Madison, WI – February 10, 2009. University of North Florida red-shirt freshman pitcher Andrew Karmeris has signed with the Mallards and comes from a program with strong ties to the Northwoods League. UNF Assistant Coach Greg Labbe, who managed the Rochester Honkers from 2005-07 ranks sixth all-time in NWL regular season wins with 144 (placing him only seven victories behind Mallards Field Manager C.J. Thieleke) figures to have a huge role in Karmeris’ transition to Madison this summer.

Labbe’s tutelage will be greatly needed as Andrew only began pitching competitively last summer while playing for the Clermont Mavericks in the Florida Collegiate Summer League. He was impressive, posting a 1-1 record and 1.35 ERA in 17 relief appearances over 20 innings. Opponents only hit .164 against the young right-hander.

“Andrew is a great story having come to us out of high school mainly as a catcher and we really didn’t discover him as a pitcher until halfway through his red-shirt year when he threw an improvised bullpen session,” said Labbe.

“Although he’s new to the mound, the kid has great live fastball action and a deadly slider that’s atypical of a pitcher with such little experience. I just can’t stress enough how mature and enjoyable Andrew is to be around both on-and-off the diamond…the sky is definitely the limit with this youngster.”

Karmeris, who played almost every position in high school, can’t wait to further his career as a pitcher.

“I loved every minute I had the opportunity to pitch in the Florida league last summer and can’t wait to keep improving this spring season and into the summer with the Mallards. I’ve heard Madison is the most fun place to play so I’m greatly looking forward to coming up there in May,” said Karmeris.

As a senior at Palm Beach Gardens (FL) High School in 2007 Andrew earned first-team all-district honors while also lettering in golf. He was also an honor student and member of the National Honor Society.