DALLAS (NCBWA) College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich and Texas right-handed pitcher Corey Knebel have been named the 2011 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Hitter and Pitcher of the Year recipients, as announced by the organization today.
Aldrich hit .347 and led all Division I freshmen in home runs (22), RBI (73), slugging percentage (.739) and total bases (164). The outfielder was selected the 2011 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and named to All-SoCon first team. He had 25 multi-hit games on the season and posted a team-best 17-game hitting streak in February and March.
The Mt. Pleasant, N.C., native has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and has received second team All-America honors and Freshman Player of Year from the Collegiate Baseball News. Aldrich helped College of Charleston post a 39-22 record this past season.
Knebel, a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, has set Texas freshman record with 19 saves and is 3-2 with a 1.15 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 54.2 innings. With two saves this past weekend, he has posted most saves of any pitcher in the nation this season. In addition, he has made 37 appearances, the most in the Big 112 this year.
The Georgetown, Texas product was an All-Big 12 First Team selection and member of the Big 12 All-Freshmen Team. He has received first team All-America honors and Freshman Pitcher of the Year from Collegiate Baseball News. The reliever has also been named one of the 25 quarterfinalists for the College Baseball Foundations Pitcher of the Year Award.
The right-hander has helped Texas post a 49-17 record and reach the College World Series for the 34th time, with NCAA Austin Regional and Super Regional Championships. The Longhorns also were the Big 12 Regular Season Co-Champions and were ranked No. 5 in the latest NCBWA Weekly Poll.
Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association's official Web site, www.ncbwa.com.
For more information, contact NCBWA Assistant Executive Director Mike Montoro (304-293-2821, mike.montoro@mail.wvu.edu) or Ryan Bomberger (434-582-2292, rbomberger@liberty.edu).