The NMU baseball team went a long way towards putting together the incoming class of 2002 by signing two players to national letters of intent today. The group is highlighted by Nate Gildenshaft, a lefthanded pitcher from Marquette who is just four wins shy of becoming the winningest pitcher in MSHS history.

His high school ERA of 0.99 is the best in the history of the Great Northern Conference. He is a ground-ball pitcher who specializes in the sinker and slider, which should give plenty of chances to the 'Cats "Error-Free Infield."

Another pitcher joining the team will be righty Brian Salisbury from Honolulu, HI. He is a second generation Wildcat as his father Ed was the ace of the Wildcats staff in the mid 70's, winning 25 games his final two seasons (1975-76) and compiling a career ERA of 1.69.

Like his father, Brian's fastball is explosive, already being clocked at 85 miles per hour. Brandon Frantz is a power-hitting utility man who should fit in anywhere in the Wildcats lineup. The Trenton, MI native can drive the ball to all fields. He currently leads the league in home runs, RBI's, and slugging percentage.

"We will be losing several key players," Manager Rob Preseau said. "We hope Salisbury and Gildenshaft can fill the shoes of C. W. Mayher and Jim Pool. We know Frantz can hit for power which could change the face of the slap-hitting, speed based team we have now." The Wildcats are not done adding players.

A replacement still has to be found for back-up catcher Jody Davis, one of the eight players who NMU will lose to graduation. Preseau would also like to bolster the outfield which will lose Todd Small to graduation and has already lost Tom Bates to legal trouble.

"Vinnie Davidson and Will Phillips are also leaving which could deminish out bullpen, but we could get Jason Neuman back and I'd like to see Jean Chiquet and Dave Glavin with a year of experience under their belts," Preseau said.

The signing period lasts until August.