Paints Sign Ohio State's Jace Middleton

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The Chillicothe Paints announce the signing of pitcher Jace Middleton for the upcoming Prospect League season, which begins on the road at Champion City Wednesday, June 1 at 6:35 p.m.

Middleton is currently a freshman at The Ohio State University.

The 6-foot-5, 215 pound righthander is a native of Lewis Center, Ohio and a graduate of Olentangy High School, where he played football and baseball, garnering division I offers for both.

Middleton was ranked the no. 10 prospect in his class in the state of Ohio by www.prepbaseballreport.com. His arsenal includes a fastball better than 90 mph, curveball and slider/cutter.

During a national signing day release, Buckeyes head coach Greg Beals said of Middleton: "Jace is a real good athlete with power stuff on the mound."

Jace's father, Matt, played four seasons at Ohio State after being drafted by the Atlanta Braves and not signing. He then played one season for the Paints in 1999.

The Chillicothe Paints open the home portion of their season Thursday, June 2 at VA Memorial Stadium against the Champion City Kings at 7:05 p.m. Draft beer will be just $2 for Thirsty Thursday, thanks to Budweiser, and a Fireworks Extravaganza will follow, sponsored by 94 Country. Information regarding tickets, group outings, sponsorship opportunities and more is available by calling (740) 773-TEAM or by emailing the team at paints@bright.net.