May 9, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Payton Gardner, a right-handed pitcher from Mountain Brook High School in Mountain Brook, Ala., has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at UAB as announced by UAB head coach Brian Shoop Friday. Gardner was 5-1 with a 1.70 ERA at Mountain Brook this past season.

"Payton made great strides his senior year at Mountain Brook and we know his best days are ahead of him," Shoop said. "Payton has the ability to pitch immediately, but we know he will grow and mature into a caliber pitcher needed to win in Conference USA. He is athletic, has a quick arm, has life on his fastball and has the competitive toughness needed in our league."

Gardner struck out 68 batters this past season and recorded two saves. He also batted .401 with six triples and 22 RBI, while starting at shortstop for the Spartans when not excelling on the mound.

For his junior year, Gardner had a 3.30 ERA and 45 strikeouts. He was selected to play in the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game in 2007.

"Payton has been well-coached under Lee Gann at Mountain Brook so we know the transition will go smoothly into college baseball," Shoop said. "We think Payton is the right match in every way and are confident he will have a great career in the Blazer uniform. He comes from a strong and supportive family and will fit right into the family atmosphere we are trying to build at UAB. We couldn't be more pleased that Payton chose UAB."