August 1, 2007

BOONEVILLE, Miss.--Chase Porch, a former East Union High School standout pitcher/infielder who was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round of the 2006 Major League Draft, has decided to leave Meridian Community College after one season and is transferring to Northeast Mississippi Community College. Porch officially signed a letter of intent with NEMCC on Wednesday, August 1.

“This is a big day for Northeast baseball,” said Northeast head coach Kent Farris. “Chase can do so many things at different positions on the field. We are very fortunate that Chase decided he wanted to be a Tiger.”

Porch saw action on the mound in 14 games for the Meridian CC Eagles (41-15, 14-2) who were MACJC Central Division champs. The Braves’ draftee notched four wins and two losses with a 5.20 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched. Opponents batted .262 versus the right hander.

“One reason I chose to come to Northeast,” said Porch, the 2006 NEMCABB 1A/2A Player Of The Year, “is that my family will have less traveling to do in order to watch me play. The other thing is Coach Farris is going to give me a chance to try and earn a position in the infield this fall, as well as pitch.”

At Meridian CC, Porch mainly was used as a starting pitcher only experiencing seven plate appearances. The opportunity to compete for an infield position as well as pitch is what steered Porch towards Northeast.

“This fall we’re planning on giving him the opportunity to perform as a dual player, maybe at shortstop, third-base, and on the mound,” said Farris. “One of the things Chase talked about was competing for an infield position and we’re going to give him that chance.”

A 7-year starter for Coach Chris Basil at East Union H.S. (7th grade – 12th grade), Porch led the Urchins to the class 1A finals as a junior, and the class 2A north half finals as a senior. “He (Porch) is without a doubt a program changer,” said Basil. “He’s capable of putting it all on his back and carrying a program.”

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