ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico baseball team has already been picked as the favorite in the Mountain West by D1Baseball, and recently College Sports Madness predicted more success for the Lobos this season. The publication chose sophomore Carl Stajduhar as the Player of the Year, freshman catcher Andrew Pratt as Freshman of the Year, and Ray Birmingham as Coach of the Year.
Stajduhar, who was previously picked as a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American, was also slated as a Fourth Team Preseason All-American by College Sports Madness. He was the only Lobo to play in every game last season and set a UNM freshman record for RBIs with 53, which led the team. He also led the squad in doubles (21), home runs (nine), hits (75), and total bases (127).
In addition to Stajduhar, juniors Chris DeVito, Jack Zoellner and Danny Collier were also picked for the Preseason All-Mountain West First Team.