Jackets Sign Transfer Utility Player (6/27/07)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State University Billings baseball coach Chris Brown announced Wednesday that Joe Via will transfer from College of Eastern Utah to play for the Yellowjackets.  Via is a native of Helper, Utah, and graduated in 2005 from Carbon High School in Price, Utah.  He spent one season at Kansas City Community College and one season at College of Eastern Utah.

“The addition of Joe gives us experience and depth behind the dish, at both corners, and at the plate,” said Brown.  “He is a versatile player that will be able to contribute with his ability as an all around baseball player.  Joe is a very good person that is driven to succeed on and off the field.  He is what we like to call a “dirtbag” in that he is always hustling, sacrificing his body, and doing anything is takes to win all the while never keeping his uniform clean.  We are excited to have him join our program and know that he will make a positive impact on and off the field.”

In high school Via was a two-time all-state catcher.  As a senior he batted .487 with 35 RBIs, helping his team to regional and state titles and earning 3A State MVP honors.  In 41 games at Eastern Utah last season, Via batted .254 with 13 RBIs and nine runs scored. 

“I chose Montana State Billings because of how helpful everyone was on my visit,” said Via.  “Coach Brown seems to know what it takes to build a winning baseball team, and I want to be part of that.  Also, MSUB ranks high for education on all the lists I’ve looked at, and I like the area.”