SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The 2011 NCAA Strikeout King, right-hander Matt Collins from Piedmont College becomes the first pitcher signed to a contract by the Schaumburg Boomers, Manager Jamie Bennett announced today.

Collins, 23, struck out 14.4 batters per nine innings, the highest mark from any pitcher in any division of NCAA Baseball in 2011. The Roswell, Ga. native edged out Nick Gillung of Division II Mercyhurst (13.25 strikeouts per nine) and Trevor Bauer of Division I UCLA (13.37 strikeouts per nine) to take home the honors. Collins finished with a 4-1 record and 2.11 ERA in 47.0 innings for Piedmont in 2011. Collins also added an impressive 75 strikeouts to just 15 walks and was second in all of Division III with 13 saves, one behind the national leader.

Collins helped lead Piedmont to a 32-15 overall record in 2011, taking home conference regular season and tournament titles in addition to making the NCAA tournament for the second time during his four years as a member of the Lions Baseball Team. A two-sport athlete at Piedmont, Collins was also a key piece on the Piedmont cross-country team that captured the 2009 Great South Athletic Conference title.

Collins becomes the third player signed by the Boomers for their inaugural season joining infielders Tyler Boling and Andrew Cohn. All three will be part of Manager Jamie Bennett’s roster of up to 34 players that will open Spring Training with the Boomers in early May 2012.

Schaumburg Boomers Season Tickets and Boomer Bundles for the inaugural season of Boomers Baseball are on sale now by calling 847.461.FOWL (3695) or by stopping by 1999 S. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg during regular business hours.

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