Baseball Lands 14 Signees for 2019 Campaign
Nov 13, 2017 | Baseball
"This 2018 class, from top to bottom, might be the most talented class we've put together during my time at A&M,' Childress said. "That's a tribute to Coach (Justin) Seely and Coach (Will) Bolt and the time they've spent putting this class together. I feel like Justin Seely is one of the best recruiting coordinators in the country. Not only does he focus on recruiting the talent that we need to compete in the SEC and into the postseason, but he brings in guys with character who fit what we're about as a program and a university here at Texas A&M. He does an amazing job."
Twelve of the 14 players hail from the state of Texas, including RHP Brandon Birdsell (Willis/Willis HS), SS Brett Brown (Godley/Godley HS), LHP Jonathan Childress (Forney/Forney HS), SS Ty Coleman (Midland/Lee HS), RHP Mason Englert (Forney/Forney HS), LHP/OF Colson Geisler (Columbus/Columbus HS), LHP Joseph Menefee (Richmond/George Ranch HS), Grayson Rodriguez (Nacogdoches/Central Heights HS), OF Hunter Townsend (Alto/Alto HS), 3B/1B Hunter Watson (Pottsboro/Pottsboro HS), LHP Chris Weber (Fair Oaks Ranch/Boerne Champion HS) and RHP Landry Wideman (San Antonio/Churchill HS).
The Aggies also added one player from Michigan, OF Miko Rodriguez (Ada/Forest Hills Central HS), as well as Noah Naylor, signed from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
"When you look at our roster for this spring, we're still very young on paper," Childress said. "But we've got quite a bit of experience when you look at how much our sophomores played last year and we have a strong nucleus of freshmen. Coupled with this signing class, Texas A&M Baseball has a chance to be in the middle of a pretty special run.
"This class has good balance. Eight pitchers, four left, four right. On the diamond there are six guys that are as talented as anybody in the country - two physical outfielders, two third baseman, left side of the infield types and two guys in Ty Coleman and Noah Naylor that are talented enough to play anywhere on the field. So we feel very strong about this class and we can't wait to get them into the mix next fall."
Texas A&M opens its 2018 season on Feb. 16-18 when the Aggies host Rhode Island at Blue Bell Park for a three-game series.
2017-18 Texas A&M Baseball signing class (as of November 13, 2017)
Brandon Birdsell – RHP – 6-3, 195, R/R – Willis, Texas (Willis HS)
Brett Brown – SS – 6-2, 185, R/R – Godley, Texas (Godley HS)
Jonathan Childress – LHP – 6-4, 205, L/L – Forney, Texas (Forney HS)
Ty Coleman – SS – 5-9, 175, R/R – Midland, Texas (Lee HS)
Mason Englert – RHP – 6-4, 210, S/R – Forney, Texas (Forney HS)
Colson Geisler – LHP/OF – 5-11, 165, R/L – Columbus, Texas (Columbus HS)
Joseph Menefee – LHP – 6-1, 210, L/L – Richmond, Texas (George Ranch HS)
Noah Naylor – C/SS – 6-1, 190, L/R – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (St. Joan of Arc Catholic School)
Grayson Rodriguez – RHP/1B – 6-5, 210, L/R – Nacogdoches, Texas (Central Heights HS)
Miko Rodriguez – OF – 6-2, 200, R/R – Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS)
Hunter Townsend – OF – 6-0, 190, R/R – Alto, Texas (Alto HS)
Hunter Watson – 3B/1B – 6-4, 210, L/R – Pottsboro, Texas (Pottsboro HS)
Chris Weber – LHP – 6-4, 215, R/L – Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas (Boerne Champion HS)
Landry Wideman – RHP – 6-5, 220, R/R – San Antonio, Texas (Churchill HS)
2017-18 Texas A&M Baseball signing class (as of November 13, 2017)
Brandon Birdsell – RHP – 6-3, 195, R/R – Willis, Texas (Willis HS)
- Selected for the 2017 Texas Rangers Area Code Games roster
- Named to the All-Tournament team at the World Wood Bat Association National Championship in the summer of 2017
- Didn't pitch as a junior
- Earned All-District 16-6A Second Team as a pitcher as a sophomore in 2016
- Notched a 5-2 record with a 2.89 ERA and 61 strikeouts as a sophomore
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Brandon is a dynamic athlete with strength and a lightning fast arm. He has low-to-mid 90s velocity with developing secondary pitches. He could fill multiple roles for us early on.
Brett Brown – SS – 6-2, 185, R/R – Godley, Texas (Godley HS)
- Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 4A Third Team pitcher and Honorable Mention shortstop as a junior in 2017
- Three-time district MVP
- Notched a 10-2 record with a 1.01 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 76.0 innings as a junior
- Hit .476 (49-for-103) with 45 runs, 17 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 37 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 2017
- Posted a 12-0 record with a 0.92 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 75.2 innings as a sophomore in 2016
- Batted .438 with a .438 slugging percentage, 28 runs and 32 RBI as in 2016
- Earned District 7-4A Most Valuable Player recognition in 2016
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Brett is a good athlete, quick twitch. He can play multiple positions on the field which can give us some versatility. Brett played for a state championship in high school and has been a winner.
Jonathan Childress – LHP – 6-4, 205, L/L – Forney, Texas (Forney HS)
- Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 5A Second Team pitcher as a junior in 2017
- Named Dallas Morning News District 15-5A Pitcher of the Year as a junior
- Posted an 8-1 record with a 0.48 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 2017
- Also batted .343 with 20 RBI as a junior
- Tallied three no-hitters, including one perfect game in 2017
- Logged an 8-1 record with a 1.19 ERA and 83 strikeouts and batted .300 with six doubles and 16 RBI as a sophomore in 2016
- Earned District 12-5A Underclassman MVP recognition in 2016
- Selected to the Texas Rangers Area Code Team roster in 2017
- Also selected to play at the Tournament of Stars and the Perfect Game All-America Classic in 2017
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Jonathan is a physical and athletic lefty with very good present stuff. He has pitched at a very high level and has been a winner throughout his career. He has life to his fastball and depth to his slider. That along with his competitiveness will give him a chance to make an impact early on our staff.
Ty Coleman – SS – 5-9, 175, R/R – Midland, Texas (Lee HS)
- Three-time all-district player
- Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 6A Third Team shortstop as a junior in 2017
- Hit .410 with 12 doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI in 2017
- Also named All-District 2-6A First Team as an infielder as a junior
- As a sophomore he helped carry Rebels to the Class 6A Regional Final in 2016
- Batted .318 with 35 runs, 13 doubles, four home runs and 35 RBI in 2016
- Earned All-District 3-6A First Team as an infielder as a sophomore and freshman
- Hit .388 with 21 runs, nine doubles, five home runs and 24 RBI as a freshman in 2015
- Selected to the Texas Rangers Area Code Underclass roster in 2015 and 2016
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Ty is an advanced baseball player with the ability to play in the middle infield. He can really hit and is aggressive at the plate. Ty believe he is a great player and brings confidence to the field that positively affects his teammates.
Mason Englert – RHP – 6-4, 210, S/R – Forney, Texas (Forney HS)
- Named Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association First Team and Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 5A Third Team pitcher as a junior in 2017
- Tabbed the District 15-5A MVP as a junior
- Notched a 10-1 record with a 0.70 ERA with 128 strikeouts in 2017
- Also hit .330 with 15 runs, seven doubles and 27 RBI as a junior
- Posted an 8-2 record with a 0.76 ERA, 74.0 IP and 124 strikeouts as a sophomore in 2016
- Also batted .398 with five doubles, three triples and 22 RBI in 2016
- Selected to the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Texas Class 5A First Team and Texas Sports Writers Association Honorable Mention as a pitcher as a sophomore
- Earned District 12-5A Most Valuable Player and was named Dallas Morning News Newcomer of the Year in 2016
- Participated in the 2017 Tournament of Stars
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Mason has above average command and pitchability with a fastball that can get into the low 90s. His ability to get downhill on the fastball and make pitches in any count is what separates him from most players his age.
Colson Geisler – LHP/OF – 5-11, 165, R/L – Columbus, Texas (Columbus HS)
- Named All-District 25-4A First Team as a designated hitter as a junior in 2017
- Selected All-District 25-4A First Team as a pitcher as a sophomore in 2016
- Batted .327 with 15 RBI as a sophomore
- Hit .357 with a .471 on-bae percentage and five RBI as a freshman in 2015
- Earned All-District 27-4A Third Team as an outfielder in 2015
- Owns the Babe Ruth League World Series records for most home runs in a game (2) and series (3)
- Also earned football recognition as an All-District 10-4A First Team safety and Second Team wide receiver in 2016
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Colson is an exceptional athlete with feel to spin the ball. He is very competitive. He has an overall skill set very similar to Brooks Raley, who played here. Colson could also be a table setter for us offensively with 6.6 speed and sneaky strength in the bat.
Joseph Menefee – LHP – 6-1, 210, L/L – Richmond, Texas (George Ranch HS)
- Member of the USA Baseball 18U National Team in 2017
- Pitched in three games at the WBSC 2017 World Cup, logging a 1-0 record with six strikeouts in 5.0 innings of work
- Recorded three pickoffs in an appearance at the 2017 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials
- Logged an 8-0 record with a 1.44 ERA and 75 strikeouts as a junior in 2017
- Also hit .430 with 27 runs, eight doubles, six triples four home runs and 29 RBI in 2017
- Named the District 23-6 MVP as a junior
- Earned District 24-5A Newcomer of the Year in 2016
- 2017 UnderArmour Preseason Underclassman All-America Second Team
- Played on the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2017 and the Rangers Area Code Underclass Team in 2016
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Joseph is very aggressive on the mound with wipeout stuff. He pitched for Team USA out of their bullpen. He is going to attack in the low 90s with a very good cutter/slider. He is very similar to former Aggie A.J. Minter out of high school.
Noah Naylor – C/SS – 6-1, 190, L/R – Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (St. Joan of Arc Catholic School)
- Played in the UnderArmour All-American Game at Wrigley Field, the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park and the New Balance Future Stars Series in Sugar Land in 2017
- Played for the Canada Junior National Team at the WBSC U18 World Cup in 2017
- Named to the All-Tournament team at the 2017 WBSC U18 World Cup, batting .313 with a .856 OPS
- Finished second at the fifth annual High School Home Run Derby during the MLB All-Star Weekend
- Named to the all-tournament team at the Perfect Game World Wood Bat Association World Championship in 2016
- Selected 2017 UnderArmour Underclassman Preseason All-America First Team in 2017 and High Honorable Mention in 2016
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Noah is an advanced hitter with power. He can play multiple positions on the field and can play them at a high level. At the plate, he can use all parts of the field and drive the baseball. He is going to be a big-time run producer.
Grayson Rodriguez – RHP/1B – 6-5, 210, L/R – Nacogdoches, Texas (Central Heights HS)
- Logged a 14-1 record with a 0.38 ERA on the mound and batted .511 with eight doubles, two triples, 11 home runs and 53 RBI as a junior in 2017
- Named Texas Sports Writers Association Texas Class 3A Player of the Year in 2017
- Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 3A First Team shortstop and Honorable Mention pitcher in 2017
- Selected Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association First Team as a pitcher in 2017
- Tabbed District 22-3A MVP as a junior
- Named the All-Tournament shortstop at the Class 3A State Championship
- Notched a 12-0 record, yielding no earned runs in the regular-season and logging five postseason shutouts as a sophomore in 2016
- Also hit .505 with 25 runs, 12 doubles, eight home runs and 60 RBI as a sophomore
- Named Texas Sports Writers Association First Team and Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Second Team as a sophomore in 2016
- Selected the Class 22-3A Offensive MVP as a sophomore
- Earned All-District 22-3A First Team as a freshman
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Grayson is a strike thrower with present stuff. He can locate his fastball with anybody in high school baseball right now. He isn't just a big guy with a good arm – he is a baseball player that happens to be a big young man.
Miko Rodriguez – OF – 6-2, 200, R/R – Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS)
- Three-time O-K White All-Conference selection
- Batted .384 with a .547 on-base perecentage, 13 doubles and 25 stolen bases as a junior in 2017
- Earned All-Area East First Team nod in 2017
- Was a standout at the 2017 East Coast Pro Showcase in Tampa, Florida
- Participated in the 2016 and 2017 UnderArmour Preseason All-America Tournament
- Selected 2017 UnderArmour Underclassman Preseason All-America Third Team in 2017 and High Honorable Mention in 2016
- Also earned All-Lake Area honors as a linebacker for the FHC football team in 2015
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Miko is a physical right-handed hitter that can drive the baseball from pole to pole. He has an arm in the outfield that is well above average. His makeup and work habits are on the highest level.
Hunter Townsend – OF – 6-0, 190, R/R – Alto, Texas (Alto HS)
- Earned All-District 16-4A First Team as a utility player at Rusk High School as a junior in 2017
- Picked up All-District 19-4A First Team recognition as an outfielder as a sophomore at Carthage High School in 2016
- Earned Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 4A Honorable Mention as a third baseman at Carthage in 2015
- Also picked up District 19-4A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman at Carthage
- Batted .394 as a freshman with 28 runs, nine doubles, three triples 10 RBI and 15 stolen bases as a freshman
- Earned ESTN.fm East Texas Baseball Super Team Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2015
- Two-way player in football
- Averaged 6.8 yards per carry, rushing for 1,135 yards and seven TDs on 166 carries as a senior at Alto High School in 2017
- Named District 9-4A Co-Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore at Carthage in 2015
- Caught 51 passes for 790 yards and six TDs in 2015
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Hunter has a flat aggressive swing that can produce some pop in the bat. He is a 6.7 runner that is aggressive. He has the ability to be a table setter or middle of the order bat for us.
Hunter Watson – 3B/1B – 6-4, 210, L/R – Pottsboro, Texas (Pottsboro HS)
- Chosen Texas High School Coaches Association All-Texas Class 3A First Team and Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 3A Honorable Mention shortstop as a junior in 2017
- Hit .437 with 25 runs, 10 doubles, four home runs and 36 RBI in 2017
- Tabbed All-Texomaland and District 9-3A MVP as a junior
- Hit .342 with 18 runs, eight doubles and 15 RBI as a sophomore at Denison High School as a sophomore in 2016
- Selected to the All-District 10-5A First Team in 2016
- Batted .406 with 10 doubles, two home runs and 18 RBI as a freshman in 2015
- Selected the District 10-5A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman
- Played on the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2017
- Also participated in the Tournament of the Stars Games and Perfect Game All-American Classic in 2017
- Also played quarterback for the Pottsboro football team
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Hunter is a powerful athlete that can run and drive the baseball. He has been one of the best left-handed hitters in the state of Texas for several years. He also plays high school quarterback and has shown some real leadership qualities.
Chris Weber – LHP – 6-4, 215, R/L – Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas (Boerne Champion HS)
- Selected Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Texas Class 5A Second Team and Texas Sports Writers Association All-Texas Class 5A Honorable Mention as a pitcher as a junior in 2017
- Logged an 8-2 record with a 0.55 ERA, one save and 134 strikeouts in 77.0 innings as a junior in 2017
- Ranked third in the state among Class 5A pitchers with his 134 strikeouts and his ERA ranked ninth
- Also batted .288 with seven doubles, one home run and 12 RBI as a junior
- Selected All-District 26-5A First Team as a pitcher in 2017
- Tallied a 10-1 record with a 0.80 ERA and 94 strikeouts as a sophomore in 2016
- Named All-District 27-5A First Team as a pitcher in 2016
- Selected to the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in 2017
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Chris is a pitch maker and a winner. He still has the ability to get the fastball into the low 90s. His command of the game is about as advanced as a high school senior can be. His ability to throw any pitch in any count is a real separator for him.
Landry Wideman – RHP – 6-5, 220, R/R – San Antonio, Texas (Churchill HS)
- Earned All-District 26-6A First Team as a pitcher during his junior campaign in 2017
- Posted a 6-3 record with a 1.69 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 62.0 innings as a junior
- Named All-District 26-6 Second Team as a pitcher during his sophomore season in 2016
- Logged a 7-3 record with a 2.84 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 39.1 innings as a sophomore
- UnderArmour Preseason Underclassman All-America High Honorable Mention in 2017
- UnderArmour Preseason Underclassman All-America Honorable Mention in 2016
- Selected to the All-Tournament teams for the 2016 World Wood Bat Association 16U National Championship and 2017 WWBA 17U National Championship
- Member of the 2012 McAllister Park National squad that advanced to the Little League World Series, batting .273 with one double and three RBI in four games
Quote from recruiting coordinator Justin Seely: Landry is a power arm with a power slider. He can really command the slider and he has the ability to punch out hitters and steal strikes with the pitch.
