2009 Faulkner Baseball Team
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For 2009 preseason and regular season stories and images visit the 2009 Program Notespage.
For stories and images from last season (2008) please visit the baseball season archive.
For a complete list of individual and team statistics click here.
McCarthy introduced as Faulkner head baseball coach
New head baseball coach Patrick McCarthy greets the local media at Wednesday's press conference
June 24
Patrick McCarthy was introduced today as Faulkner’s new head baseball coach to the local media and to the university’s faculty and staff at a press conference and reception on campus.
McCarthy comes to Faulkner after spending nine seasons – the last five as the head coach – at Freed-Hardeman University. He built the Lions’ program into a consistent winner in the TranSouth Conference. Prior to his taking over the program in 2005, Freed-Hardeman had finished last in the conference five straight seasons. In his five years as head coach, the Lions posted a 158-108 record and have been nationally ranked on numerous occasions.
McCarthy, 32, replaces Brent Barker, who stepped away from the Eagles’ baseball program after a very successful run to become Faulkner’s full-time athletic director.
McCarthy makes a reference to Athletic Director and former head baseball coach Brent Barker
“I’m just real excited for the chance to try and build on what coach Barker has done the past few years,’’ McCarthy said. “I like the challenge that we’re playing in one of the toughest conferences in the country. If you can win in our conference, you can compete nationally. It’s a blessing from God that I get to continue working for a Christian University where the norm is to hold kids to a higher standard and doing the right thing is expected, just like it was at Freed-Hardeman.”
Faulkner competes in the Southern States Athletic Conference, which sent three teams to the 10-team NAIA World Series this past season. The Eagles finished fifth in the league in 2009.
Barker, who has spent a total of seven years as Faulkner’s head baseball coach, is excited about McCarthy’s presence on campus.
“There is no question that Patrick is a great addition to the Faulkner athletics family,’’ Barker said. “He has a wonderful baseball background. And he has a wonderful family. I think it’s just a perfect fit. I also think he’ll be very successful with our baseball program.’’
After spending two seasons at Florida Community College, McCarthy completed his collegiate playing career at Freed-Hardeman as a catcher. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from FHU in 1999 and later completed his master’s degree in social science at Mississippi College in 2002. He was hired as an assistant at Freed-Hardeman in 2001.
“My nine years at Freed have been phenomenal,” McCarthy said. “I wasn’t looking for a job. We loved it there. I’ve coached against Faulkner several times and I was always impressed with any interaction I had with the athletic department and teams. When an email came across my desk about this job, I was interested in looking into it. The first day I was on the Faulkner campus I was so impressed with everything. I really felt like God was leading me here.”
McCarthy will hit the ground running, and over the next few weeks will constantly be traveling back and forth from Henderson, Tenn., to Montgomery in an effort to get a better feel for the Eagles’ program before his family makes the move late next month.
“I’m in the process now of building relationships and trust with our returning players,’’ said McCarthy, who has already met with a number of Faulkner student-athletes. “I’ll be traveling back and forth a lot during the transition this summer. I’m gonna be spending a lot of time this checking on our players’ academic standing, and making sure they’re on the right track.
“We’re just very excited to be here. And we look forward to doing some great things with this baseball program, both on and off the field.’’
McCarthy and his wife Katie Beth have two sons – Miller, age 6, and Andre, 5.
Faulkner's Adams selected in fifth round of MLB draft
Austin Adams drafted in fifth round by the Cleveland Indians
June 10
Faulkner University’s Austin Adams was selected as the 14th pick in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft on Wednesday afternoon. The Cleveland Indians, with the 155th overall selection, drafted the senior pitcher from Millbrook, Ala.
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Adams in the 27th round of last year’s draft as a shortstop. When asked about his decision to return to Faulkner for his senior year, both Adams and former head coach, Brent Barker, agreed that it was the best move.
Adams unloads against a conference opponent in the 2009 sason
“Returning for my final year allowed me to increase my strength in the weight room and to mature a bit more on the field,” Adams said. “Last year I was mostly fielding and this year I got to throw a lot more, which really helped.”
“It was obviously the right decision,” Barker added. “It was difficult to tell it at the time, but by focusing on his pitching he increased his draft status significantly. It gave him the opportunity to show the scouts what he was really capable of.”
Familiar Form; Adams was a constant threat for the Eagles at the plate
The right-hander was predominantly used as a closer in the 2008 season and led the nation in saves last year with 12. This season Adams transitioned into a starting roll on the mound, which gave him the opportunity to face more hitters and work with a wider selection of pitches.
Adams with Harrison Field lights - 2008 promotional shoot
Adams gained the attention of scouts steadily over the last few years. He’s an all around player with fastballs that top out at more than 98 mph and a batting average that rests just shy .400. Adams was 5-2 on the year as a pitcher with 42 strikeouts and a 5.83 ERA. He also led the Eagles with 51 RBIs and ranked second on the team with 14 home runs and 12 doubles.
Adams turns a double play from second
Adams in his element
Adams also commented on how playing at Faulkner helped him become a better player. "I had the chance to play in every game since my freshman year," Adams recalled. "Playing that often gave me the opportunity to correct my mistakes and grow into a stronger athlete."
“We’re all very excited for him,” said Barker. “He’s a great kid with a great family and I know everyone is really proud. It’s a great day for Faulkner and for NAIA baseball. I hope to see him on TV soon, I can’t wait to watch him play.”
“Everyone’s really excited,” said Adams. “I’ve had 30 phone calls and tons of text messages from friends and family already.”
Adams with his teammates after hitting a walk-off home run
Adams was able to share the moment with former teammate Joseph Sanders. The two played together at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, Ala. Sanders most recently played third base for Auburn University and was selected by the Colorado Rockies just four spots ahead of Adams.
“I’m ready,” Adams added. “This is a dream come true.”
Former Eagle faces MLB titan
Brent DeFoor in action against Berry College in 2008
June 2
Former Faulkner pitcher Brent DeFoor faced Manny Ramirez, one of the major league's most prolific hitters, Monday afternoon. Ramirez is on a 50-game suspension from the majors and is currently spending that time in their minor league organization. DeFoor forced a ground out to third base and picked up a save in the win.
DeFoor is with the Chicago White Sox organization and is currently rehabbing a hand injury while conducting spring training in Arizona. He will go to a high A ball club in the Carolina league when he completes his training out west.
DeFoor was signed as a free agent with the Sox in June of last year.
Leslie, Adams named to All-American teams
May 29
Senior outfielder Kevin Leslie from Stone Mountain, Ga., was named an NAIA second team All-American for the second straight season. Teammate Austin Adams, a senior shortstop and pitcher from Millbrook, Ala., was listed as an All-American Honorable Mention.
Kevin Leslie
Leslie finished the season batting .469 with 44 RBIs, 19 doubles and 14 home runs. Adams hit .389 with 51 RBIs, 14 home runs and 12 doubles. Adams was also influential from the mound going 5-2 on the year with 42 strikeouts and a 5.83 ERA. The pair also received first team all-conference honors.
Austin Adams
Leslie and Adams were selected in last year's major league draft (50th and 27th rounds respectively), but chose to return to Faulkner for their senior seasons.
