo County Player of the Year and named to the 2017 MaxPrep Small Schools All-American Baseball Team.
"Jonah is physical and has a big upside," Shoop said. "He has a fast ball that beats bats. He is competitive and is a winner and loves to play. His high school coach, John Gluschick, has done a tremendous job of preparing Jonah for the next level. Jonah has strong leadership traits that will also help him transition to Conference USA Baseball.
Jonah is simply a great young man. He is courteous and respectful and the UAB fan base will be very proud of him in the years to come."
Smith joins Tanner Rusk are the two signees of the 2018 signing class thus far.
For more information on the UAB baseball team follow the Blazers on Twitter and Instagram (@UAB_Baseball).
"Jonah Smith is another incredible athlete that we are so excited to welcome to the UAB Baseball Family," head coach Brian Shoop said. "When anyone mentions great athletes in Sweetwater, Alabama it is Jonah Smith who comes to mind. He is on the football field for literally every play of the game playing quarterback and linebacker and is leading his Sweetwater team to a potential state football championship this fall."
Smith comes to Birmingham after a highly touted high school career at Sweet Water where he has served as team captain for two years. As a junior he held a 14-2 record with a 1.11 ERA and threw 123 strikeouts over 88.1 innings pitched guiding his team to the 1A State Title. He was just as dominant at the plate with a .372 batting average, 11 doubles, eight triples, 37 RBI and 29 runs.
"He was a key component to his Sweetwater Bulldogs winning the 1A State Baseball Championship last spring," Shoop said. "We have always believed that great athletes make great pitchers and we fully believe Jonah will continue that trend at UAB.
Coach Perry Roth first saw Jonah at the North South All-Star game in Montgomery this past summer. Jonah was flying under the radar so to speak as he didn't play travel ball where most players are seen these days. But Coach Roth immediately felt Jonah would be a great match at UAB and we could not be more excited that Jonah has chosen to be a Blazer."
He was tabbed the 2017 Alabama Sports Writer Association Class 1A Pitcher and Player of the Year. He was named the 2017 Marengo County Player of the Year and named to the 2017 MaxPrep Small Schools All-American Baseball Team.
"Jonah is physical and has a big upside," Shoop said. "He has a fast ball that beats bats. He is competitive and is a winner and loves to play. His high school coach, John Gluschick, has done a tremendous job of preparing Jonah for the next level. Jonah has strong leadership traits that will also help him transition to Conference USA Baseball.
Jonah is simply a great young man. He is courteous and respectful and the UAB fan base will be very proud of him in the years to come."
Smith joins Tanner Rusk are the two signees of the 2018 signing class thus far.
For more information on the UAB baseball team follow the Blazers on Twitter and Instagram (@UAB_Baseball).
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