Robert Tyler accepts invitation to USA Collegiate National Team

University of Georgia sophomore right-hander Robert Tyler has accepted an invitation to join the 2015 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

A native of Cordele, Ga., Tyler will participate in the team’s training camp on June 18 in Cary, N.C. He will be a part of a 24-man squad that will embark on a two-month tour comprised of at least 17 games in June and July including a five-game series against Cuba. St. John’s head coach Ed Blankmeyer will direct the 2015 Collegiate National Team.

Tyler posted a 1-1 record and 5.32 ERA in just six games covering a span of 23.2 innings. He had 11 walks and 29 strikeouts. Tyler missed most of his sophomore season with a forearm strain, leaving a start on Feb. 27 due to the injury and then ultimately returning to action on May 3. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 2014, going 6-4 with a 2.68 ERA in 15 games with 22 walks and 64 strikeouts. Tyler earned an invitation to compete for a roster spot on the 2014 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

Tyler is the ninth Bulldog in school history to earn an invitation from the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team joining shortstop Kyle Farmer (2012), outfielder Zach Cone (2010), catcher Clint Sammons (2002), shortstop Jeff Keppinger (2000), pitcher Zack Frachiseur (1997), pitcher Brian Powell (1994), pitcher Dave Fleming (1989) and pitcher Cris Carpenter (1987).

Farmer served as the starting shortstop on the 2012 squad that went 12-5, won a bronze medal in the Netherlands and was part of the first U.S. Collegiate National team to travel to Cuba in 16 years. Also of note, Georgia head coach Scott Stricklin served as an assistant with the 2011 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.