Texas Rio Grande Valley Athletics

Another of the strong pitchers who comes to UTPA from Navarro Junior College... Looks to make an impact on the mound this season... Has been drafted already by the Chicago Cubs (1998) in the 43rd round and the New York Yankees (1990) in the 59th round.

Navarro Junior College: Went 3-2 with a 3.00 earned run average and 28 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings of work... Also had four saves coming out of the bullpen.

Longview High School: Earned all-district honors for three years at Longview High School as a pitcher... Was 14-10 with a 3.13 run average during his high school career... Also a standout on the football field... Was as strong in the classroom as on the football field, earning Academic All-District recognition for both football and baseball... Was named to the All-Tournament team at the Rose City Classic.

Personal: Pierce is the son of Rebecca and Albert Pierce... born on February 6, 1980... Has two brothers, Brad and Andy... A member of the 1998 Connie Mack team that advanced to the regional tournament... majoring in kinesiology.