The Mount Vernon Nazarene College baseball program has signed a former Horseheads High School standout to join the Cougars for the 2002 season.
Derek Morey, a pitcher/infielder from Horseheads, New York, posted an 8-1 record with a 2.16 earned run average and one save as a senior. In 55 innings of work, he struck out 51 batters and issued just 13 walks. He also compiled a .350 batting average with four doubles, one triple, four home runs, 13 runs scored, 17 runs batted in, and 10 stolen bases. He helped lead Horseheads to a Division and Southern Tier Athletic Conference title in 2001, and he was named to the All-Conference Team.
"I am pleased to add Derek to our program," said MVNC head coach Keith Veale. "We had him in over the winter and I was very encouraged with his potential on the mound. He has decent arm strength with a tight curveball that will most likely be his best pitch. He reminded me of (former MVNC star and the NAIA's all-time winningest pitcher with a 37-3 career record) Mike Patch with his consistent delivery and command. I was very encouraged with his impressive senior season."
In addition to playing baseball, Morey was named to Who's Who Among American High School Students. He also received the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Scholar-Athlete Award. In addition, he went on a Work and Witness trip to Trinidad in 2000.
"I chose to attend MVNC for several reasons," said Morey of his college choice. "Most importantly, I am looking forward to getting a good Christian education while seeking to further my baseball career."
MVNC posted a 35-16 overall record in 2001 as the program notched its eighth straight 20-win season. The Cougars also advanced to the championship game of the NAIA Region IX Tournament for the third straight year and the semifinals of the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament.
