Bridgeport, W.Va., High School standout pitcher and New Martinsville native John Fox will be continuing his career on the mound at West Virginia State in the fall 2009. He is looking forward to making the transition between high school and college baseball and stepping up to the next level.

Fox says that starting for the Bridgeport Indians for the last two seasons has helped prepare him for the move. His 8-4 record includes a complete game three-hitter with 12 strikeouts against Class AA Champion Lincoln High School.

Fox is excited about joining the Yellow Jackets and playing for legendary coach Cal Bailey, who led West Virginia State to a 34-15 record last season and holds an impressive 920-423 career record with a pair of Division II World Series appearances.

“Coach Bailey is a great guy,” said Fox. “He is very down to earth and knows a lot about baseball. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m really looking forward to the experience. I’d like to thank God, my parents, and past coaches for all their support.”

Fox plans to major in education and believes West Virginia State will provide him with a solid foundation to begin his career as a teacher and coach.

He is the son of Bryan and Natalie Fox of Quiet Dell, W.Va.; the grandson of Fred and Pat Fox of Paden City; and grandson of John and Mary Coss of Hannibal.