JR Ballinger

20

Class: Senior Hometown: Moss Point, Miss. High School: East Central HS

Height / Weight: 6-1 / 185 Position: RHP Birthdate: 04/02/1988 Bats/Throws: R/R

2007 C-USA All-Freshman

Returns for his sophomore season ... Adds depth to the bullpen ... Should be a key setup man this season or closer ... Throws three pitches for strikes - fastball, curve and an aboveaverage change-up ... 2007 (Fr.): Earned C-USA All-Freshman team honors ... Appeared in 22 games ... All in relief ... Picked up only win of the season vs. East Carolina throwing one inning in relief without allowing a run ... Did not allow an extra base hit all season ... Threw a total of 24.1 innings in 22 games ... Allowed only 9 runs, 8 earned runs ... Struck out 16 while walking only 7 ... Posted an ERA of 2.96 ... Did not allow a run in his first three appearances ... threw a season high 2.2 innings vs. Tulane Prep: Threeyear starter for Coach Gary Long at East Central High School ... Finished with a 34-4 career record and a 1.20 ERA ... Hit .380 with five home runs ... Selected to the all-state team as a senior ... Two-time all-district selection ... Tabbed two-time Newton County Pitcher of the Year ... Given the "Heart of a Champion" Award ... Played in the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Game ... Selected to play in the Crossroads Diamond Club North-South All-Star game as a senior and the State Games of Mississippi as a sophomore and junior ... Also two-time selection to the East- West Whitney Bank All-Star Game ... Received the English Award ... Named the Marine Corps' Sports' Player of the Year ... Personal: Son of Karen Ballinger ... Majoring in criminal justice ... Enjoys fishing, hunting and watching movies in his spare time ... Born April 2, 1988.