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‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

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ppearances

Sunday Probables - 1:00 p.m. ETFIU - LHP R.J. Fondon

3-1, 2.59 ERA, 24.1 IP, 22 Kvs.

FAU - TBA

Date Opponent Time/Result2/17 at #6 Rice L, 2-62/18 at #6 Rice L, 4-5 (12)2/19 at #6 Rice L, 1-82/24 at #8 Florida State W, 8-52/25 at #8 Florida State L, 1-32/26 at #8 Florida State L, 1-23/2 Brown W, 6-53/3 Brown W, 4-33/4 Brown W, 8-33/6 Boston College W, 14-63/7 at Miami Marlins ^ L, 1-53/9 Fordham W, 10-43/10 Fordham L, 8-103/11 Fordham W, 9-23/13 North Florida W, 6-43/14 North Florida L, 8-103/16 FAU * 7:00 p.m.3/17 FAU * 6:00 p.m.3/18 FAU * 1:00 p.m.3/21 at Tennessee 7:00 p.m.3/23 at WKU * 6:00 p.m.3/24 at WKU * 3:00 p.m.3/25 at WKU * Noon3/27 Bethune-Cookman 4:00 p.m.3/28 Florida Gulf Coast 6:00 p.m.3/30 ULM * 8:00 p.m.3/31 ULM * 6:00 p.m.4/1 ULM * 11:00 a.m.4/3 Florida A&M 6:00 p.m.4/4 Florida A&M 6:00 p.m.4/6 Troy * 7:00 p.m.4/7 Troy * 6:00 p.m.4/8 Troy * 1:00 p.m.4/13 at Louisiana * 6:00 p.m.4/14 at Louisiana * 6:00 p.m.4/15 at Louisiana * Noon4/17 at Jacksonville 6:30 p.m.4/18 at Jacksonville 4:00 p.m.4/20 UALR * 7:00 p.m.4/21 UALR * 6:00 p.m.4/22 UALR * 1:00 p.m.4/27 at South Alabama * 6:30 p.m.4/28 at South Alabama * 6:30 p.m.4/29 at South Alabama * 11:30 a.m.5/1 Bethune-Cookman 4:00 p.m.5/2 at Florida Gulf Coast 6:30 p.m.5/4 Middle Tennessee * 7:00 p.m.5/5 Middle Tennessee * 6:00 p.m.5/6 Middle Tennessee * 11:00 a.m.5/9 at Bethune-Cookman 4:00 p.m.5/11 at Arkansas State * 6:00 p.m.5/12 at Arkansas State * 4:00 p.m.5/13 at Arkansas State * 11:00 a.m.5/17 at FAU * 6:30 p.m.5/18 at FAU * 6:30 p.m.5/19 at FAU * 1:00 p.m.5/23-27 at SBC Tournament & TBA * Sun Belt Conference Opponent. & Bowling Green, Ky. (Bowling Green Ballpark)Home Games in BoldAll Times Local to Site

Tale of the Tape

FIU PanthersSun Belt46,100

Miami, Fla.8-70-0.305.24290156313883

33-431021323.865.29133.0

26.955

ConferenceEnrollment

LocationOverall Record

Conference RecordTeam AVG

Opponent AVGRunsHits

DoublesTriples

Home RunsRBI

SB-AttK’s (Batting)K’s (Pitching)

Team ERAOpponent ERAInnings Pitched

ErrorsFielding %

FAU OwlsSun Belt

Boca Raton, Fla.11-70-0.298.28011518330216104

13-201271454.565.84160.0

25.964

2012 Schedule Setting the SceneLocation: Miami, Fla. Field: FIU Baseball Stadium (2,000)Television: N/ALive Video Streaming: FIUSports.com Panther Pass (Chad Robinson/Pete Pelegrin)Live Blog: FIUSports.com The ProwlLive Stats: FIUSports.com Twitter: @FIUBaseballFIU Head Coach Turtle Thomas: 138-111-1 (5th Season at FIU)FAU Head Coach John McCormack: 110-82 (4th Season at FAU)Rankings: FIU (BA-NR/PG-NR/CBN-NR/ESPN-NR/NCBWA-RV) FAU (BA-NR/PG-NR/CBN-NR/ESPN-NR/NCBWA-NR)Tickets: FIUSports.comBA - Baseball America/PG - Perfect Game//CBN - College Baseball News/NCBWA - National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America

Mathew Ratner, Media Relations Coordinator/Baseball ContactU.S. Century Bank Arena • 11200 SW 8th St. • Room 211 • Miami, FL 33199

Office (305) 348-1496 • Cell (561) 441-8057mratner@fiu.edu

2012 FIU Panthers Baseball Game Notes

Friday Probables - 7:00 p.m. ETFIU - LHP Mason McVay

1-1, 2.79 ERA, 19.1 IP, 21 Kvs.

FAU - RHP Ryan Garton3-1, 2.45 ERA, 25.2 IP, 24 K

Saturday Probables - 6:00 p.m. ETFIU - RHP Mike Ellis

1-1, 3.98 ERA, 20.1 IP, 19 K vs.

FAU - RHP Kevin Alexander2-0, 1.56 ERA, 17.1 IP, 17 K

2We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

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Going Toe-to-Toe with the OwlsThere is no love lost between these two intra-state rivals especially with the Panthers having a slight 43-42 edge in the all-time series. Last season, FIU and FAU split six meetings with each team taking two-of-three on its home field. Broken RecordMike Martinez leads the team with his .488 average (8th in the country) and is currently tied with former FIU slugger Tyler Townsend for the career RBI record (164). When he finishes his career at FIU, he will be at the top of most of FIU’s offensive career categories along with Pablo Bermudez. Bermudez up for Lowe’s Senior CLASS AwardSenior Pablo Bermudez has been selected as one of the 30 finalists for the 2012 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. The award is given to the NCAA Division I baseball player that excels on and off the field, and honors those with notable achievements of character, classroom, competition and community. He is the only Sun Belt player on the list. Gone FishingOn March 7, the Panthers took on the Miami Marlins in front of 20,000 people in its first-ever exhibition game against an MLB team. FIU lost 5-1 to the Marlins but everyone was all smiles after leaving the beautiful new Marlins Park. Freshman Roche Woodard doubled off Ricky Nolasco for the first hit off the Marlins as junior T.J. Shantz drove in the first run and freshman Julius Gaines scored a run and stole a base. FIU turned an impressive five double plays, doubling up Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Reyes on separate occasions. Senior Christian Malbrough struck out two Marlins in the game. DaNaNa-NaNaNaIn a Sunday’s (3/4) win against Brown, junior Nathan Burns was featured as the #8 play on ESPN’s Top-10 Plays of the Week after making a running catch in right field and flipping over the fence while holding on to the ball for the out. This was the second-straight season an FIU outfielder was featured on ESPN Top-10 Players of the Week as former Panthers and current Chicago White Sox farm hand Yoandy Barroso made the list last season on a home-run robbing catch. Beantown BashersThe Panthers scored 14 runs in a 14-6 win over a Boston College team that held the Boston Red Sox to only six runs a few days before. Texas JUCO transfers Nathan Burns and Adam Kirsch each had monster games going a combined 5-for-8 with two runs and eight RBI. Kirsch added his second home run of the year-a grand slam in the first inning. Tyler James Shantz had FIU’s first four-hit game of the year while Julius Gaines added three hits and two RBI. In their last three meetings, the Panthers and the Eagles accounted for a total of 68 runs. Upset CityThe Panthers win over #8 FSU (2/24) was a memorable one. It was the first win for the Panthers over the ‘Noles in 22 years. The last time FIU defeated Florida State was on May 2, 1990 and the last win over FSU in Tallahassee came on Feb. 21 of the same year. The last time the Panthers defeated a top-10 opponent was in 2008 when FIU took down top-ranked Miami in Coral Gables in Turtle Thomas’s first season as head coach. Hit ParadeThe Panthers out-hit the Seminoles 26-19 in their three-game series. Bala at the DishSenior catcher Iosmel Leon jacked his first home run of his career in the eighth inning of a 3-1 loss against #8 FSU (2/25). The home run came off Hunter Scantling. Striking Out Through the Record BooksWith seven K’s against Rice (2/17), senior R.J.

Fondon passed Scott Rembisz for 6th on the FIU all-time strikeouts list. Cha Cha Cha to SI.comDuring an almost three hour rain delay against Rice (2/17) the FIU baseball team passed the time with their own rendition of the popular dance, the Cha Cha slide. The video went viral and was featured on SportsIllustrated.com SI’s Extra Mustard with Hot Clicks Sports Video of the Day. As of Wednesday, Feb. 23, the video has over 19,000 views. Oh Captain, My CaptainAs voted on by their teammates before the season, senior outfielder, Pablo Bermudez, and senior relief pitcher D.J. Swatscheno were named team captains for the 2012 season. Rewriting the FIU Record BooksSeniors Pablo Bermudez and Mike Martinez are in or near the top 5 in eight career statistical categories (see chart on page 4) and project to be first and second in those categories at the end of their illustrious careers. Always Room for ImprovementIn his first four years as skipper of the Panthers, Turtle Thomas has improved on his win total in each season. In 2008 his squad picked up 20 wins and raised that total by 14, an FIU record, in his second season and improved by two more in 2010. In 2011, Thomas’ squad won an

2012 Panthers’ Team LeadersAverage: Mike Martinez .488Slugging %: Mike Martinez .605On Base %: Mike Martinez .579Total Bases: T.J. Shantz 28Hits: Mike Martinez 21Doubles: Mike Martinez 5Triples: Nathan Burns 3Home Runs: Kirsch/Shantz 2RBI: Adam Kirsch 12Runs Scored: T.J. Shantz 17X-Base Hits: Nathan Burns 5Stolen Bases: Shantz/Woodard 5Walks: Nathan Burns 17IP: R.J. Fondon 24.1Strikeouts: R.J. Fondon 22Wins: R.J. Fondon 3ERA: R.J. Fondon 2.59Saves: Michael Gomez 4Appearances: Michael Gomez 9Starts: Fondon/McVay 4

FIU Quick Facts

GENERALFounded/Opened:....................................1965/1972Enrollment .....................................................46,100Nickname................................................... PanthersSchool Colors ... Blue (PMS 228) & Gold (PMS 109)Stadium .................................FIU Baseball StadiumCapacity...........................................................2,000Affiliation ......................................... NCAA Division IConference ................................................. Sun BeltPresident ............................. Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg Alma Mater, Year ........................... Miami (Ohio) ‘71Faculty Representative .............Dr. Stephen M. FainAlma Mater, Year ................................... Rutgers ‘64Exec. Dir. of Sports & Entertainment .....Pete GarciaAlma Mater, Year ...............................Miami (FL) ‘84Senior Woman Administrator ....................Julie BergAlma Mater, Year ....................... SUNY Cortland ‘85Ticket Office Phone ...... 305-FIU-GAME (348-3164)

HISTORYFirst Year ..........................................................1973First Year of Division I .......................................1983 ......................................... (W, 7-4 vs. Ga. Southern)All-Time Record * .......................1,394-849-1 (.622)Actual On-Field Record .............1,448-849-1 (.631)SBC Record (1999-Present) ** ......172-167-1 (.507)Actual On-Field SBC Record .........192-167-1 (.534)Trans America Conf. Record ................ 21-17 (.553)SBC Tournament Record ...................... 24-18 (.571)SBC Titles ......................................... 2 (1999, 2010)NCAA Div. I Postseason Appearances .................10................ ‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11NCAA Div. I Postseason Record ............ 8-17 (.320)NCAA Super Regional Appearances .......... 1 (2001)NCAA Div. II Postseason Appearances ..................5‘76, ‘78, ‘79, ‘80, 82NCAA Div. II Postseason Record ........... 9-13 (.409)NCAA Div. II National Championship Finalist ...1980 * - vacated 54 wins from 2004-05 due to NCAA sanctions.

** - vacated 20 conference wins from 2004-05 due to NCAA sanctions.

2011 SEASON REVIEWOverall Record............................................. 40-20-1Home/Away/Neutral .......................23-7-1/14-10/3-3SBC Record................................................... 20-9-1SBC Regular Season Finish ...............................2ndSBC Tournament Finish ......................................2nd

2011 TEAM INFORMATIONLettermen Returning/Lost ................................ 18/11Starters (including DH) Regurning/Lost ...............5/4Starting Pitchers Returning/Lost ..........................3/4Newcomers...........................................................13

3We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

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ppearances2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU ttt

Starting PerformancesDate Pitcher Vs. ER Inn. Res. Dec2/17 Fondon #6 Rice 3 5.0 L, 2-6 L2/18 McVay #6 Rice 1 5.2 L, 4-5 (12) ND2/19 Lazaro #6 Rice 5 0.2 L, 1-8 L2/24 Fondon #8 FSU 3 5.1 W, 8-5 W2/25 McVay #8 FSU 2 4.0 L, 1-3 L2/26 Ellis #8 FSU 1 6.0 L, 1-2 L2/2 McVay Brown 2 4.1 W, 6-5 ND2/3 Ellis Brown 3 5.0 W, 4-3 W2/4 Fondon Brown 1 7.0 W, 8-3 W2/6 Pidermann BC 1 5.0 W, 14-6 W2/7 Dodds Marlins 1 2.0 L, 5-1 L2/9 McVay Fordham 1 5.1 W, 10-4 W2/10 Ellis Fordham 4 4.0 L, 8-10 ND2/11 Fondon Fordham 0 7.0 W, 9-2 W2/13 Pidermann UNF 4 5.1 W, 6-4 W2/14 Dodds UNF 2 3.2 L, 8-10 ND

Game Winning HitsHits that give FIU a lead it would not relinquish

(No credit to errors, fielders’ choice, RBI walks, wild pitches or passed balls)

Date Player Hit Opponent Inning3/2 Adam Kirsch HR Brown 7th3/3 Oscar Aguirre SF Brown 5th3/4 Aramis Garcia SF Brown 4th3/9 Mike Martinez 2B Fordham 1st3/11 Julius Gaines 1B Fordham 2nd3/13 Pablo Bermudez 2b UNF 2nd

impressive 40 games.Preseason FavoritesThe Panthers were picked by the leagues head coaches as the co-favorite in the Sun Belt with Troy. Each team earned four first place votes and a total of 93 points.

Diamonds are ForeverAt the recent FIU baseball and softball Diamond Dinner to kick-off the season, the FIU baseball team eclipsed their 2011 total of $150,000 at their biggest fundraiser of the year. What was the top auction item of the evening?? An all-inclusive trip to the 2013 Orange Bowl and BCS National Championship game that went for $7,000. Former MLB player and manager “Sweet” Lou Piniella was on hand as the key note speaker and was even caught up in a bidding war with local radio personality Jorge Sedano on a vacation in the Florida Keys. Panthers Garner Preseason SBC HonorsAfter being named Player of the Year in 2011, Pablo Bermudez will enter the 2012 season as the favorite to win the award once again. Along with Bermudez preseason POY nod, senior Mike Martinez was named an All-SBC 1B, junior Rudy Flores was name All-SBC DH, and junior Mason McVay was named All-SBC RP. Bermudez Preseason All-AmericanSenior OF Pablo Bermudez was recently named a Third-Team Preseason All-American as announced by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America (NCBWA) and a Preseason Honorable Mention All-American by CollegeBaseballInsider.com. Turtle up to His Old Tricks Again Thomas, known as one of the best recruiters in the country for nearly two decades is at it again at FIU. The 2012 class is already gaining notoriety in the baseball community as Perfect Game USA already has the class ranked No. 18 (not including JUCO signees) in the country. The pitching-heavy class features 10 arms and six position players. 10 of the signees will come in as freshman from high school while six are junior college players. For the Love of the Game The future is now as two of the Panthers highly touted recruits in Aramis Garcia and Julius Gaines will take the field in 2012. Garcia, a local product from Pembroke Pines, Fla., was widely considered a top-10 round draft pick out of high school before signing a letter of intent with the Panthers. Garcia’s strong commitment to continue his education and attend FIU played a large part in him falling to the St. Louis Cardinals in the 20th round of the 2011 MLB Amateur draft. Gaines comes to FIU from Luella High School in Georgia where he was a Baseball America Preseason High School All-American his senior season. He was drafted in the 32nd round of the 2011 MLB Amateur draft by the Boston Red Sox. Both players passed over signing bonuses of over $250,000 to join the Panthers. Oh Henry! Over the summer, junior outfielder Jabari Henry was named to the Cape Code Summer League All-Star Game and his Harwich Mariners eventually went on to win the summer league championship. Coaching Shuffle After spending the past four years at the University of Alabama, Drew French has been hired as FIU baseball’s newest pitching coach while assistant coach Frank Damas was promoted to associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. At the Next Level Five former Panthers from the 2011 team are now a part of Major League Ball Clubs as Jose Behar (Marlins, 30th) and Jeremy Patton (Cardinals, 38th) were drafted and Garrett Wittels (Cardinals), Bryam Garcia (Braves) and Yoandy Barroso (White Sox) were signed as undrafted free agents.

4We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

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Career Hitting Top-5

Batting Average (Min. 350 AB)1. Oriol Perez 1982-83 .4272. Luis Fernandez 1998-99 .3853. Ryan Mollica 2007-09 .3744. James McOwen 2005-07 .3725. Chris Dunn 2005-07 .370

Games Played1. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 2422. Francisco Lebron 1994-97 2183. Corey Lozano 2005-08 2164. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 2135. Barry Paulk 1998-01 211 Hiram Silfa 1996-99 2116. Junior Arrojo 2007-10 2047. Mike Martinez 2009- 1848. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 182

At Bats1. Dennis Diaz 2002-05 8172. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 8163. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 7984. Corey Lozano 2005-08 7935. Hiram Silfa 1996-99 7496. Mike Martinez 2009- 7167. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 709

Runs Scored1. Dennis Diaz 2002-05 1862. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 1823. Barry Paulk 1998-01 1754. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 175 5. Corey Lozano 2005-08 1736. Junior Arrojo 2007-10 1717. Mike Martinez 2009- 145

Hits1. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 2882. Dennis Diaz 2002-05 250 Corey Lozano 2005-08 250 4. Mike Martinez 2009- 246 5. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 2426. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 242 Doubles1. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 612. Michael Lopez 2003-05 553. James McOwen 2005-07 50 4. Mike Martinez 2009- 474. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 476. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 46

Triples1. Juan Munoz 1993-95 182. Michael Warner 1990-92 153. Tim Knight 1979-80 144. Jose Fernandez 1978-79 125. Mark Miller-Jones 1984-85 96. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 7

Home Runs1. Brad Eldred 1999-02 442. Tyler Townsend 2007-09 433. Luis Fernandez 1998-99 31 Sean Mahoney 1994-96 315. Mike Martinez 2009- 306. Jabari Henry 2010- 237. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 17

Runs Batted In1. Tyler Townsend 2007-09 164 2. Mike Martinez 2009- 1643. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 1554. Michael Lopez 2003-06 1515. James McOwen 2005-07 136 Hiram Silfa 1996-99 1367. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 124

Total Bases1. Bryan Pullin 2003-07 396 2. Mike Martinez 2009- 3893. Jeff Rodriguez 1996-99 376 4. Tyler Townsend 2007-09 370 5. Michael Lopez 2003-06 3656. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 354 Stolen Bases1. Dennis Diaz 2002-05 1412. Barry Paulk 1998-01 1083. Dorian Speed 1993-95 904. Roger Bowman 1989-90 815. Eric Cruz 1990-91 766. Junior Arrojo 2007-10 527. Pablo Bermudez 2009- 41

Career Pitching Top-5

Wins1. Raul Garcia 1996-99 372. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 323. Evan Thomas 1995-96 254. Edwin Franco 1998-99 225. R.J. Fondon 2009- 21

Appearances1. Frank Gonzalez 2003-06 82 Raul Garcia 1996-99 823. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 704. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 675. Paul Zervas 1998-01 66

Complete Games1. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 182. Raul Garcia 1996-99 143. Evan Thomas 1995-96 11 Ken Deal 1986-87 11 Rory Brown 1981-82 11 Chris Lein 1979 11

Shutouts1. Chris Lein 1979 62. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 4 Doug Messer 1986-87 44. Raul Garcia 1996-99 3 Evan Thomas 1995-96 3 Albert Garcia 1985-86 3 Ric Strasser 1981-82 3

Saves1. Ozzie Lugo 2000-01 23 2. Jerry Santos 1990-91 223. Jamie Emiliano 1995 164. Steve Kent 1999 13 Keith Shives 1996-97 13

Innings Pitched1. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 464.02. Raul Garcia 1996-99 378.23. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 301.24. Evan Thomas 1995-96 273.25. R.J. Fondon 2009- 260.0

Hits1. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 4342. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 3743. Raul Garcia 1996-99 3564. Danny DeSimone 2008-11 2915. R.J. Fondon 2009- 269

Runs1. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 2382. Raul Garcia 1996-99 1923. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 1794. Danny DeSimone 2008-11 1765. Walker Whitley 2006-07 155

Base on Balls1. Raul Garcia 1996-99 1582. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 1543. Rory Brown 1981-82 1324. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 1205. Bill Fireline 1973-74 114

Strikeouts1. Raul Garcia 1996-99 4042. Evan Thomas 1995-96 3663. Denny Wiseman 1986-89 3294. Edwin Franco 1998-99 2955. Corey Polizzano 2007-10 2756. R.J. Fondon 2009- 1907. Scott Rembisz 2009-10 169

5We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

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ppearances2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU ttt

For the Media We are FIUWhen referring to the University please be aware of the following policy regarding usage. First references to the school and its intercolle-giate athletics program should always be FIU. Please refrain from using Florida Internation-al, Fla. Int., Florida Int. or any other similar combination.

Media CredentialsAll requests for press, broadcast and photo cre-dentials for FIU home baseball games should be directed to Mat Ratner, Media Relations Coordinator, via e-mail (mratner@fiu.edu) or Office phone (305-348-1496). All requests should be made at least one week prior to the event.

Media ParkingParking for all FIU home baseball games is located in Lot 7 south of the FIU Baseball Stadium. Parking is free, two hours prior to the start of the games on weekdays and all day during the weekend.

Player InterviewsAll media requests for interviews with FIU base-ball players should be directed to SID Mat Ratner (office: 305-348-1496), preferably 24 hours in advance. Practice, which is held at the FIU Baseball Stadium, is open to the media to film and pho-tograph. Interviews conducted following prac-tice should be held to a brief Q&A session. With advanced notice, interviews with players may be arranged for other hours.

Calling players at home or on cell phones without permission from SID Mat Ratner will not be tolerated. The players’ dorms, training room and weight room are also off limits. On game days, players are unavailable until after the game. While on the road, Thomas, his staff and players are acces-sible for interviews, but all interviews should be arranged through Mat Ratner.

Turtle Thomas Interviews All interviews with Head Coach Turtle Thomas should be arranged through SID Mat Ratner.

Media ServicesThe FIU Baseball Stadium press box is located on the third floor concourse assessable through the elevators. Phone line and Ethenet is available. Power will be avail-able for those who need it.

FIUSports.comFIUSports.com is your official source for up-to the-minute news and information, including updated releases, notes, stats and photo galler-ies.

6We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

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Team National Rankings as of (3/11/12)

Category Rank Actual Leader ActualAverage 45 0.305 Purdue 0.373Scoring 101 5.8 Buffalo 10.4Runs 38 76.0 New Mexico St. 174.0Hits 120 136.0 Mercer 204.0Doubles 113 25.0 Stanford 45.0Triples 225 1.0 Arizona 11.0Home Runs 94 7.0 Mercer 26.0Slugging % 69 0.413 Buffalo 0.606SB/Game 8 2.46 Auburn 2.94Stolen Bases 13 32.0 Auburn 50.0Base on Balls 44 71.0 New Mexico St. 108.0Hit by Pitch 165 13.0 Delaware St. 39.0Sacrifice Flies 52 8.0 Florida 16.0ERA 87 3.6 Texas St. 1.5K/9 9 9.0 Kentucky 10.2WL Pct 122 0.538 Kentucky 1.0

*292 Teams Ranked

Indy National Rankings as of (3/1/12)

Category Player (Rank) Actual Batting Average Mike Martinez (8) .486 Runs T.J. Shantz (102) 16Slugging % Mike Martinez (135) .622On Base % Mike Martinez (15) .563 Nathan Burns (81) .508Stolen Bases Roche Woodard (133) 5Walks Nathan Burns (33) 14Wins R.J. Fondon (30) 3Saves Michael Gomez (43) 3K/9 Mason McVay (125) 9.79 Mike Ellis (245) 8.42Strikeouts R.J. Fondon (159) 22 Mason McVay (190) 21Games Started R.J. Fondon (15) 4 Mason McVay (15) 4

*500 Players Ranked

FIU Baseball in the RankingsDate BA ESPN PG CBN NCBWA CB360PRE NR NR 36 39 RV 382/20 NR NR 44 NR RV 472/27 NR NR NR NR RV 473/5 NR NR NR NR RV NR3/12 NR NR NR NR RV NR

KeyBA - Baseball America PG - Perfect GameCBN - College Baseball NewspaperNCBWA - Collegiate Baseball WritersCB360 - College Baseball 360

7We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

A DI Regional A

ppearances2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU ttt

HOME RUN TRACKER No. Player (#) Pitcher, Schl. RBI/Inn.1. J. Henry (1) Tyler Duffey, Rice 2/9th 2. I. Leon (2) Hunter Scantling, FSU 1/8th3 A. Kirsch (1) Will Marcal, Brown 1/7th4. T.J. Shantz (1) Kevin Carlow, Brown 1/1st5. A. Kirsch (2) Taylor Lasko, BC 4/1st6. T.J. Shantz (2) Mike West, BC 1/8th7. N. Burns (1) Jordan Grangard, Fordham 2/8th8. A. Garcia (1) Tyler Moore, UNF 1/8th

HOME RUNS BY INNING 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Tot 2 - - - - - 1 4 1 - 8

2012 Sun Belt Honor RollPLAYER OF THE WEEK ARCHIVEF20 - Alex Hudak, FAUF27 - Chase Compton, ULM3 - Sean Bignall, UALR M12 - Sean Bignall, UALRPITCHER OF THE WEEK ARCHIVEF20 - Ryan Garton, FAU F27 - Hunter Adkins, MTSU M3 - Randy Zeigler, ULM M12 - Randy Zeigler, ULM2012 FIU NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

2012 All-Sun Belt Team Preseason Team2012 All-Sun Belt First TeamSP - Tyler Ray (Troy, Senior)SP - Justin Hageman (WKU, Sophomore)SP - Tanner Perkins (WKU, Junior)RP - Hugh Adams (Florida Atlantic, Senior)RP - Mason McVay (FIU, RS-Junior)C - Mike Albaladejo (Florida Atlantic, Senior)1B - Mike Martinez (FIU, Senior)2B - Caleb Clowers (Louisiana, Senior)2B - Logan Kirkland (South Alabama, Sophomore)SS - Tyler Hannah (Troy, Senior)3B - Hank LaRue (Middle Tennessee, Sophomore)OF - Alex Hudak (Florida Atlantic, Senior)OF - Pablo Bermudez (FIU, Senior)OF - Justin Guidry (Middle Tennessee, Senior)DH - Rudy Flores (FIU, Junior)

2012 Preseason Player of the YearPablo Bermudez, FIU 2012 Preseason Pitcher of the YearTyler Ray, Troy

2012 Sun Belt Coaches Poll1. FIU (4) - 93 pts1. Troy (4) - 93 pts3. Louisiana-Lafayette (1) - 74 pts4. Florida Atlantic - 60 pts4. Western Kentucky - 60 pts6. South Alabama - 56 pts7. Arkansas State - 36 pts8. Middle Tennessee - 31 pts9. Louisiana-Monroe (1) - 26 pts10. UALR - 21 pts

Mason McVay - 2012 SBC Preseason All-Conference

Rudy Flores - 2012 SBC Preseason All-Conference

Mike Martinez - 2012 SBC Preseason All-Conference

Pablo Bermudez - 2012 SBC Preseason Player of the Year

8We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

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suuu 2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU

2012 Roster

FIU Coaching Staff Head Coach: 17 Turtle Thomas - Fifth Season (High Point, ‘75)Assistant Coach: 18 Drew French - First Season (Concordia, ‘06)Assistant Coach: 7 Frank Damas - Fourth Season (St. Thomas, ‘07)Vol. Asst. Coach: 35 Scott Pittenger - Second Season (Northwestern St., ‘06)

Pronunciation GuideNo. Name Pronunciation 1 Jose Lazaro la-ZAR-o4 David Vazquez vaz-KEZ8 Oscar Aguirre a-GEAR-EE10 Adam Kirsch KERSH12 Pablo Bermudez bur-MEW-dez13 Iosmel Leon EE-o-smell LAY-oon14 Jabari Henry ja-BAR-ee16 Roche Woodard RO-shay19 R.J. Fondon FAUN-done20 Anthony Coletti co-LET-tee22 John Costa COST-ah24 Aramis Garcia air-AH-miss26 Christian Malbrough MALL-bro27 Mason McVay MAY-son30 D.J. Swatscheno SWA-chen-o31 Albert Cardenas car-DAY-nas33 Justin Cromartie crow-MAR-tee37 Randy Boza BO-zah38 Charles Cormier kor-ME-ay39 Eddy Pidermann peter-MIN41 Jeremy Bajdaun BAG-down42 Ryne Morozowski RINE moore-o-ZOW-ski45 John Caballero ka-ba-YAIR-o

Mason McVay - LHPMichael Ellis - RHPR.J. Fondon - LHP Eddy Pidermann - RHPLogan Dodds - RHPJose Lazaro - RHP

Adam KirschMike Martinez

T.J. Shantz David Vazquez

Julius Gaines Jeremy Bajdaun

Mike MartinezDavid Vazquez

Aramis Garcia Iosmel LeonOscar Aguirre

Pablo BermudezRoche Woodard

Jabari Henry Roche Woodard

Nate Burns Jabari Henry

BullpenD.J. Swatscheno - LHP (CL)Michael Gomez - LHP (CL)John Costa - RHP (SU)Albert Cardenas - RHP (SU) Christian Malbrough - RHP (MI) Eddy Pidermann - RHP (MI) John Caballero - RHP (MI) Logan Dodds - RHP (LR) Mike Ellis - RHP (LR) Jose Lazaro - RHP (LR)

DHOscar AguirreAdam KirschMike Martinez

Projected Starting Defense

No.Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Class Hometown/Previous School(s)8 Aguirre, Oscar UTL S/R 6-2 210 Fr. Sunny Isles, Fla. (South Dade Senior HS)41 Bajdaun, Jeremy INF R/R 6-0 180 So. Hialeah, Fla. (Mater Academy HS)36 Benedict, Dylan RHP R/R 6-2 185 Fr. St. Petersburg, Fla. (St. Petersburg HS)12 Bermudez, Pablo OF R/R 6-0 180 Jr. Miami Shores, Fla. (Miami Springs HS)37 Boza, Randy RHP R/R 6-1 200 Fr. Miami , Fla. (Gulliver Prep HS)6 Burns, Nate OF L/L 6-4 200 Jr. North Richland Hills, Texas (Howard College) (Richland HS)45 Caballero, John RHP R/R 6-5 200 So. Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian HS)31 Cardenas, Albert RHP R/R 5-9 185 So. Naples, FLA (Palmetto Ridge HS)20 Coletti, Anthony LHP L/L 6-2 195 Jr. Hollywood, Fla. (Palm Beach State) (South Broward HS)28 Cormier, Charles LHP L/L 5-10 170 Fr. Miramar, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)22 Costa, John RHP R/R 6-2 175 Fr. Lake Worth, Fla. (Summit Christian HS)33 Cromartie, Justin LHP L/L 6-5 210 Jr. Mandeville, La. (Univ. of NO) (Northlake Christian HS)34 Dodds, Logan RHP R/R 6-2 215 RJr. Miami, FLA (Nova) (Westminster Christian HS)25 Ellis, Michael RHP L/R 6-1 180 Fr. Surrey, BC (Fleetwood Park Secondary HS)19 Fondon, R.J. LHP L/L 6-2 190 Jr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Flanagan HS)2 Gaines, Julius SS R/R 6-0 160 Fr. McDonough, Ga. (Luella HS)24 Garcia, Aramis C R/R 6-2 200 Fr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Pines Charter HS)9 Gomez, Michael LHP L/L 6-2 195 Jr. Miami, Fla. (Miade Dade) (G. Holmes Braddock HS)14 Henry, Jabari OF R/R 6-1 200 So. Orlando, Fla. (Olympia HS)10 Krisch, Adam INF R/R 6-0 205 Jr. Spring, Texas (North Central Texas College) (Spring HS)1 Lazaro, Jose RHP R/R 6-0 175 Fr. Guaynabo P.R. (North Broward Prep HS)13 Leon, Iosmel C L/R 5-10 200 Jr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Dade College) (Southwest HS)26 Malbrough, Christian RHP R/R 6-3 190 Jr. Bourg, La. (Copiah-Lincoln CC ) (Vanderbilt Catholic HS)40 Martinez, Mike OF/1B R/R 6-1 200 Jr. Miami, Fla. (Killian HS)32 May, Chris C R/R 5-11 200 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. (Loyola University) (The Dunham HS)27 McVay, Mason LHP R/L 6-7 230 RSo. Miami, Fla. (Killian HS)29 Morozowski, Ryne C R/R 6’2 230 RSo. Pembroke Pines, Fla (Ventura CC)(Archbishop McCarthy HS)39 Pindermann, Eddy RHP R/R 5-11 175 RFr. Miami Lakes, Fla. (Barry University) (Pace HS)5 Shantz, Tyler James INF/OF R/R 5-11 190 So. Greenwood Village, Colo. (Cherry Creek HS)30 Swatscheno, D.J. LHP L/L 6’3 200 Jr. Pembroke Pines, Fla. (Univ. of Miami)(Flanagan HS)4 Vazquez, David INF/OF R/R 5-10 180 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Archbishop McCarthy HS)16 Woodard, Roche OF R/R 5-8 170 Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Hillsborough HS)

No.Name Pos1 Jose Lazaro RHP2 Julius Gaines SS4 David Vazquez INF5 T.J. Shantz INF6 Nate Burns OF8 Oscar Aguirre UTL9 Mike Gomez LHP10 Adam Kirsch INF12 Pablo Bermudez CF13 Iosmel Leon C14 Jabari Henry OF16 Roche Woodard OF19 R.J. Fondon LHP20 Anthony Coletti LHP22 John Costa RHP24 Aramis Garcia C25 Michael Ellis RHP26 Christian Malbrough RHP 27 Mason McVay LHP29 Ryne Morozowski C30 D.J. Swatcheno LHP31 Albert Cardenas RHP32 Chris May C33 Justin Cromartie LHP34 Logan Dodds RHP36 Dylan Benedict RHP37 Randy Boza RHP38 Charles Cormier LHP39 Eddie Pinderman RHP40 Mike Martinez INF41 Jeremy Bajdaun INF45 John Caballero RHP

9We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

A DI Regional A

ppearances2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU ttt

Roster Breakdown Returning Starters - 8

Pitchers - 3 Class 2011 StatisticsR.J. Fondon, LHP Sr. 6-6, 3.05 ERA, 55 K, 27 BB, 97.1 IPLogan Dodds, RHP rSr. 2-0, 4.73 ERA, 26 K, 16 BB, 32.1 IPMichael Ellis, RHP So. 0-2, 6/75 ERA, 7 K, 9 BB, 12.0 IP

Position Players - 8 Class 2011 Statistics Mike Martinez, INF Sr. .294, 73 H, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 47 R, 60 GSPablo Bermudez, CF Sr. .373, 87 H, 5 HR, 63 R, 17 SB, 51 BBJabari Henry, OF Jr.. .241, 47 H, 10 HR, 42 R, 34 RBI, 9 SB Rudy Flores, INF Jr.. .291, 67 H, 8 HR, 36 R, 52 RBI, 21 2B T.J. Shantz, INF Jr.. .286, 66 H, 5 HR, 37 R, 34 RBI, 59 GS

Newcomers - 13Name Class Ht. Wt. Hometown Oscar Aguirre, UTL Fr. 6-2 210 Sunny Isles, Fla.Dylan Benedict, RHP Fr. 6-2 185 St. Petersburg, Fla.Nathan Burns, OF Jr. 6-4 200 N. Richland Hills, TexasAnthony Coletti, LHP Jr. 6-2 195 Hollywood, Fla.Charles Cormier, LHP Fr. 5-10 170 Miramar, Fla.John Costa, RHP Fr. 6-2 175 Lake Worth, Fla.Julius Gaines, SS Fr. 6-0 160 McDonough, Ga.Aramis Garcia, C Fr. 6-2 200 Pembroke Pines, Fla.Michael Gomez, LHP Jr. 6-2 195 Miami, Fla.Adam Kirsch, INF Jr. 6-0 215 Spring, TexasJose Lazaro, RHP Fr. 6-0 175 Guaynabo, P.R.Chris May, C Jr. 5-11 200 Baton Rouge, Fla.Roche Woodard, OF Fr. 5-8 170 Tampa, Fla.

Players Lost - 13Name ‘11 Class 2011 Statistics Jeremy Patton, INF rJr. .359, 85 H, 7 HR, 54 R, 53 RBIGarrett Wittels, INF Jr. .345, 88 H, 4 HR, 49 R, 40 RBIYoandy Barroso, OF Sr. .335, 62 H, 2 HR, 42 R, 31 RBIJose Behar, C Sr. .330, 61 H, 5 HR, 30 R, 31 RBISergio Perez, INF/OF Fr. .500, 1 H, 3 R, 7 GPJoel Capote, OF Jr. .288, 23 H, 17 R, 10 RBI, 13 SBPhil Haig, LHP Jr. 9-4, 3.44, 16 GS, 99.1 IP, 72 KKyle Fitzpatrick, RHP Jr. 7-2, 2.83 ERA, 53 K, 23 BB, 60.1 IPDanny DeSimone, RHP Sr. 5-2, 4.24, 13 GS, 2 CG, 70.0 IP, 48 KJose Velazquez, RHP Sr. 2-0, 2.06, 34 APP, 1 SV, 52.1 IP, 53 KBryam Garcia, RHP Sr. 3-0, 3.26, 28 APP, 4 SV, 30.1 IP, 40 KAndre Vazquez, RHP Jr. 0-0, 4.50, 3 APP, 2.0 IP, 1 KAaron Arboleya, RHP Jr. 3-1, 5.89, 15 APP, 18.1 IP, 15 K

Returning Production Percentage 2011 % ReturningStatistic Total Returning Lost in 2010Runs 435 240 195 55.2%Hits 684 364 320 53.2%Doubles 140 73 67 52.1%Home Runs 64 45 19 70.3%RBI 396 231 165 58.3%Stolen Bases 76 36 40 47.4 %Wins 40 10 30 25.0%Innings Pitched 545.0 211.1 333.2 49.7%Strikeouts 458 175 283 38.2%

Top Returners From 2011Category Statistic PlayerBatting Average .373 Pablo BermudezGames Started 60 Mike MartinezAt-bats 248 Mike MartinezRuns 63 Pablo BermudezHits 87 Pablo BermudezDoubles 21 Rudy FloresTriples 2 Pablo BermudezHome Runs 15 Mike MartinezRBI 60 Mike MartinezTotal Bases 134 Mike MartinezSlugging Pct. .540 Mike MartinezWalks 51 Pablo BermudezOn-Base Pct. .488 Pablo BermudezStolen Bases 17 Pablo BermudezERA 3.05 R.J. FondonWins 6 R.J. FondonAppearances 27 Mason McVaySaves 0 N/AInnings Pitched 97.1 R.J. FondonStrikeouts 55 R.J. Fondon

Canada (1)Michael Ellis Surrey, BC

Colorado (1)T.J. Shantz Greenwood VIllage

Florida (20)Oscar Aguirre Sunny IslesDylan Benedict St. PetersburgPablo Bermudez Miami ShoresRandy Boza MiamiAnthony Coletti HollywoodCharles Cormier MiramarJohn Costa Lake WorthJohn Caballero MiamiAlberto Cardenas NaplesLogan Dodds MiamiR.J. Fondon Pembroke PinesAramis Garcia Pembroke PinesMichael Gomez MiamiJabari Henry OrlandoIsomel Leon MiamiMike Martinez MiamiMason McVay MiamiEddy Pinderman Miami LakesDavid Vazquez MiamiRoche Woodard Tampa

Georgia (1)Julius Gaines McDonough

Louisiana (3)Justin Cromartie MandevilleChristian Malbrough BourgChris May Baton Rouge

Puerto Rico (1)Jose Lazaro Guaynabo

Texas (2)Nate Burns N. Richland HillsAdam Kirsch Spring

Roster Breakdown By State/Country

10We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

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FIU began a new era on June 14, 2007 with the hiring of arguably the top assistant coach and recruiter in all of college baseball. It was a day more than three decades in the making for a man who honed his skills at some of college baseball’s elite programs, bringing them 19-consecutive top-10 recruiting classes, 14 College World Series appearances and two national championships.

It was a day Henry “Turtle” Thomas patiently waited for and rightfully earned.

“After 30 years of coaching college baseball, I’m very excited to lead the

FIU baseball program,” Thomas said. “I’m very appreciative of (Former FIU) President Mitch Maidique and Athletic Director Pete Garcia, that those two gentlemen have given me this opportunity. We look forward to making the FIU community excited about baseball again and we’re looking forward to the challenge.” The FIU community couldn’t be more excited as Thomas enters his fifth season at the helm of the Panther’s baseball team coming off a 40-20-1 record in 2011. FIU went 20-9-1 in the Sun Belt action while reaching the NCAA Regionals for the second-straight season. FIU’s 40 wins was the most since the Panthers won 41 in 2002. The 20 conference wins are the most ever in the Panthers 13 + seasons in the conference. Thomas has increased his teams win total in each of his four seasons, doubling his total of 20 wins in 2008. His team hit a conference best .373 while also leading the Sun Belt in a total of 10 offensive categories. His pitching staff led the conference with a 3.68 ERA while also leading the Sun Belt with 458 strikeouts and 13 runners picked off. The awards kept pouring in for his players as junior outfielder Pablo Bermudez won SBC Player of the Year, the second-consecutive FIU player to win the award. Four players, including Bermudez, were named all-conference and ABCA All-South Central Region.

In 2010, Thomas led FIU to its first Sun Belt Conference championship since 1999 and its first NCAA Regional appearance since 2002, his first as a head coach. Thomas’ squad hit a conference leading .337 in 2010, good enough for 16th in the country. He also mentored All-American infielder Garrett Wittels who improved his batting average a whopping .166 points from .246 his freshman year to .412 as a sophomore. Wittels gained notoriety his sophomore season for hitting in an incredible 56-stragiht games, the second-longest hitting streak in Division I baseball history behind former Major Leaguer, Robin Ventura, who hit safely in 58-straight games in 1988. Wittels went on to win SBC Player of the Year, was named to numerous All-American teams and was even nominated for an ESPY award for Best Male Collegiate Athlete.

In his first semester overseeing the program, 19 players earned a 3.0 grade-point average or better, including four on the Dean’s List. The effort and work ethic Thomas helped instill on the field was transferred to the classroom, resulting in a combined team GPA of 3.04, a first in the program’s history. Thomas’ first full recruiting class was ranked 15th in the nation by Perfect Game Crosschecker. Since his arrival, Thomas and his staff have made numerous improvements to the baseball stadium and its facilities. One of the biggest improvements to the stadium was a $75,000 project to pad the outfield wall and decorate it with decals honoring the four retired numbers in FIU Baseball history, including No. 15, which belonged to former MLB All-Star and three-time World Series Champion, Mike Lowell. Starting in 2011, FIU donned brand new infield grass and dirt, replacing the 37-year old playing surface along with a brand new, state of the art video board in left field. On the field, the product also improved over the first three seasons. As a team, the Panthers hit .305 in Turtle’s first season, .324 in his second and .337 in his third. From 2008 to 2009, Turtle’s club improved by 14 wins from 20 in 2008 to 34 in 2009, the biggest turnaround in the program’s storied history.

Jorge Castillo, who hit .367 with nine home runs and 58 RBI in 2008, became the first Panther to be drafted since Thomas’ arrival, when he was selected in the 26th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball First Year Player draft by the Chicago White Sox. Since then, six of Thomas’ players have been drafted, including, All-American Tyler Townsend, who was selected in the third round (85th pick) by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2009 draft. Tom Ebert (Red Sox, 19th round), Greg Waddel (Seattle Mariners, 39th round) and Ryan Mollica (New York Mets, 47th

round) were the other three. In 2010, pitchers Scott Rembisz and Jorge Marban signed pro contracts with the Florida Marlins and Texas Rangers, respectively. In 2011, Thomas had two players drafted, Jose Behar in the 30th round by the Florida Marlins and Jeremy Patton in the 38th round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Garrett Wittels (St. Louis Cardinals), Bryam Garcia (Atlanta Braves) and Yoandy Barroso (Chicago White Sox) also signed pro deals in the offseason.

Some of the most-successful programs in college baseball’s recent history grace Thomas’ resume, including Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, Louisiana State and his most recent stop, at 2007 CWS participant, Arizona State. “We are very fortunate to be able to hire a coach as talented as Turtle Thomas,” Garcia said. “He knows the game, he’s the best recruiter in the country and he knows South Florida. He will bring excitement and interest to FIU baseball. The journey to Omaha begins today.” It’s a journey that Thomas has made on 14 occasions at four different schools. He has coached in more College World Series than any active head coach.

Thomas’ goals for FIU are twofold: to get the community involved and to win, on the field and in the classroom. Simple tasks, you ask? No. But the untiring work ethic that belies his placid demeanor assures that he will accomplish his goals. He is committed to getting the job done.

Head Coach Henry “Turtle” Thomas

Henry “Turtle” ThomasCoaching Experience2007 - Present FIU - Head Coach (138-111-1) - 2010 SBC Tournament Champions - ‘10, ‘11 NCAA Regional Appearance - ‘10 team ranked 16th in NCAA in avg. (.337) - Five All-Americans, 2 SBC POY and FOY2007 ASU - Asst. Coach/Recruiting Coord. - College World Series Appearance - 2nd in NCAA in scoring (9.4 runs/gm), - 3rd in slugging (.531) and avg (.345)2000-2006 LSU - Asst. Coach/Recruiting Coord. - 2000 National Champions - Three CWS Appearances (2000, 2003, 2004) - Led SEC (H, R, RBI) RBI (4-of-7 seasons) - SEC record for hits and doubles in 2000 - School record .340 avg in 20001988-1999 UM (Fla.) - Asst. Coach/ Recruiting Coord. - 1999 National Champions - Nine CWS Appearances (1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999)1986-1987 GT - Asst. Coach/Recruiting Coord.1978-1985 Clemson - Assistant Head Coach - 1980 College World Series Appearance1977 T. Wingate Andrews HS - Asst. Coach1974-1978 High Point American Legion - Asst. Coach

Active Head Coachs in the College World SeriesCoach School Asst. Coach HC TotalTurtle Thomas FIU 14 0 14Mark Marques Stanford 0 14 14Augie Garrido Texas 0 14 14Mike Martin FSU 0 13 13Gene Stephenson Wichita St. 5 7 12Jim Morris Miami 0 10 10Ron Polk Miss. St. 1 8 9Gorge Horton Oregon 3 6 9

11We are FIU. In all references, please refer to us as FIU. Not Florida International. Thank you.

‘91, ‘95, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘00, ‘01, ‘02, ‘10, ‘11 NCA

A DI Regional A

ppearances2012 FIU Baseball Game Notes - March 16-18 vs. FAU ttt

Head Coach Henry “Turtle” Thomas

He opened the doors of FIU Baseball Stadium on January 18 for the Tamiami Park Little League Opening Ceremonies and addressed thousands of kids on the 128 teams, and their parents, inviting them to become a part of the FIU Baseball Family.

“FIU is hiring the hardest-working coach I’ve ever been around,” former Arizona State Head Coach Pat Murphy said. “He’s relentless and he’s a good person. He is a legend in college baseball for his recruiting efforts and great coaching at winning programs. Everything Turtle Thomas is around turns to gold. I feel FIU will be as good a program as they’ve ever been with him there, and will reach new heights.”

Thomas played a major role in the Sun Devils’ success in the 2007 season, helping lead the team to a No. 3 National

Ranking. The Sun Devils ended the season with the nation’s third-best team batting average (.345) and slugging percentage (.531), and ranked second in scoring (9.4/game). ASU also led the country in fielding percentage (.979). Prior to helping ASU return to Omaha, Thomas served as recruiting coordinator and hitting coach at LSU from 2000-06, winning a national title with the Tigers his first year on the job. “Pete Garcia has made a great choice in Turtle Thomas,” legendary college baseball coach and current LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman said. “He is tremendous as a one-on-one coach. It can’t be a coincidence that Turtle left a championship program like Miami and came to LSU the

next year and helped us win a championship. Turtle will be a

winner. There is no doubt about that.”

The Tigers went to the CWS two more times during Thomas’ tenure (2003 and 2004) and he oversaw impressive offensive and individual performances.

Catcher Brad Cresse led the nation in home runs (30) and RBI (106) on his way to winning the Johnny Bench Award in 2000. That same year, Mike Fontenot was named SEC Freshman of the Year, helping LSU set SEC records for hits and doubles, and a school-record .340 batting average. Shortstop Aaron Hill was named the 2003 SEC Player of the Year and outfielder Jon Zeringue won the honor the following season.

In 2004, LSU led the SEC in seven offensive categories, including average (.333) and on-base percentage (.400). Overall, LSU led the SEC in hits, runs and RBI in four of Thomas’ seven years in Baton Rouge. In 1988 he was named assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Miami by Hall of Fame coach Ron Fraser. The Hurricanes reached the CWS nine times in Thomas’ 12 years in Coral Gables, winning a National Championship in 1999, and going to Omaha six-straight seasons (1994-99). From 1996-98, UM posted a collective .334 batting average, .557 slugging percentage and scored more than nine runs per game. The 1996 Hurricanes set a school record with a team batting average of .343. “You have a great guy in Turtle Thomas,” said the legendary Fraser. “He can recruit and he knows where to find the best guys. He can coach and he is such a hard worker. This is great for FIU and they are lucky to have him. He helped our program at Miami so much when he was there.” Thomas began his Division I coaching career at Clemson, where he spent eight seasons and helped the Tigers reach the 1980 CWS. He moved on to Georgia Tech and spent two years as the assistant head coach under current Miami head coach Jim Morris before heading to

Coral Gables. While his experience and expertise as a coach are impressive, Thomas’ skills as a recruiter are unmatched. He had 19-straight recruiting classes ranked among Collegiate Baseball’s Top 10 at Miami and LSU. He was the only recruiting coordinator in the nation who has signed the No. 1 rated class four times, and he has never had a class rated lower than ninth over the past 19 years. Thomas has also signed the second-rated class four times. Every class he signed at LSU ranked in the Top 6, including his 2004 class, which was considered the best in the country. The roll call of major leaguers Thomas recruited and coached numbers more than 60. The list includes Charles Johnson, Alex Fernandez, Pat Burrell, Danny Graves, Alex Cora, Aubrey Huff, Aaron Hill, Mike Fontenot, Jason Michaels and Brad Hawpe. He also signed MLB All-Stars Alex Rodriguez and Larry “Chipper” Jones to letters of intent to Miami. Both players were eventually drafted No. 1 overall. A 1975 graduate of High Point (N.C.) College, Thomas earned a master’s degree from UNC-Greensboro in 1978. He was a four-year letterman at catcher, playing two seasons at Campbell University before completing his final two undergraduate years at High Point.

Thomas is married to the former Maria Carmen Nateman, and they have three children, Kevin, Kristen and Keith.

TO THE SHOWThomas has brought in 19-straight top 10 recruiting classes at four dif-ferent schools. His eye for talent and prowess at developing that talent speaks for itself. Oftentimes it isn’t a matter of if his signees develop into talented pros but rather, when.

Below is a list of Major Leaguers Thomas coached at Miami and LSU: At LSU At MiamiMike Fontenot (SF Giants) Alex Cora (Texas Rangers)Aaron Hill (Toronto Blue Jays) Alex Fernandez (Retired)Ryan Jorgensen (Retired) Marlins, White Sox(Marlins, Reds, Twins) Bobby Hill (Chicago Cubs)Brian Tallet (Toronto Blue Jays) Charles Johnson Retired) Brian Wilson (SF Giants) Marlins, Orioles, Rockies,Roy Corcoran (Houston Astros) Dodgers, White Sox Brad Hawpe (Tampa Bay Rays) Pat Burrell (SF Giants) Trey Hodges (Retired) Jorge Fabregas (Retired)Braves Angels, W. Sox, DBacks,Todd Linden (Retired) Mets, Marlins, Braves, Giants, Marlins Royals, Brewers Ryan Theriot (LA Dodgers) Danny Graves (retired) Indians, Reds, Mets Aubrey Huff (SF Giants) Jason Michaels (Houston Astros)