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August 24, 2021


The 6th transfer that we will highlight could be a key cog in the 2022 lineup for the Flames.  Derek Orndorff is transferring in from D2 power Seton Hill.  Orndorff had a massive 2021 campaign in which he hit .353 with 15 Hr's and 43 RBI's in 139 plate appearances.  He also has legitimate speed as he swiped 18 bags in 21 total tries.  Orndorff can play all 3 outfield positions and provides a power bat from the RH side.  The Flames have needed a power RH bat the last couple years to compliment the bevy of left handed hitters that the lineup features.  Orndorff's versatility could allow the Flames a number of options in the lineup and also how they line up defensively.  Ornsdorff had an incredible catch in CF that made # 4 on the Sportscenter top 10 that day.  He joins an outfield that has made quite a few of those appearances on Sportscenter.  

Ornsdorff actually began his career at Penn State for the first 2 seasons of his career as a catcher before transitioning to the Outfield.  Liberty was always on Ornsdorffs radar even out of HS.  The timing of the coaching change from Jim Toman to Scott Jackson made it difficult and Ornsdorff wound up at Penn State.  Liberty always stayed in the back of Ornsdorff's mind throughout his career.  When he entered the portal after his stellar 21 season at Seton Hill Scott Jackson & Ornsdorff quickly bonded.  Ornsdorff credited Jackson for believing in him as a person and a player and the possibility of sticking around as a GA after the season if a professional opportunity doesn't reveal itself.  Like many of the other transfers the Flames have landed they faced stiff competition from UVA, Creighton, Indiana & Texas Tech for Ornsdorff's services.  In the end Liberty was always a great fit and now Ornsdorff gets a chance to write his final chapter with the Flames.  

Don't sleep on the stat line because of the D2 title.  Aaron Anderson and Fraser Ellard both transferred up last year and the results spoke for themselves.  Anderson and Ornsdorff's stories mirror each other a bit.  Both very much wanted to come to Liberty out of high school for but for different reasons that didn't happen.  Now, they both are expected to play pivotal roles in the success of the 22 Flames.

*Note, The 7th and final transfer of the year is RHP Tim Miller from Richmond.  Miller is coming off a serious injury and will have the opportunity to compete for a role on the pitching staff.  Miller did not pitch in the 21 season but logged 20 2/3 innings in 2020 with a 6.10 era.  He was ranked a top 500 player nationally by PG coming out of HS.  Miller will be another interesting case to watch to see if he can bounce back off of injury.  He did make the A10 All Rookie team as a freshman and he still has the 6-3 215 pound frame that can produce results.  

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