Oct. 8, 2007

River Forest, Ill. - The Georgia Collegiate League (GCL) named Dominican University's Mike Eifel (Midlothian, IL) the Most Outstanding Player in the league for the 2007. Eifel, listed as the GCL's top prospect following the summer season, posted a 1.05 earned run average with a 5-1 record with the Athens Pirates.

The 6'4" Eifel led the Pirates to the 2007 GCL championship, posting a team-best ERA while ranking second in wins and third in strikeouts, striking out 57 batters while walking just 15 in 43 innings. Eifel overpowered opposing hitters with a fastball consistently in the upper 80s and low 90s, topping out at 95 mph in the league's post-season tournament.

"What Mike has been able to accomplish is amazing," said Terry Casey, the Stars' head coach. "I've watched him as a ballplayer for years and he is just starting to come into his own."

The GCL, formed in the summer of 2006, provides a place for college players in the state of Georgia to play during the summer as well as a chance to develop their skills in a wooden bat league. The league has proved its worth with nine teams competing for the league championship and with some of the league's top prospects signing with Major League Baseball clubs.