[Sly Fox]

From a Suburban Chicago fishwrap:

Prepzone: PR grad drawn to Liberty

Even from almost 600 miles away, the pull of Liberty University was far too strong for Prairie Ridge catcher David Mittroff.

Mittroff, a two-year varsity starter who once served as the Flames’ batboy, committed to new coach Jim Toman two weeks ago. Mittroff is the first of several Wolves players on the 2008 team who might play at NCAA Division I schools to finalize his plans.

“I’m really familiar with Liberty; I’ve been there several times, and was pretty sure it would be the better place for me,” Mittroff said.

His father, David, started college at Liberty and played baseball with former Flames coach Matt Royer. David Sr. finished his career at D-III Bethel College, but remains very close to Royer.

Also, Melanie Mittroff, David Jr.’s sister, attended the Lynchburg, Va., school. David Jr. served as the Flames’ batboy during one visit to Liberty when he was about 11.

Mittroff’s final two choices were Liberty and Iowa. He will be on partial scholarship to start, with a chance of receiving more money as his career progresses.

“Coach Toman is a catching coach, so he’ll probably spend a lot of time with me,” Mittroff said. “I’m a catch-and-throw guy. They liked my pop times [throwing to second].”

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[PAmedic]

cool!

a Royer contact committing to Toman

kudos to him and his family for seeing the big picture

[Fumblerooskies]

I judge this one a good snag for Toman and staff...
...you can never have enough quality behind the dish.

[qkslvrsrfrboy]

this is great, my neck of the woods, we need more outreach in the chicago area.

[bigsmooth]

sounds like a good signee, and as medic said looking a the big picture is key.

[new flame]

Anybody able to find stats on him? I like the Liberty connection, I'd just like to see just how good he is.