Baseball season doesn't start for more than two months, but Ball State University's first preseason accolade was announced Monday.
Sophomore pitcher/infielder Kolbrin Vitek was named to the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Watch List. The Wallace Award is sponsored by the College Baseball Foundation and the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
"It brings recognition to the program," coach Greg Beals said. "But they are just preseason awards. He needs to have a great season and make it to the finals."
As a freshman Vitek led the Cardinals with a 6-1 record and 69 strikeouts. He posted an ERA of 5.65 in 13 starts. Vitek also started 31 games as the designated hitter and three at first base, hitting .305 with 24 RBIs. Beals said his flexibility is an asset for a player of the year award.
"He possesses a unique situation," Beals said. "If he can put up good numbers both ways, you have a good argument he is two players in one."
Vitek is one of five Mid-American Conference players on the list.
The five previous winners of the award include three major leaguers and the fifth pick in last year's draft. Beals said Vitek may someday join them if he continues to work hard.
"I certainly believe that is in his future if he keeps himself focused," Beals said. "He just has to stay entrenched with our team goals and not worry so much about individual accolades, which will take care of themselves."
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