University of Connecticut Athletics
Springer Named to Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-America Team
6/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 4, 2009
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - UConn freshman George Springer was one of four BIG EAST student-athletes to be named to the Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-America team as chosen by Collegiate Baseball.
Springer became the first UConn player to be named the BIG EAST Rookie of the Year, while earning a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team. Springer led Connecticut in runs scored (75), home runs (16) and RBI (57), and was third on the team with 76 hits. He also climbed atop the UConn single-season record book with 16 home runs, the most by a freshman. With 76 hits in 212 at-bats, Springer batted .358 for the Huskies in 56 games played. He added 75 runs and 57 RBI to his tally as he stole 12 bases on the year.
First baseman Todd Brazeal of South Florida was named to the All-BIG EAST Third Team after completing the regular season with a .333 average, three home runs and 26 RBI. In his first BIG EAST Championship, the rookie recorded six hits and 4 RBI for a .353 championship average. Brazeal ended the season with a .366 average, while leading the Bulls with 50 RBI and was second with 15 doubles in his first season on the diamond.
Shortstop Sam Mende of the USF Bulls started all 59 games for the Bulls during the 2009 season. During the BIG EAST Championship, he went 11-of-17 (.647) with three doubles and a home run, driving in six RBI to be named to the All-Tournament Team. He also drew a pair of walks and was hit by a pitch while playing error less defense, making 10 putouts added to seven assists. The freshman ended the season with a .319 batting average, fourth on the team, and led the team with 17 doubles. He was also second on the team in hits with 74.
Pitcher Ryan Richter of Notre Dame went 5-2 in his first season with the Fighting Irish. The lefty posted a 3.86 ERA (13 ER/30.1 IP) during 13 appearances along with 19 strikeouts.
