Jan. 8, 2008

Erie, Pa. - In the January issue of the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Mercyhurst pitcher Steve Grife was named one of the "Players to Watch" in the North Central Region entering the 2008 season.

Grife, a red-shirt sophomore, turned in a stellar rookie campaign for the Lakers. He finished the year as an All-GLIAC Honorable Mention selection after posting a 1.98 ERA and a 4-3 record.

The "Player to Watch" honor is generally reserved for players that emerged with impressive performances the prior season. The list was compiled by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) NCAA Division II Committee.

The Sheffield Lake, Ohio native made 14 appearances, but in four starts, he threw two complete games, including two shutouts. Grife struck out 37 while walking just 18, and opponents managed a .214 batting average against him.

Mercyhurst opens its 2008 campaign in Boca Raton, Fla., on Feb. 21 against Lynn University.