Duluth, Minn.- UMD Baseball welcomes five standout players who have signed their National Letter of Intent for the 2024 season with the Bulldogs. The incoming players include Joe Gizzi, Bennett Klish, Sam Kliber, Hunter Gerber, and Zak Brown.
Joe Gizzi
RHP· 6'0·175 ·Woodbury, Minn·East Ridge High School
A native of Woodbury, Minn, Joe Gizzi is a four year starter for East Ridge High School. The right handed pitcher led his team to a VFW conference championship in 2021 and will captain the East Ridge Raptors during their 2023 season. Gizzi was also a one year starter for the East Ridge football team as a quarterback and wide receiver. He plans to major in criminology and sociology when he attends UMD.
Bennett Klish
OF·6'2·180·Stevens Point, Wis·Stevens Point High School
Bennett Klish will join the Bulldogs after four years at Stevens Point High School. As a three year starter for the Panthers, the outfielder has an impressive resume. In 2021, he notched rookie of the year for the Panthers and tallied most valuable hitter, named to the first team in the Wisconsin Valley conference, and earned second team all-state honors in 2022. Klish also participated in football and basketball for the panthers, earning three varsity letters for each sport.
Sam Kliber
SS/RHP·6'0·180·Maple Grove, Minn·Maple Grove High School
A three year starter from Maple Grove High School, shortstop and right handed pitcher Sam Kilber looks to add depth to UMD's roster. He was a Northwest Suburban all-conference selection in 2021 and led his team to a conference championship, section championship, and a state qualifier in 2022. He was also a two year starter at safety for the Maple Grove football team earning three varsity letters.
Hunter Gerber
1B/RHP·6'1·235·Hanover, Minn·Maple Grove High School
Hunter Gerber is another product out of Maple Grove High School. The first baseman will captain the Maple Grove Crimson in the 2023 season. His resume includes being third all-time for RBIs and Doubles in a single season (2021) and notched Northwest Suburban Conference honors in 2021. In 2022 he earned all-conference honors and was placed on the CCX All- Area Baseball team. Gerber also had a successful football career at Maple Grove earning Metro Gold all-district honors, Football all-conference, Star Tribune 6A All states team, and CCX Sports All-Area Football team - Offense.
Zak Brown
LHP/OF·5'11·170·Maple Grove, Minn·Wayzata High School
Will Join the Bulldogs from Wayzata High School. As a two year Starter for the Wayzata Trojans in the Lake Conference, the left handed pitcher and outfielder will be a nice addition for the Bulldogs in 2024. Brown played travel ball for the Minnesota Icemen and plans to major in Business here at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
