Weathers to compete in 2008 Olympics

Athletes dream of being able to represent their country in the Olympics. For former Vanderbilt closer Casey Weathers, it's become a reality.

Weathers was one of 23 players named to the United States Olympic team today by USA Baseball. In 2007, Weathers went 12-2 with a 2.37 ERA and recorded 75 strikeouts in 49.1 innings en route to earning unanimous first-team All-American honors.

"We are excited for Casey and look forward to seeing him pitch for the USA next month in Beijing," said Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin. "He has worked hard and is certainly deserving of the honor of getting to pitch for the USA."

Weathers was the eighth overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Colorado Rockies and is currently playing for Double-A Tulsa, where he is 2-0 with a 2.23 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 20 walks in 36.1 innings.

The manager of the USA squad is former major leaguer and New York Mets skipper Davey Johnson. The Americans will compete in Beijing from August 13-23.

"We are proud of the ball club we have assembled," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "The team is strong from top to bottom, and we are confident it will succeed in Beijing. We applaud our coaching staff and selection committee for their tireless work in putting together an excellent team."

Congrats, Casey. You deserve it.