FLORENCE, Ala. (July 18, 2025) – The University of North Alabama baseball program had two former Lions,
Dylan Morrill and
Anthony Pingeton, sign professional contracts with the Frontier League this summer.
Morrill signed with the Tri-City ValleyCats on July 9 and earned himself two appearances in his short stint thus far. He has thrown 3.1 innings with a strikeout. The right-hander has only allowed five hits and a run through his time with the team.
Pingeton signed with the Florence Y'alls on July 5 where, he too, has earned two appearances for the team. Through 4.1 innings pitched, the Massachusetts native has allowed four hits and a run with five strikeouts.
"I am excited to see those guys continue their baseball careers and take on the next challenge," said head coach Jad Prachniak. "Dylan and Anthony made such an impact within our program, both on the mound and as tremendous teammates. They were consistent with the work they put in every single day, and they earned this opportunity. Coach Mervis laid out a development plan for those guys and they had the discipline and work ethic to keep getting better."
The Frontier League came to life on June 30, 1993 as a group of men got together to bring professional baseball to the West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Southeast Ohio areas. Their inaugural year saw six teams and the champion label given to the Zanesville Greys.
A 32-year-old league has seen several players make Major League Baseball rosters as well as players represent their countries at the World Baseball Clinic.
The Florence Y'alls are located in Florence, Ky. while the Tri-City ValleyCats are located in Troy, N.Y. The ValleyCats sit at second in the Atlantic Conference – North Division with a 31-24 record. The Y'alls are third in the Midwest Conference – Central Division with a 25-31 record.
The seasons run from early May to the end of August.
Both former Lions graduated in 2025 from the program after stellar seasons on the mound.
Morrill, a first-year transfer from Felician University, appeared in 17 games in the lone season for North Alabama. He had two starts while earning three wins and three saves along the way. He had a season high nine strikeouts in a winning effort against Central Arkansas on March 14. Moriil allowed 53 hits over the season, best for second in the ASUN.
Pingeton, a two-year veteran for the Lions, pitched in 32 games with 25 starts and a total of 126.1 innings pitched. During the 2025 season, Pingeton led UNA in ERA (4.76) and strikeouts (56). He won ASUN Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 18 after his 5-0 shutout win over Army, where he threw six innings and tossed five strikeouts.
"I am incredibly proud of Anthony and Dylan for taking this next step in their careers," said pitching coach, David Mervis. "Their impact has been significant, and they have earned every bit of this opportunity. I am excited to see what each of them can accomplish as they move forward."
The top two seeds with the highest winning percentage qualify for the playoffs, and then the next two best records in each conference qualify as the wild card teams based upon winning percentage.
The Wild Card teams will compete in a best of three series facing off against Division Winners. The Championship Series is a best-three-out-of-five series to determine the Frontier League champion.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
