Friday, June 15, 2001

Johnson City, Tenn. -- Former East Tennessee State University baseball standout Nathan Copeland signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves in Danville, Va. today. The Elizabethton, Tenn., native will begin his minor league assignment with the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League. Joining Copeland in the Appalachian League is former teammate Andy Baxter who will play with the Burlington Indians after being selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft. The 6'4" outfielder led the Southern Conference in slugging percentage (.679) and home runs (17). He also led the team with 67 RBIs and ranked second on the team and fifth in the SoCon in batting average (.379). Copeland earned All-Southern Conference and SoCon All-Tournament honors this season. He compiled a 22-game hit streak, the second longest in ETSU history. "I am very proud and excited for Nathan," head coach Tony Skole said. "This is icing on the cake after a great senior season. He has a lot of tools and tremendous ability. We are excited to watch him progress in professional baseball."