Former Saluki Cody Forsythe named to the 2015 USA Baseball Premier12 roster
10/22/2015 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
USA Baseball Release
By Rico Cruz
SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Former Saluki pitcher Cody Forsythe was one of 27 players chosen for the 2015 USA Baseball Premier12 roster. The team will compete at the WBSC Premier12 Tournament in Taipei, Taiwan, Nov. 9 to Nov. 21, with the semifinals and finals to be held in Tokyo, Japan.
"I think that it is a great honor for a guy that has really worked hard and has moved up in the Philadelphia Phillies organization," SIU pitching coach P.J. Finigan said. "It is great to have somebody like that who has put in his time to get some recognition for all of the success that he has had."
A 25th round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013, Forsythe was a four-year player for SIU from 2010-2013. The Calvert City, Ky., native was one of Southern's most decorated players during his time in Carbondale. He was a two-time "Itchy" Jones MVP award winner, a two-time MVC Pitcher of the Week, and a 2011 First Team All-MVC selection. During his collegiate career, Forsythe set SIU career records for games started (49) and innings pitched (346.2). He also sits in fifth place for career strikeouts with 246. His single-season records include being tied for third for games started (16) and holding the 11th and 12th spots for innings pitched (11th, 104.2) (12th, 103.1).
"I got a call one day and was just shocked, surprised and honored to be part of of the team and play in a tournament of this magnitude," Forsythe said. "It is hard to describe, but being able to put on the red, white, and blue is the ultimate honor for anybody who can represent their country. To be chosen over all of the great athletes that we have, I am just humbled to be part of it. I hope that I can do my part and do the best for my country."
The team will train in Phoenix, Ariz., from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, while playing three exhibition games against Canada before traveling to Taiwan. Team USA will open the Tournament on Nov. 10 against the Dominican Republic at the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium.
