LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV rising junior right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde will join the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team the school announced Monday.
"To be honest I am at a loss for words," Fedde said. "It has always been my dream of mine to represent the country and have the letters U-S-A across my chest. I am truly privileged and excited to play for the Collegiate National Team.
Fedde is the fourth student-athlete in school history, and only the second pitcher, to play for USA Baseball while still in school. He joins Ryan Ludwick (1998) and Matt Williams (1985) as the only other Rebels to play for the Collegiate National Team. Mel Stottlemyer Jr. was a pitcher on the 1984 Olympic team.
"This is great opportunity for Erick," UNLV baseball head coach Tim Chambers said. "I got a call from Team USA's head coach Jim Schlossnagle and he asked if Fedde could come pitch for the national team. Erick has had a great summer in the Cape Cod League and this is another chance for him to go up against great competition. It is also great for UNLV to have a current Rebel on the Collegiate National Team. His place on the roster will only help our program in the future."
Fedde led the Rebels last season with 83 strikeouts in 96.1 innings of work. He made 15 starts and sported a 7-3 record to go with a 3.92 ERA.
"This is huge for UNLV," Fedde said. "It helps our program get on the map a little bit and hopefully we can get some national exposure. It's also a great tool that the coaches can use in recruiting."
Fedde has spent the summer pitching for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He owns a 3-1 record to go with a 2.34 ERA and sits third in the CCBL with 26 strikeouts in 30.2 innings pitched.
"I am throwing extremely well and the people out here are great," Fedde said. "It has been an awesome overall experience playing in the Cape Cod League."
Fedde will join the USA Collegiate National Team on Tuesday in time for the team's game against the Metropolitan Collegiate Baseball League of Illinois All-Stars. Team USA is gearing up for its five-game series against the Cuban National Team, which will be played July 18-23.
UNLV Baseball Team USA Members
2013 - Erick Fedde
1999 - Rod Soesbe (Assistant Coach)
1998 - Ryan Ludwick
1985 - Matt Williams
1984 - Mel Stottlemyre (Olympics)
