Sept. 8, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University freshman infielder Nick DelGuidice was named among "Baseball America's" list of top pro prospects spanning 19 different summer college leagues of 2008.

DelGuidice, a graduate of Citrus High School, was named team "Most Valuable Player" of the Florida Collegiate Summer League's (FCSL) Leesburg Lightning, leading the FCSL in hits and starting at shortstop in the FCSL All-Star Game.

After graduating from Citrus High School, Delguidice starred at Lake Sumter College as a true freshman in 2008, earning all-conference recognition and Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA) "Defensive Player of the Year" honors.

DelGuidice is part of a talented 2009 recruiting class brought in to complement an accomplished group of 22 FAU returners. "This class allows us to fill some immediate needs," said John McCormack, FAU baseball head coach. "These 10 guys will be a big part of the present and the future of FAU baseball."

The class also includes proven left-handed pitcher Barry Rooks (Daytona Beach Community College/Oviedo), lefty outfielder Tyler Herrig (Leavenworth, Kansas/Allen County Community College) and true freshman catcher Mike Albaladejo (Orlando/West Orange High School).

"Rooks has a real chance at being a dominant pitcher here," McCormack said. "Herrig is an accomplished college hitter with an above-average arm in the outfield, and Albaladejo may be one of those players people here at FAU remember for a long time. He plays with heart and should be really fun to watch."

Fall skills and conditioning has begun in preparation for the 2009 season. Official fall practice begins Tuesday, October 7 and runs through Thursday, November 20.