Jacket Baseball Adds Three Transfers (June 27, 2005)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings baseball coach Chris Brown announced Monday that he has signed three more transfers to national letters of intent.  Joining the Yellowjackets for their inaugural 2006 season will be Joe Ferguson of Robbins, Calif., Greg Ford of Wibaux, Mont., and Jake Samuelson of Helena, Mont.

Ferguson played for Brown at Bemidji State University for three years.  The 6-foot-4, 205-pound outfielder/pitcher redshirted his freshman year at Bemidji and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.  Ferguson graduated from Yuba City High School in 2002.

“We are happy to have Joe decide to transfer to MSU Billings,” said Brown.  “I have coached Joe the last three years and know that he will be a great addition to the Yellowjacket Baseball program.  He is a hard worker that has all the physical tools to be successful and is just starting to tap into his full potential.”

Ford is a 6-1, 190-pound right handed pitcher who played at North Dakota State in 2004.  The 2003 graduate of Wibaux County High School was an all-state performer in football and baseball.  He earned first team all-state honors in football after helping Wibaux to back-to-back state titles.  He played Legion baseball for the Glendive Blue Devils, leading them to a pair of state championships.  Ford was 11-1 with a 2.30 ERA as a senior.  He also batted .393 with 13 homers.  In 2004 he was the State MVP and earned conference and district MVP honors in both 2003 and 2004.

“The addition of Greg really solidifies our pitching staff,” commented Brown.  “He has a very high ceiling on the mound and throws the ball hard, which always helps.  Greg is just starting to tap his potential as a pitcher.  He has had a rough go of things lately and his pulling through it all is a testament to his determination and fortitude.  I like guys with that bulldog mentality; they never give up and keep fighting no matter the odds.”

Samuelson is a 2003 graduate of Helena Capital High School.  The 6-foot, 190-pound catcher played two seasons at Miles Community College where he earned all-conference honors.  He played on six state championship teams in high school, capturing four Legion Baseball crowns with the Helena Senators and two State AA football titles at Capital.  In 2003 he was the Legion state tournament Offensive MVP.

“Jake is a very talented baseball player that is a leader and a field general,” said Brown.  “We expect that out of our catchers, and Jake fits the mold perfectly.  I know Jake will be a big time contributor and an impact player.  He is very good defensively, receives the ball well, and has a strong arm.  The fact that Jake can hit for average is kind of a cherry on top.  We are thrilled to have him decide to join the Yellowjacket Baseball program.”