Former Greenbrier catcher commits to Augusta State

Greenbrier catcher Jeremy Armstrong might have been the most important part of the Wolfpack's successful pitching staff the last two seasons.

He has been the constant, playing every night behind the plate and providing continuity throughout the staff. Greenbrier's top three starters, Michael Newman, Scott Wandless and Ben Dukes, collected 25 of the team's 28 wins under Armstrong's direction.

Newman is headed to Georgia College & State, Wandless will play at USC-Aiken and Dukes will be Greenbrier's ace next season.

After the Wolfpack lost to Columbus in the playoffs, Armstrong was the only one of the celebrated group without definitive plans for the future.

The uncertainty came to an end recently.

Armstrong was invited to try out for the Augusta State baseball team and he impressed head coach Skip Fite enough to secure his spot on the 2005 Jaguars' roster.

He will join the team as a preferred walk-on, with the opportunity to receive an athletic scholarship after his freshman season.

"I am so happy for Jeremy," said Greenbrier coach Ed Williams. "He was an important part of our team and he deserves this."

Fite will move Armstrong to the infield, probably second base, for his freshman year.

"I played infield a lot before my junior year, so I'm very comfortable there," Armstrong said. "Wherever they need me, I'm willing to play."

As a catcher, Armstrong was one of the best in the county. He hit .337 this season and was named to The Columbia County News-Times All-County Second Team last week.

"He blocks everything around him and calls such a great game," Newman said. "He is a vocal leader and knows when to calm down his pitchers."

Armstrong will attend Augusta State on the Hope Scholarship his freshman year but hasn't decided on a major.

"I just know I need to work hard on my school work and practice hard," he said.

Armstrong has been working out with the Greenbrier summer league teams over the last few weeks.