University of Georgia Athletics

Diamond Dogs Announce First Three Signees of Early Period

November 13, 2003 | Baseball

Nov. 13, 2003

ATHENS----- University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno announced Thursday the signing of three high school seniors to national letters-of-intent: pitcher/outfielder Joshua Fields of Hull, catcher/first baseman Tyler Flowers of Marietta and right-handed pitcher Stephen Dodson of Norcross.

Joshua Fields


Fields, a 6-0, 170-pound two-way star at Prince Avenue Christian School, went 10-1 on the mound and batted .632 with 18 home runs and 53 RBI as a junior for the Wolverines last season. The son of David and Lisa Fields, Joshua was named the Athens Banner-Herald Northeast Georgia Player of the Year. He recorded 114 strikeouts in 58.1 innings. Offensively, he posted a 1.566 slugging percentage and struck out just once in 98 at-bats. He helped PACS and coach Jason Davis to a 22-5 record and a spot in the Class A quarterfinals. This past summer, he played on the 2003 Junior Sunbelt Classic team as a member of Team Georgia and made the All-Tournament team as well as the Dixie National Team. He was ranked the number one prospect at the Team One South Showcase which featured more than 170 players.

"Years ago, I was a batboy for Georgia and even then I had dreams of playing at UGA," said Fields. "My father has worked on campus at UGA for as long as I can remember, so I grew up bleeding red and black."

"Joshua is a rare breed, a talented individual as a pitcher and offensive player," said Perno. "He will do both here for the Bulldogs. We're excited to have a two-way guy right here in our backyard and have a local player with his talent and exceptional character join our program."

Tyler Flowers


Flowers, a 6-4, 235-pound catcher/first baseman from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, batted a team-leading .496-6-41 and went 2-0 with a 1.97 ERA on the mound. The son of Dale and Kelly Flowers, Tyler helped the Titans and coach Andy Harlin to the Region 5-AA championship last season. A three-year selection as a team captain, he is a three-time All-County selection. He was a 2003 member of Team Georgia where he made the All-Tournament team and the Georgia Dugout Club All-Tournament squad.

"I am very excited and thankful to be given the opportunity to play on such an elite team," said Flowers. "I am ready to work hard to make a contribution to the success of the Bulldogs."

"Tyler is a baseball/football standout and very physical player," said Perno. "He will come in as a catcher but is athletic and versatile enough to be a corner infielder too. We're looking for him to hit for power in his career.

Stephen Dodson


Dodson, a 6-4, 185-pound pitcher from the Wesleyan School, went 7-3 with a 1.41 ERA last season including 84 strikeouts in 69.1 innings. He helped the Wolves and coach Skipper Gholston to a 20-10 mark and earned first team All-County honors. The son of David and Betsy Dodson, Stephen also batted .342 with four home runs and 25 RBI as a junior. He is a four-year starter on the basketball team too.

"I am excited about playing for Georgia, and I really like the coaching staff," said Dodson.

"Stephen has a very athletic frame who projects well," said Perno. "He has a tremendous upside and starting to come into his own. He will be a solid addition to our pitching staff.

The early signing period continues through next Wednesday, and the Bulldog are expected to sign around a dozen recruits for the 2004-05 season.


 
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