Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Baseball signs submarine style pitcher Ian Reinhart
04/18/2006 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
April 18, 2006
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Submarine style pitcher Ian Reinhart has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Southern Illinois University in 2007.
A native of Holland, Ind., Reinhart is the first out-of-state addition to next year's recruiting class. He is also the first submarine style pitcher to hit the Saluki scene since Scott Lucht (LIST) (2000, 01).
A right-hander standing at 5-10, 190, Reinhart attends Vincennes University, where he began his college career by leading the nation with eight saves as a freshman.
He struck out 21 and walked four in 25.1 innings en route to a perfect 3-0 record and 1.78 ERA as the Trailblazers' closer.
This year, Reinhart has pitched in relief and as a starter, and he is currently 4-1 with a 1.67 ERA in 11 appearances.
Reinhart earned wins in two of his three starts, one of which came against Ancilla College on Mar. 24 when he threw a no-hitter with six strikeouts in six innings to run-rule and shutout the Chargers, 10-0.
He also struck out 34, walked eight and picked up two saves in 37.2 frames.
While Reinhart has worked as both a starter and closer throughout his junior college career, he sees himself as more of a set-up man for the Dawgs next season.
"I'm a complement type pitcher who can get a lot of ground balls," said Reinhart. "Dusty Baker is a natural closer, and I think I'd do well in middle or late relief situations before Dusty enters the game."
Reinhart's velocity ranges from low to mid-80s, and Saluki head coach Dan Callahan says he does a good job of locating his pitches.
"Ian is similar to a lot of submarine style college pitchers in the sense that his velocity is not overwhelming, but he throws strikes and has a fastball with very good life," said Callahan.
Vincennes University head coach Jerry Blemker added that Reinhart is a tough competitor.
"He's all business and he's ready to go every time," stated Blemker. "He's going to do whatever it takes to win. His aggressiveness on the mound and movement on his pitches are what make him effective. He'll be a great addition to the Saluki program."
Besides pitching, Reinhart has also been in the lineup as an infielder or designated hitter for a good chunk of his career.
After making 43-of-44 starts a year ago, he has only made 11 this season, including six at second base, two at first and three as DH. He is hitting .287 (49-for-171) with 30 runs, seven doubles, two home runs and 24 RBI in his career to date.
Reinhart, the first of Callahan's spring signees, is the ninth member of SIU's 2007 recruiting class.
Callahan and his staff intend to sign one or two more pitchers and possibly two more outfielders before the 2007 season.
2007 Saluki Baseball Recruiting Class
Tom Cerven, 6-1, 200, C, Minooka, Ill.
Tyler Choate, 6-1, 175, RHP/INF, Carmi, Ill.
Chris Crank, 6-1, 195, INF, Harrisburg, Ill./Rend Lake College
Daniel Etienne, 6-0, 170, RHP, Eldorado, Ill.
Michael Finigan, 6-1, 160, INF, Springfield, Ill.
Bryant George, 5-11, 160, RHP, DuQuoin, Ill.
Lou Johanns, 6-4, 190, INF, Naperville, Ill.
Ian Reinhart, 5-10, 190, RHP/INF, Holland, Ind./Vincennes University
Aaron Roberts, 6-2, 195, OF, Chatham, Ill.
