University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Bulldogs Have Three Playing Pro Baseball This Year
04.05.2012 | Baseball
The UNC Asheville baseball program will be represented by three former Bulldogs in professional baseball this year when the regular-season starts today. One will be continuing a long major league career, while another one could be in the "show" sometime this year.
Ty Wigginton will be in his 11th major league season on Thursday when he debuts with his new team, the Philadelphia Phillies. Wigginton was picked up in a trade by the Phillies from Colorado last November. The Big South and Bulldog Hall of Famer is going to be a key player for the five-time defending National League East champions. With All-Star first baseman Ryan Howard out with an Achilles injury and second baseman Chase Utley also injured, Wiggington's versatility is being welcomed in Philadelphia. The former Bulldog has played six different positions in his major league career. He told the Associated Press in March that he'll be ready when called upon.
"The way I look it is that it's our job to come to the yard ready to play every day and when the manager calls upon you, help your team win the game," Wigginton said. "That's been my attitude whether I knew that I was showing up and batting in a regular spot or whatever. It's our job to be ready every single day and that's been my mindset.
"I've never worried about playing time throughout my career," Wigginton added. "If you produce, they're going to find a spot for you and that's how my career has gone. Everywhere I went, they say they don't know where or how they are going to use me and I end up getting my at-bats. It boils down to if you help your team win ball games, you'll be in."
Wigginton is a career .265 with 158 homers in 10 seasons with six teams. He almost came to Philadelphia before signing with Baltimore in 2009. A year later, he had 22 homers, 76 RBIs and played in the Midsummer Classic. He played at UNC Asheville from 1996-98 before being drafted by the New York Mets in 1998.
Hoping to join Wigginton in the major leagues this year is outfielder Kevin Mattison. The former Bulldog All-Conference performer has been steadily moving up the ladder in the Miami Marlins organization. Mattison was in the Marlins major league camp for part of Spring Training until he was sent down to Miami's Triple A team, New Orleans. He's slated to be the Zephyrs starting center-fielder on opening day when they host the Nashville Sounds.
Kevin has shown his great speed in his four minor league seasons with 142 stolen bases. Last year, he enjoyed a standout season at Double A Jacksonville where he made the All-Star team. Mattison hit .260 with 16 triples, 38 stolen bases, 49 RBI and eight home runs. This fall, he played in the Arizona Fall League.
Mattison, who bats and throws left-handed, was named to the AFL's Top Prospects team after hitting safely in 22 of 25 games and tying for the league lead with five triples for the Surprise Saguaros.
He also ranked second in runs scored (29), third in total bases (68), tied for third in stolen bases (9), tied for fourth in hits (38) and tied for eighth in average (.349).
He capped it off by winning the 2011 Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award.
Former Bulldog Justin Schumer will begin his third year of professional baseball with the San Jose Giants on Thursday. He's with San Francisco's High A club in San Jose. Last year, Schumer battled an oblique injury early in the year but went to have a fine season with the Augusta Green Jackets. He posted a 5-5 record with Augusta and a 5.24 ERA. Late in the season, Justin got called up to Richmond, the Giants AA franchise, and went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA.
Schumer played at UNC Asheville as a two-way player from 2007-2010. He was a starting pitcher for the Bulldogs along with playing first and third base.
"We're proud of all three of our guys playing pro ball," stated Asheville coach Tom Smith. "They're all great stories. Ty has battled and played 10 years in the major leagues and now he's with a team that could win the World Series in Philadelphia.
"Kevin Mattison has worked so hard and done a great job moving up the organizational ladder with the Marlins," added Smith. "He's going to get the call at some point to play in Miami this season.
"Justin Schumer was an undrafted player two years ago and he's really made some amazing progress in San Francisco's organization," commented Smith. "He's gotten better with each year, and I know we're excited to see how he does in San Jose."
