ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico baseball team had another banner season, individually highlighted by two All-America honorees in Chris DeVito and Carl Stajduhar, as well as a Freshman All-America honor for Andrew Pratt. The three honors continue a tradition at UNM of developing baseball All-Americans.
Overall, the Lobos have now had 36 All-America honors in program history, dating back to the Sam Suplizio, who became the Lobos’ first All-American in 1953. However, since Ray Birmingham took over the program prior to the 2008 season, the Lobos have collected 14 honors in nine seasons. That is nearly 40 percent of the program’s total All-America count.
“There are a few reasons why there are so many All-Americans that come from UNM,” said former Lobo Justin Howard, a 2010 All-American. “The biggest reason is because of the coaches. They create a family atmosphere. This makes the players feel comfortable and also brings everyone together to achieve a common goal: to win the last game of the season. They also instill a blue-collar work ethic and attitude towards all aspects of life. Whether its academics, baseball, weightlifting and conditioning, or being a productive citizen.
“They also created an atmosphere and tradition of winning and that is contagious. Players come to UNM as boys and the coaches turn them into men. The standard of winning at UNM will soon be a National Championship and its will be because of the coaching staff.”
“I believe UNM breeds so many great athletes because they expect and influence excellence in all areas; the classroom, weight room, field and community,” said Rafael Neda, a two time All-American at UNM.
Andrew Pratt’s breakout run towards the end of the 2016 season helped maintain a tradition of freshman succeeding at UNM as well. The Lobos have now claimed a Freshman All-American honor in six straight seasons. Overall, 14 Lobos have been named Freshman All-Americans, with eight coming in the Birmingham era.
“The success of New Mexico athletes is a reflection of the community that has raised them,” said Ryan Padilla, a 2012 Freshman All-American. “It is imperative to recognize the passionate, hardworking families and individuals that support and represent New Mexico athletics. They have given local athletes the opportunity to excel on and off the playing field.”
Of the three national honorees, Stajduhar and Pratt will return in 2017. Pratt will have a chance to further establish himself as one of the nation’s best catchers, while Stajduhar will build on his 2016 Mountain West Player of the Year campaign. They, along with several teammates, will look to continue the Lobos’ growing tradition of individual and team success.