Nov. 17, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis added talent to its bullpen today with the signing of John A. Logan reliever Chase Joiner, Tiger baseball head coach Daron Schoenrock announced.

"Chase will bring a wealth of experience and ability to our pitching staff," said Schoenrock. "We are excited to be adding another John Logan Junior College player to our program. Coach Halstead does a great job of preparing his players for the next level and we expect Chase (Joiner) to make an immediate impact on our pitching staff."

Joiner, who is currently a sophomore at John A. Logan Community College, put together a solid freshman campaign. He posted a 4-2 record, with a 3.00 ERA, 32 strikeouts and a team-high five saves as JALCC finished with a stout 35-19 record. The Volunteer reliever logged 42 innings of work in 18 appearances and allowed just 14 earned runs.

Joiner played for the DuBois County Bombers of the Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL) in the summer of 2008.

A product of Christian County High School in Hopkinsville, Ky., the 6-3 Joiner was a two-sport athlete. He lettered four years for head coach Kevin Crider as a pitcher and corner infielder. He also earned a pair of letters as a quarterback, tight end and linebacker on the gridiron.

He stood out on the diamond, going 42-7, with 328 strikeouts and a filthy 1.63 ERA. He set the Kentucky state record by winning his first 26 decisions. His 42 career wins tied the record for most wins in Kentucky state history. The 2006 Perfect Game top prospect was voted a First Team All-State performer and earned All-Region Player of the Year recognition as a senior in 2007. The three-time All-Region and All-District honoree helped his CCHS squad to a Kentucky State Championship in 2004, a state runner-up finish in 2005 and a Section 8 finals appearance in 2006. He was selected to the 2005 Kentucky state tournament All-Tournament Team. Joiner was also a threat at the plate where he was a career .367 hitter with 127 RBI and 14 homers.