The Mount Vernon Nazarene College baseball program has signed a former Dayton Christian High School standout to join the Cougars for the 2002 season.
J.J. Velasquez, a pitcher/first baseman/outfielder from Moraine, Ohio, batted .415 with four doubles, two home runs, 20 runs scored, and 20 runs batted in as a senior at Dayton Christian. He also posted a 5-2 record on the mound with 37 strikeouts in 40 innings of work.
"We are excited that J.J. has chosen to attend MVNC," said head coach Keith Veale. "He is a versatile player who could see time at several different positions."
In addition to playing baseball, Velasquez has been active in Worth Waiting For, a local abstinence group. He has also participated in a short-term missions project to Baha, Mexico.
"I chose to attend MVNC for several reasons," said Velasquez of his college choice. "My desire has been to attend a Christian college with a great baseball program. Not only do the athletic and academic aspects of college life at MVNC appeal to me, but also the social aspect as I have several friends who currently attend."
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.
