Matt Eichel

May 24, 2005

Former University of Texas-Pan American baseball players Matt Eichel (Grapevine, TX/Grapevine H.S.) and Marco Garza (Mission, TX/Sharyland H.S.) signed professional contracts with the Edinburg Roadrunners, a member of the Central Baseball League, this past week.

Eichel, who finished up his career in a Broncs' uniform in 2005, was recently added to the Roadrunners' squad on Tuesday (May 24) as a reserve catcher. The former Bronc saw action in 47 games behind the dish this past season and finished the season ranked third on the team in batting average (.282).

Offensively, Eichel had a career year as he set highs in at-bats (156), total bases (62), hits (44) and on-base percentage (.397). This past season, he also led the team in doubles (12) and runs batted in (30) - both of which were career-highs.

Garza, who signed a professional contract with the Cincinnati Reds last summer, was picked up by Edinburg on May 18th. The former Broncs' shortstop can be found throughout the UTPA record books as he is listed second on the all-time hits category with 193. He is also ranked second in doubles (38) and triples (10), third in total at-bats (590) and seventh in runs scored (114).

In five games with the Roadrunners, Garza is batting .417 and has collected five hits in 12 at-bats this season. He has plated five runs and driven in a trio of runs.

Edinburg is 9-6 during the 2005 campaign. Last season, the Roadrunners were the Central Baseball League champions for the second time in four seasons.

UTPA Sports Information