For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 24, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

PADRON SIGNS WITH BRONCS

EDINBURG, TX-The University of Texas-Pan American's baseball team has signed its third recruit this spring, and its eighth recruit overall.

Outfielder Alfred Padron of Pasadena, Texas, Pasadena High School, Panola College and Alvin Community College will join the Broncs this fall. He will enter UTPA as a junior, with two years of eligibility.

Padron, who bats and throws righthanded, hit .353 at Alvin CC this spring. He had a .403 on-base percentage for the Dolphins, scored 25 runs and had six doubles. As a freshman, pardon hit .327 at Panola, with 10 stolen bases and 15 walks.

A four-year starter at Pasadena HS, Padron earned All-District honors. He was also a two-year starter at quarterback for the football team, and was the football team's Most Valuable Player.

"We're pleased to sign Al Padron, he's a good, solid player," said UTPA Head Coach Willie Gawlik. "He played in one of the best junior college conferences in the nation, he has good speed, and he can play any position in the outfield. He's a good, line-drive hitter who should hit around .300. He's a hard-nosed, aggressive player who will help us."

Padron joins pitcher Nick Gregory of Angelina Junior College and Mesquite, Texas, Philip Rodriguez of Edinburg North High School and Edinburg, Texas, Zach Smith of Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas, Ricky Glazier of Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas, Ryan Grimet of Pearland High School in Pearland, Texas, Brian Ballew of Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas, and Ryne Foster of Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, Texas in joining Texas-Pan American for next fall.

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