Lexington, (Ky.) ? Kentucky baseball coach John Cohen announced on Friday that John ?Boodle? Clark has signed to play for the Wildcats in 2005. Clark is currently a sophomore at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn.

Clark (6-0, 195) was the leading hitter last season at Walters State when he batted .416 with 12 home runs and 43 runs batted in. The Senators advanced to the Junior College World Series, where Clark won the Silver Stick Award as the Series? most outstanding offensive player. He was named to the First-Team Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association as a freshman. He also pitches at Walter State. Clark could play at second base or third base for the Wildcats, as well as pitch.

?We really like the fact that ?Boodle? Clark can pitch and play a position,? Cohen said. ?He gives us a dual threat and the option to do several different things with our lineup.?

This season Clark was tabbed as a Preseason All-American and is batting .429 with 8 homers and 49 RBI. He has 13 doubles and has scored 54 runs.

Clark is scheduled to enroll at Kentucky in the fall and be eligible to take part in fall workouts. He will hold junior status when the 2005 season begins next February. Cohen takes his 2004 team back into action this Wednesday when it plays host to the Morehead State Eagles. The game gets underway with a 6:30 p.m. (ET) first pitch on Wednesday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

— UK —