Pearl River baseball adds switch-hitting slugger from Wake Forest
POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River’s baseball program made a big addition to its 2020 roster recently, adding switch-hitting infielder Michael Wein (Alpharetta, Ga.; King’s Ridge Christian).
Wein is a transfer from Wake Forest.
“The fact he transfers from an ACC program speaks for itself in regard to the ability he possesses,” Pearl River coach Michael Avalon said. “We’re excited to have him. He fills a big need that we have. We look forward to having him in the middle of our order and on the infield.”
Wein saw limited action for the Demon Deacons as a freshman in 2019, recording a double, two RBIs and two walks in nine games.
Wein signed with the Demon Deacons as a highly touted prepster. Perfect Game rated Wein as a Top 500 prospect and the No. 58 prospect from the talent-heavy state of Georgia. He batted .500 with 10 doubles, eight triples, six homers and 40 RBIs as a senior for King’s Ridge Christian, where he was coached by former MLB standout Dallas McPherson.
The Pearl River baseball team has added Wake Forest transfer Michael Wein. The newest Wildcat is a switching-hitting infielder who should be an all-around addition to the reigning Region XXIII Champions. (KRISTI HARRIS/PRCC ATHLETICS)
Wein, who comes from a baseball family where his father played at Spring Hill College, an uncle played at Concordia College and a cousin played at Mississippi College, ultimately chose Wake Forest over Notre Dame, Alabama, Liberty and College of Charleston, among others.
“I think one of the best compliments I can give him early on is he’s a legitimate switch hitter. That’s tough to find at this level. He’ll hit from both sides of the plate and has power,” Avalon said. “One of the things I’ve been most impressed with is he has a chance to be a pure hitter and hit for a high average.”
When Wein ultimately decided to leave the Demon Deacons, Pearl River reached out. The ensuing recruitment process was quick, Wein said.
“It was an easy choice for me,” he said.
The 6-foot-1 infielder has some lofty goals.
“I know they hit 90 home runs last year. Hopefully I can help with that and also help us get back to the promised land and the World Series,” he said. “I don’t want to sound like I’m cocky, but I want to help this team have a really good season and potentially get another offer to another four-year school or possibly get drafted.”
BUSY SUMMER
Wein competed in the New York Collegiate Baseball League this summer. Playing for the Mansfield Destroyers, Wein hit .268 with a .362 on-base percentage. He had seven doubles, one homer, 10 RBIs and scored 13 runs. Following the season, Wein was named the team’s “Most Improved” player as well as the “Energizer Bunny.”
FALL SCHEDULE
Pearl River has a busy fall ball season. In addition to four game dates against other programs, the fall will culminate with the annual Maroon and Gold World Series on Oct. 20-25.
PRCC hosts East Central at noon and Jones College at 6 p.m. on Friday; ECCC and JC play at 3 p.m.
The Wildcats then visit Smith Sills Stadium in Jackson on Oct. 2 to play Northeast at 10 a.m. and Delgado at 4 p.m.
PRCC plays at South Alabama on Oct. 13 against Dothan and Hinds; times have not been announced. Avalon’s squad visits Nicholls State on Oct. 17 to play Coastal Alabama and Bossier Parish; those times also have not been released.
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