University of Memphis Athletics
Baseball Signs Meridian Community College Trio
Nov 17, 2004 | Baseball
Nov. 17, 2004
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Meridian Community College standouts Dusty Davis (Summit, Miss./North Pike High School), Joseph Lieberman (Vicksburg, Miss./Warren Central HS) and Michael Murray (Baton Rouge, La./Catholic HS) became the third, fourth and fifth players to make the decision to play baseball at Memphis as the trio signed to play for head coach Daron Schoenrock, Wednesday. All three signees are former players for current Tiger assistant coach Mike Federico, who was the head coach at MCC for three seasons prior to being hired as Schoenrock's first assistant. The trio combined to lead Federico and the Eagles to a second consecutive appearance in the JUCO World Series in 2004.
A Junior College All-American, Lieberman will come to Memphis following his sophomore season at Meridian. A versatile player who can hit for average and power, he hit .322 with 18 homers, while knocking in 65 runners as a freshman to help MCC to a 46-14 mark. His 18 home runs are second all-time on Meridian's single season record list. Lieberman was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in June 2004.
Lieberman prepped at Warren Central HS in Vicksburg, Miss. where he posted a .350 average with 17 round trippers and 95 RBI as a three-year letterman. He earned second team All-State honors and led WCHS to a Mississippi 5A Championship as a junior in 2001.
"We are excited to have someone of Joey's capabilities come on board," Schoenrock said. "He will add instant power and we expect him to solidify the middle of our lineup."
A 5A state MVP, All-State and All-District selection at shortstop in high school, Murray has carried his stellar play into the Junior College ranks at MCC. He earned 2004 NJCAA All-star recognition after a strong freshman campaign in which he hit .406 with 38 RBI, 19 doubles, four home runs and 18 stolen bases. Murray also earned All-Region honors at MCC.
"We welcome Michael's athletic capabilities at shortstop," said Schoenrock. "As proven, he can be an adequate table setter at the top of our lineup."
Davis was a four-year letterman in both baseball (pitcher) and football (quarterback and linebacker) in his prep career at North Pike High School. He received All-State honors in baseball and All-Region recognition in football as a junior at NPHS. An experienced lefthander off the mound, Davis pitched in a variety of roles in his freshman season at Meridian. He finished the season with a 5-1 record and a 2.40 ERA, with 37 strikeouts in a team-high 18 appearances. He also posted three complete games and one save.
"Dusty was attractive to our staff as we improve our left handed pitching depth," said Schoenrock. "He has the ability to pitch in a variety of roles for the Tigers, not only in 2005, but throughout his career here."
