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---Shaffer led the Norse with three triples and 93 total bases in 2007.

By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University baseball player Jake Shaffer was named an NCAA Division II preseason All-American by Baseball America this week.

Shaffer, entering his second season at NKU after transferring from Winthrop, led the Norse in 2007 in several offensive statistical categories, including batting average (.347), slugging percentage (.467), runs (30), doubles (12), triples (3), and total bases (93). He was one of just two players to start all 52 contests for the Norse last year.

Shaffer’s performance earned him a spot on the All-Great Lakes Valley Conference second team last season.

“Jake is one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen at this level,” said NKU head coach Todd Asalon. “He hits for average very well, he’s got great speed on the base paths. Scouts are calling him a five-tool guy.”

Shaffer was also named one of the top three prospects in Division II for 2008.

Northern Kentucky begins its baseball season Feb. 23 in Nashville, Tenn., where they will face Grand Valley State in a regional doubleheader. The Norse open their home schedule March 12 against Findlay.

Baseball America NCAA Division II All-America Team

C – Matt Adams, So., Slippery Rock
1B – Erik Lovett, Sr., Mount Olive
2B – Steve Lafred, Sr., Angelo State
3B – Randy Rutherford, Sr., Columbus State (Ga.)
SS – Scott Savastand, Jr., Franklin Pierce
OF – Brad Goldsmith, Sr., St. Edwards (Texas)
OF – Junior Mejia, Jr., Tampa (GF '06)
OF – Matt Mindick, Jr., Nova Southeastern
OF – Jake Shaffer, Jr., Northern Kentucky
DH – Clay Calfee, Jr., Angelo State
UT – Trey Watten, Jr., Abilene Christian
P – Patrick Colgan, Sr., St. Edwards (Texas)
P – Kevin Ferguson, Sr., Tampa
P – Justin Smith, Sr., Delta State
January 31, 2008

Tampa Headlines Baseball America's Small College Preview

 

Senior Kevin Ferguson was selected as the preseason favorite to win NCAA II Pitcher of the Year.
Senior Kevin Ferguson was selected as the preseason favorite to win NCAA II Pitcher of the Year.

DURHAM, N.C. – The University of Tampa baseball team was in the spotlight Tuesday, as the Spartans were selected as Baseball America’s preseason favorite to win the NCAA II national championship as part of its 2008 Small College Preview. Should Tampa prove the prediction to be accurate, it will play its way into the record books as the first team to win three consecutive Division II College World Series titles.


In addition to being picked to win the national championship for a third year in a row, Spartan pitcher Kevin Ferguson, and outfielder Junior Mejia, (Glens Falls Golden Eagles '06) both seniors, were selected to Baseball America’s Preseason All-America Team. Ferguson was also tabbed as the preseason favorite to be named NCAA II Pitcher of the Year.

Mejia returns for his second season at Tampa to set the table for the offense, having finished second on the team in stolen bases with 24 thefts in 2007. Ferguson, a native of Port St. Lucie, Fla., enters the 2008 season as the ace of Tampa’s pitching staff after posting a team-best 12 wins and 82 strikeouts last season.