Pair of Southpaws Sign

A pair of left-handed pitching/first basemen have signed letters of intent with BYU's baseball team.

Clayton Barnes, 6-1, 180, from Provo High School and Tyler Coon, 6-1, 210, from Silverado High in Las Vegas signed with the Cougars during the special November signing period.

Barnes, a second-team all-state selection, made the Chicago White Sox Area Code team last summer in California. He had a 3-6 record with a 1.75 ERA with the Bulldogs in 60 innings, giving up 36 hits and 45 walks, but striking out 100 opponents. In 25 games as a hitter he batted .493 in 71 at bats, with 35 hits, eight doubles, seven home runs and 30 RBI.

Coon was 4-1 with a 3.21 ERA in 43.2 innings and had 32 strikeouts as a pitcher. As a hitter, he batted .430 in 29 games with 27 RBI and 32 hits in 89 at bats. Coon played for the Cardinals/Rangers Area Code team and was all-state and all conference.

"We are excited to get these two players," said Coach Vance Law, who coached Barnes' three older brothers at Provo High before coming to BYU. "He (Barnes) is the best player in the state. Coon is a big, strong hitter who shows great potential to help form our nucleus."

Barnes' father Clint played pro baseball. Coon's father, Doug, was a punter at BYU and played baseball (1973-74) for the Cougars as did an uncle, Dave (1971-72).