Creighton gives MCC left-hander
By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
June 6, 2002
Needing to better balance its pitching staff, Meridian Community College head baseball coach Mike Federico announced Wednesday the signing of Quitman left-hander Matthew Creighton.
Creighton was one of the Meridian Star area's top pitching prospects having led the Quitman High Panthers to the Division 5-4A title and a second round berth in the 4A playoffs. Now he is an MCC Eagle and looking forward to it.
Creighton was being pursued hard by Jefferson State Community College out of Birmingham. A couple of other Alabama schools were also interested.
Federico is glad Creighton is coming aboard.
Creighton is coming off an impressive senior season for Quitman. He was 10-2 with a 1.23 earned run average. He struck out 172 batters in 74-plus innings. He had an 18-strikeout game in a playoff win over McComb and a 17-fan game against Northeast Lauderdale.
Quitman head coach Brett Rigby said Creighton was the mainstay of his staff and will be a good addition to the MCC program
Creighton is expected to be in action this Saturday for the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Game. He is also going to play again for the Meridian Dixie Major team this summer. He helped lead the club to the Dixie Majors World Series title last August.
Creighton will join another top in-state hurler in Terry's Van Pope. Both players will get to meet each other at the MAC game.
Federico said that the plans are for Creighton to be a left-handed starter for the Eagles.