The Tribune

GRAND Bahamian Perez Knowles, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ali, became the latest Bahamian player to sign to play for a Division 1 university baseball team in the United States.

Knowles, a six-foot, left-handed pitcher and outfielder from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Rabun Gap, Georgia, has signed his letter of intent to play for Troy University Trojans.

Knowles is a three-time All Conference selection from 2011-2013. He currently is the school active home run leader with 13. His career stats to date include a .304 batting average, 13 home runs, 65 runs batted, 42 stolen bases and 20 doubles. His pitching career stats to date are 111 innings pitched, 146 strike outs, 12 wins, five losses and six saves.

Knowles also strongly considered Boston College, but ultimately selected Troy University.

Troy University is a member of the Sun Belt Conference, which ranks in the top five baseball conferences in D1 college baseball for 2013.

The Trojans are the defending Sun Belt Conference champions and played in the NCAA D1 College Regionals in the 2013 season.

Knowles’ older brother Ali Knowles is currently a senior member of the Trojans baseball team.

The duo are among 10 Bahamians who have signed in the past five years to play division one college baseball.

The list is comprised of the following:

1. Desmond Russell – Jackson State University – Grand Bahama - (pitcher)

2. Aneko Knowles – Jackson State University – Grand Bahama – (pitcher)

3. Stephen Curtis – Jackson State University – Nassau

4. Brandon Murray – College of Charleston – Nassau

5. Ali Knowles – Troy University – Grand Bahama

6. Byron Ferguson – Bethune Cookman University – Nassau – (pitcher)

7. Remon Grant – Grambling State University – Grand Bahama

8. Theodore Trae Sweeting – Georgia State University – Nassau

9. Seberon Mackey – Jackson State University – Grand Bahama

10. Byron Murray – University of Southern Mississippi – Nassau (recent signing - in 2014 will complete his senior high school season)