University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Announces First Three Baseball Signees
November 14, 2002 | Baseball
Nov. 14, 2002
ATHENS----- University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno announced Thursday the signing of Russ Mitchell, Matt Olson and Joey Side to a national letter-of-intent.
Mitchell, a two-sport standout at Cartersville High School, is a 6-0, 175-pound shortstop. Last season, he batted .509 with eight home runs and 39 RBI in leading coach Stuart Chester's squad to their second straight AA state title. The Hurricanes posted a 33-2 mark. As a sophomore, Mitchell hit .425-8-34. He is a two-time winner of the Best Defensive Player award and twice been named to the All-Area team. Russ, the son of Bobby and Lee Ann Mitchell, is the younger brother of current Bulldog junior third baseman Lee Mitchell. Also, Russ is the sports editor of the school newspaper.
| Signee Russ Mitchell. Russ is the younger brother of current Bulldog third baseman Lee Mitchell. |
"I've always wanted to go to the University of Georgia and play baseball, and I'm proud to be given that opportunity," said Mitchell. "I look forward to the many challenges that SEC baseball offers.
Olson, a 6-2, 195-pound outfielder out of LaGrange is one of the state's top hitters and key member of Donnie Branch's squad. Matt is the son of Mark and Sue Olson. Matt led the Grangers to the region 3A title and the elite eight in the playoffs while batting a team-best .475 with five home runs and 30 RBI. He earned the team's RBI and Slugger awards. As a sophomore, he batted a team-best .506-2-32 and set a school record for hits in a season with 43. Also, he earned an academic letter at LHS.
"Matt is a big-time left-handed hitter, and we know he can help fill our potential offensive void next season," said Perno. "He can be a middle-of-the-order hitter for us."
| Signee Matt Olson, out of LaGrange, GA. |
Side, a 6-1, 180-pound outfielder, is a two-sport standout for South Gwinnett High School. Last season, he batted .437 with six home runs and 38 RBI for the Comets and coach Roger Parham. They finished second in their region and advanced to the 8-AAAAA state playoffs. A two-time All-Region and All-County selection, Side is the son of Joe and Linda Side. He enjoyed a solid summer and was MVP of the Sun Belt Classic as a member of the Junior Team Georgia which won that tournament. As a sophomore, he batted .427-10-43, and as a freshman, he batted .361-7-23 for the region championship team.
| Signee Joey Side, who is expected to battle for a starting position in the outfield as a true freshman. |
"It's a dream come true to go to UGA and have the chance to play baseball and wear the red and black," said Side. "I will be proud to represent the Bulldogs."
Georgia is expected to sign approximately 11 student-athletes during the early signing period that began Wednesday.
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