Florida Tech Baseball Signs Pedro Rivera From Seminole State College

By  //  December 12, 2015

5360L
Florida Tech didn’t waste any time bolstering its future roster, adding Seminole State College shortstop Pedro Rivera during the early signing period on Thursday. (FIT Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech didn’t waste any time bolstering its future roster, adding Seminole State College shortstop Pedro Rivera during the early signing period on Thursday.

Coming off a 38-13 season and an NCAA South Region runner-up finish, the Panthers return all-region performer Reid Neal to pair with University of Florida transfer John Sternagel. However, infield depth will definitely be a point of emphasis in the upcoming class for head coach Greg Berkemeier and his staff with both infielders likely to be drafted following 2016.

A versatile contributor, Rivera bounced around at second base, leftfield and centerfield as a freshman before making the permanent switch to shortstop this season for the Raiders.

In 2015, the switch-hitter recorded at least one base hit in 36 of 47 contests en route to a .329 average to go along with 24 RBIs and 24 runs scored. The Orlando, Florida native also possesses a knack for reaching base and considerable speed, having collected 12 stolen bases a year ago.

Greg Berkemeier
Greg Berkemeier

“Pedro will bring a great deal of flexibility to our program,” said Berkemeier.

“He is a gifted hitter that we feel can come in and compete for a number of positions on the field and be very good at all of them. He is a spark plug at the top of the lineup and we feel as though his skills will translate in the Sunshine State Conference.”

Florida Tech opens its 2016 campaign on Jan. 29 with a three-game series at SSC foe Rollins.