DALLAS (NCBWA) Thirty-five players from across the country have
been named to the midseason watch list for the inaugural National Collegiate
Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association
announced Wednesday. The award will be given annually to the top relief
pitcher in Division I.
The midseason list features 11 players who appeared on the initial watch
list announced in February. That list was based primarily on 2004 statistics
and projections, while the midseason list is based solely on how the relief
pitchers have played so far this season.
Ball State's Erik Morrison, Evansville's Mark Murray and
Cal Poly's Mike Bille each have 11 saves this season to lead the
nation according to the NCAA saves leaders released Tuesday. Long Beach
State's Neil Jamison, Auburn's Michael Nix and Florida State's
Tyler Chambliss each have 10 saves. Nearly 60 pitchers were considered
for the midseason watch list.
"The midseason watch list represents the best relief pitchers in the
nation," said Mike Montoro, NCBWA President. "It takes a unique mentality
and makeup to be a great relief pitcher. The reliever enters the game many
times with the outcome on the line and their ability to handle the pressure
associated with that role is what defines their importance to their teams.
"As the college game has developed over the years and teams are utilizing
their bullpens more now than ever before, the role of the relief pitcher
has become as important to the team's success as any other phase of the
game. There are awards given each year to the top hitter, top player and
top pitcher of the year, the time has come to honor these unsung heroes
on the diamond, and we are excited to honor the top relief pitcher in the
nation."
The midseason watch list represents 15 conferences, led by four players
each from the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big West Conference, Conference
USA and the Southeastern Conference. The Atlantic 10, Southern and Pacific-10
conference each had three delegates, while the Big 12 and Mid-American conferences
each had two. One pitcher from each of the Atlantic Sun, Big South, Mid-Eastern
Athletic, Missouri Valley Southland and West Coast conference also made
the midseason list.
At the end the regular season, the Division I leader in saves and four
other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the award's first finalists.
These finalists will be released on Wednesday, June 1, just prior to the
beginning of NCAA regional play. From the list of finalists, the NCBWA's
All-America Committee will select a winner. The first annual winner will
be announced on Wednesday, June 8, two days prior to the beginning of NCAA
super regional action.
The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Xanthus Dick Howser Trophy to
the nation's top player. It also selects a Division I All-America Team,
Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the
Year and Division III Players of the Year.
For more information on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, contact
Todd Lamb at The Ohio State University
at 614-688-0343 or Russ Anderson
at Conference USA at 214-774-1351.
2005 NCBWA Stopper of the Year key dates:
Jan. 27: NCBWA introduces Stopper of the Year
Award
· Week of Feb. 21: Initial watch list released
· Week of April 18: Midseason update released
· Wed., June 1: Stopper of the Year finalists announced
· Wed., June 8: NCBWA Stopper of the Year announced