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Nov. 13, 2008

ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine baseball coach Steve Trimper announced today that his program has received National Letters of Intent from Francis Whitten (Westborough, Mass./Westborough High School), Mike Fransoso (Portsmouth, N.H./Portsmouth High School), Carlos Ramirez (Shelton, Conn./St. Joseph High School) and Tyler Patzalek (Burlington, Ontario/Notre Dame High School). The class is expected to have an immediate impact on the Black Bears for the 2010 season.

Whitten is a 6'4", 180 pound catcher/first baseman from Westborough High School in Westborough, Mass., who is an outstanding college prospect.

"Fran hits for both power and average and is very athletic for his size, which gives him great versatility in the field," said Maine assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jared Holowaty.

Fransoso is a left-handed hitting shortstop who led Portsmouth High to a 23-0 record and a state championship in 2007. In his junior season he batted .470, and led his team in runs, stolen bases and walks.

"Mike is the top shortstop in New England and what makes him even more special is his desire to win and compete," said Holowaty.

Ramirez is a switch-hitting outfielder and a potential left-handed pitcher from Shelton, Conn. He is a tremendous athlete with a very good arm from the outfield, which was clocked at 91 miles per hour.

"Carlos hits from both sides of the plate with power and has outstanding speed," said Holowaty. "He is a `five tool' prospect with the ability to make an immediate impact in many ways for the Black Bears."

Patzalek is a right-handed hitting catcher who plays for one of the top teams in Ontario, the Ontario Blue Jays.

"Tyler is a special player because he is a very good defensive catcher and a gritty hitter," said Holowaty. "He is another fine athlete in this class who can play multiple positions. Tyler had the ability to control a game with his leadership and toughness behind the plate."

The eligibility of all student-athlete is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

-U-M-