Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the signing of catcher/first baseman Austin Barrett to their roster for the 2012 season. Barrett, a sophomore at Mercer University, is the 14th player to be named to Waterloo’s roster for the team’s 18th season.
 
Last year, Barrett was named to the Atlantic Sun Conference All-Freshman team and voted onto the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman All-American second team. The Mims, Florida native hit .286 with eight home runs, 25 RBI, and a .467 slugging percentage in 52 games. Barrett hit .375 versus left-handed pitching.

"Austin is a player that got the opportunity to handle the pitching staff at Mercer last year as a freshman, which is a valuable experience that can only take place during games," said Bucks field manager Travis Kiewiet. "He is going to be counted on to do the same thing for us here. Austin also has some versatility as he can also play first base if we would ever need him for that situation. In my four years coaching with the Bucks we have always had quality catchers here, and with Austin joining the club, it looks like that type of success will continue." 

Born October 9, 1990, Barrett attended Astronaut High School in Titusville, Florida where he was named Class 4A All-State honorable mention as a senior and finished his career with a .421 average. Austin is the son of Jim and Wendy Barrett.
 
The Bucks will open the 2012 season at home versus the Rochester Honkers on May 30 at 6:35 pm. Season tickets and single-game tickets are currently on sale. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.