The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazer Baseball Announces Joe Kiel as Next Signee of 2020 Signing Class
11/15/2019 10:46:00 AM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM – The UAB baseball program and head coach Brian Shoop have announced that Joe Kiel, a catcher from Lawson State Community College, has signed a National Letter of Intent with the Blazers.
Kiel, a native of Florence, Ala., starred at Florence High School where he played for head coach Steve Garrett. During his senior year, Kiel was named the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year for the Falcons. The incoming Blazer averaged .337 at the plate with 32 hits, 8 doubles and 23 RBI.
Kiel began his collegiate career at Lawson State Community College, where he quickly became their everyday catcher. Last spring, Kiel batted .369 with 41 hits, 10 doubles and 22 RBI, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team in the Alabama State Junior College Tournament. He has been mentored at Lawson State by head coach Blake Lewis and assistant coach Thomas Lowery, a former Blazer great.
"Because we graduate three catchers this year, we thought it was vital to add a junior college catcher, and we believe Joe is the best one in our state. Coach Lewis just raved about Joe, and Thomas Lowery, who knows and loves UAB, believes he's a perfect fit in our program," said Shoop. "He is tough, a leader and a workhorse who can really run a game from behind the plate, and he's a middle of the order hitter at Lawson State. He's a tremendous student as evidenced by his induction into Phi Theta Kappa. Joe Kiel is a great addition to UAB baseball, and we are thrilled that he will be on our team next year."
Baseball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB volleyball, men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow @UAB_Baseball on Twitter and Instagram.
Kiel, a native of Florence, Ala., starred at Florence High School where he played for head coach Steve Garrett. During his senior year, Kiel was named the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year for the Falcons. The incoming Blazer averaged .337 at the plate with 32 hits, 8 doubles and 23 RBI.
Kiel began his collegiate career at Lawson State Community College, where he quickly became their everyday catcher. Last spring, Kiel batted .369 with 41 hits, 10 doubles and 22 RBI, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team in the Alabama State Junior College Tournament. He has been mentored at Lawson State by head coach Blake Lewis and assistant coach Thomas Lowery, a former Blazer great.
"Because we graduate three catchers this year, we thought it was vital to add a junior college catcher, and we believe Joe is the best one in our state. Coach Lewis just raved about Joe, and Thomas Lowery, who knows and loves UAB, believes he's a perfect fit in our program," said Shoop. "He is tough, a leader and a workhorse who can really run a game from behind the plate, and he's a middle of the order hitter at Lawson State. He's a tremendous student as evidenced by his induction into Phi Theta Kappa. Joe Kiel is a great addition to UAB baseball, and we are thrilled that he will be on our team next year."
Baseball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2019-20 Gold Card for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB volleyball, men's and women's soccer, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow @UAB_Baseball on Twitter and Instagram.
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