Fagan excited about playing baseball at UNR

RENO - Former Carson High baseball star Tony Fagan has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball next spring for the University of Nevada.

Fagan will be an incoming sophomore after playing last season at Mesa College in Arizona.

Fagan, who worked as a closer and starter at Mesa, compiled a 7-3 record with a 1.86 ERA. He threw a 1-hitter during the season and then combined with two other pitchers o throw a no-hitter.

"I'm really excited; really happy," said Fagan. "It's an awesome opportunity for me.

"Nevada had been consistently talking to me. The coaches at Mesa didn't want them to talk to me. Nevada coaches were honest with me, and that's a quality I liked."

Given the fact that Nevada pitchers struggled quite a bit last year, it would seem that Fagan has an opportunity to get some good innings in his first year.

"We're happy to get him," said Stan Stolte, Nevada's pitching coach. "He has a chance to come in and contribute, but that has to be played out. If he comes in and busts his butt ...

"He has a nice live arm. We had four senior pitchers last year, and we just thought it would be good for him to go somewhere and get a year under his belt. It will help him to go up against better competition."

Fagan said the year at Mesa helped him physically and emotionally.

"I'm a totally different pitcher and person," Fagan said. "I'm a better pitcher than I was. My control is a lot better. I learned a change-up. That's the big thing that helped me out a lot. I can throw three pitches (for strikes) and I also put more speed on my fastball."

Fagan throws between 88 and 90, but was clocked one day at 96.

Fagan said he doesn't have any idea how Nevada will use him.

"It doesn't matter to me," Fagan said. "I'm fine either way. If I close I would be able to get into games more.

"We'll see when fall ball gets going. Eventually I'll find my place."

GARDNER BACK IN BIG TEN

Michelle Gardner is gone after leading Nevada to a program-best 44-18 record and being named the conference's coach of the year.

Gardner, who played at Michigan, has been hired away by the University of Indiana. The announcement was made on Monday.

"Michelle has done a terrific job as Nevada's softball coach," said Nevada athletic director Cary Groth. "She was hired to reinstate the program and within her six-year stint as head coach she took our team to two NCAA appearances. She is a quality person who will bring much enthusiasm and experience to Indiana University. The University of Nevada will miss Coach Gardner."