The Blinn College baseball continued its long tradition of sending players to the next level Thursday, as three Buccaneers signed national letters of intent to continue their playing careers with four-year college programs. 

Pitcher Robbie Dickey (Texas State), outfielder Nolan Brown (University of Louisiana-Lafayette) and pitcher Tyler Day (Stephen F. Austin) signed to continue their careers at the university level.  Since 2000, 115 Buccaneers have moved on to four-year programs.

The trio marks the first signees from this season's team.

"The big thing is all three as freshman were big contributors," coach Harvey McIntyre said.

Dickey earned a spot in the Bucs' rotation as a freshman and led the pitching staff in strikeouts per game (7.8). He carried a 3.82 ERA in 73 innings pitched and struck out 63 – a team best. This offseason, Dickey garnered a lot of attention at the Texas/New Mexico All-Star Game, where he reeled off fastballs in the mid-90s.

"For all of us, it's a relief to sign before the season so now we can get out on the field and focus on playing," Dickey said.

Dickey takes over as the staff ace this season.

"He's emerged as one of the top arms in the state of Texas right now," McIntyre said. "He's really turned a corner and could be the ace of anybody's staff."

Day was a strong arm out of the bullpen as a freshman, where he posted a bullpen-best 2.70 ERA in 15 appearances.

"Being at Blinn has really helped me get noticed by other schools that otherwise would have probably looked me over," Day said.

Brown established himself as a solid top-of-the-lineup hitter as a freshman, batting .298 with 28 RBIs on 36 hits.

"He's gained some strength in the offseason and improved defensively," McIntyre said.