The Mount Vernon Nazarene
University baseball team has added an
important recruit to the team’s roster for
the 2010 season with the addition of Mike
McNutt, who has decided to further his
education and continue his baseball career
at MVNU.
McNutt,
an outfielder/infielder from Westerville,
Ohio, posted a .400 batting average with 10
doubles, three triples, 12 runs scored, and
10 RBI. He also set a school record by
striking out just two times on the season.
"Mike is a good athlete on the baseball
field,” said MVNU coach Keith Veale, who has
posted a 676-331 record in 20 seasons at the
helm of the Cougars. "He has played some
infield as well as outfield, and most likely
he will compete in the outfield and have the
opportunity to add to our outfield depth. He
runs well and could be an asset on the base
paths. He comes from a strong program at New
Albany. Mike is energetic and always enjoys
competing.”
In addition to playing baseball for New
Albany and Johnstown Legion Post 254, McNutt
has also been active in Fellowship of
Christian Athletes.
"There are several reasons why I chose
MVNU,” said McNutt of his college choice.
"It is known as a good Christian school, and
I wanted a small college atmosphere along
with a Christian one as well. I also wanted
to play baseball as well as making life-long
friends.”
MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in
the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars
posted a 35-21 overall record in 2009 and
advanced to the semifinals of the National
Christian College Athletic Association
National Tournament. The team also qualified
for the NAIA playoffs for the 19th time in
the past 20 seasons. Over the years, MVNU
has had 13 players drafted by Major League
teams including Tim Belcher, who was the top
pick overall in the 1983 draft. Seven other
former players have signed free agent
contracts to play professional baseball.