Baseball Hands Out Awards at Banquet
11/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Nov. 8, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - After an 11 year absence from the diamond, the Stephen F. Austin baseball team was honored for its efforts after its first year back on the field at a banquet held Friday evening. And after a strong showing in the fall in preparation for their sophomore season, the Lumberjacks were also recognized for their performance during off-season training.
Head coach Donnie Watson recognized Steven Hill and David Jeans who were named third-team All-Southland Conference at the conclusion of last season. Erich Lehmann was named freshman All-American and Brian Steinocher was the first Lumberjack to be drafted when he was picked in the 21st round by the Boston Red Sox.
Steinocher was named team MVP after finishing last season with a 3-10 record and a 4.50 ERA. He pitched 102.1 innings and collected 75 strikeouts while holding the opposition to a .228 batting average.
Hill was named the Lumberjack Offensive Player of the Year after leading the 'Jacks with a .348 batting average. He had 72 hits and scored 43 runs. He also hit a team-leading 14 home runs and was tied for second with 10 stolen bases.
The defensive player of the year award was given to centerfielder Zach Gardner. The then-freshman had only two errors in 48 games played.
Lehmann was named pitcher of the year after posting an 8-3 record, the best on the team. In 76.2 innings of work, the Fort Worth, Texas, native struck out 63 batters and only walked 14. Lehmann also received the Lumberjack Academic Player of the Year award, given to the player with the highest grade point average.
Watson also recognized his team for the efforts put forth during fall workouts.
Newcomer Kevin Crabtree and returners Gabe Garcia, Bruce Mayberry, Jeremy Arterburn, Ryan Sinclair, and Jake Leonhardt received MVP awards for their play during the fall.
Sinclair, a native of Longview, Texas, also received an award for strength and conditioning.
-SFA-
