Seven players from area programs are among the 12 signees Tennessee Temple University baseball coach Greg Bartley announced this week.
“And we’ve got two or three others that are going to come,” Bartley said. “I’ve worked harder in recruiting than I’ve ever worked. We had 22 last fall but ended up with 14 [for the 2014 season], and I didn’t want that to happen again. We’ve got nine coming back.”
One of the newcomers is Chandler Coley, a right-handed pitcher from Christian Heritage in Dalton, and his signing led to Chase Burke from Ringgold coming aboard.
“Chase had played with Chandler in summer ball and played for Chandler’s dad,” Bartley said. “I knew Chase was a first baseman and designated hitter, but I saw him catch some this summer. He’ll probably help us in all three roles.
“Chandler’s a guy who can throw three-quarters or can drop down. He can almost go submarine style. We’ve just to find where his best arm slot is.”