Ultimate fighting involves a combination of fighting styles. Pierce said he has trained in karate, jujitsu and Hawaiian kempo. He has been participating in UFC the last three to four years.

The skills involved with his fighting career have carried over from the UFC octagon to the baseball diamond.

“It has helped a lot strength-wise and with agility, flexibility and balance,” Pierce said.

David Stockstill, the Orioles? director of minor league operations, said Pierce has been able to draw athletic ability and strength from his UFC training.

“He has got a good, strong arm, but we are making a few changes in his technique toallow his arm to be as strong as it can be,” Stockstill said.

While building up Pierce?s arm strength, Stockstill said the organization has also improved his defensive receiving skills. Offense is another area where Pierce is getting special instruction.

“I am out there every day with our hitting instructor, Denny Walling,” Pierce said. “I know I have not seen a lot of live at-bats, so I am just trying to get some work.”

Pierce has only played in 15 games for Aberdeen this summer, but he recently had to replace starting catcher Victor Castillo after he sat out two games following a collision at home plate Saturday against the Vermont Lake Monsters. When the collision occurred, Pierce said he was worried if Castillo was OK but was not concerned about taking a similar hit in the game.

The Pierce file

» Height: 6-foot-2?

» Weight: 205

» Position: Catcher

» Bats/Throws: R/R

» Did you know? In his senior year, Pierce threw out 33 percent of runners attempting to steal. In 22 at-bats, he has two RBI.