UVA baseball recruiting class ranked second nationally

The UVA baseball 2014-15 recruiting class has been tabbed second nationally by Baseball America, marking the best recruiting ranking in program history. The previous best was an eighth-place ranking by Baseball America in 2005 and 2011.

Baseball America’s recruiting class rankings are based on many conversations with college coaches and pro scouts across the country. Along with extensive research, Baseball America looks at its individual player rankings among the BA 500 for the 2014 draft. The rankings do not consider transfers from four-year schools, except graduate transfers who are immediately eligible.

Virginia’s incoming freshman class is comprised of 13 student-athletes. Three were selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft: right-hander Derek Casey (Mechanicsville, Va.) was a 22nd-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals, first baseman/pitcher Pavin Smith (Jupiter, Fla.) was a 32nd-round selection of the Colorado Rockies and right-hander Tommy Doyle (Vienna, Va.) was a 35th-round draftee of the Washington Nationals.

In addition to the drafted newcomers, Virginia’s loaded class includes infielder Ernie Clement (Rochester, N.Y.), infielder Charlie Cody (Chesapeake, Va.), left-handed pitcher Riley Cummins (Vienna, Va.), infielder Jack Gerstenmaier (Richmond, Va.), left-handed pitcher/outfielder Adam Haseley (Windermere, Fla.), outfielder Christian Lowry (Chesapeake, Va.), infielder/catcher Justin Novak (Tokyo, Japan), right-handed pitcher Mark Ostbye (Haddonfield, N.J.), left-handed pitcher Bennett Sousa (North Palm Beach, Fla.) and left-handed pitcher Riley Wilson (Midlothian, Va.).

Coming off an NCAA runner-up finish in 2014, the coaching staff of head coach Brian O’Connor, associate head coach Kevin McMullan and assistant coach Karl Kuhn now are in their 12th year together with the UVa program. Virginia has racked up 514 wins during the previous 11 seasons, including an NCAA-best 298 victories over the last six seasons as UVa has made three appearances in the College World Series.

Virginia concluded its fall season on Sunday (Oct. 19). The Cavaliers open their 2015 season on Feb. 13 with a three-game series at East Carolina. The Cavaliers’ home opener is Feb. 17 against VCU.

1. Louisiana State

2. Virginia

3. Florida

4. Arkansas

5. South Carolina

6. North Carolina

7. UCLA

8. Stanford

9. Oregon State

10. Florida State