2003 Outlook
One of nine Nebraska natives in this season?s recruiting class, freshman Greg Ladd will look to add depth to a talented Husker pitching staff. The three-year letterwinner from Elkhorn, Neb., earned honorable-mention all-state honors from both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald as a two-way player last spring. Ladd took the loss in his only appearance in the Red-White Series, allowing three runs on six hits in 3.1 innings of work.
"Greg is a strike thrower who had some ups and downs in the fall," Pitching Coach Rob Childress said. He?s not going to blow people away with his velocity, and the key for him is to effectively be able to throw more than one pitch for a strike."
"By being in our weight program and by focusing on being a full-time pitcher, his velocity will continue to increase," Childress said. "We think he is someone who can help us down the line."
Before Nebraska
Ladd played three seasons for Coach Jerry Frerichs at Elkorn High School. One of the top pitchers in the state according to Perfect Game/Baseball America, Ladd earned honorable-mention all-state honors in 2002 as he alternated between pitching and playing third for the Antlers. He went 1-7, but ranked among the state leaders with a 2.55 ERA.
Over the summer, he played American Legion baseball, seeing time on the mound, as well as first and third base. Ladd compiled a 9-1 record with a 1.83 ERA in 2002. He struck out 112 in 80.1 innings, and held opponents to a .186 average. As a hitter, he batted .325 with four homers and 39 RBIs. Ladd chose Nebraska over numerous schools, including Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Wichita State and Creighton, as well as several junior colleges.