Published: Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Three Bethany players honored
Brett Bartholomew (Boardman) and Aaron Brest (Hickory High) gained recognition.
BETHANY, W.Va. — Three Bethany College baseball players have been named to Collegiate Baseball's National Players to Watch List, making it 17 consecutive years that the Bison have been represented on the list.
Those selected, who were all picked for the first time in their careers, include senior pitcher Brett Bartholomew (Boardman), sophomore outfielder/pitcher Aaron Brest (Sharon, Pa./Hickory High) and senior catcher/designated hitter Brent Owens.
"This is the 17th consecutive year we've had players chosen by Collegiate Baseball and the 12th straight year we've had at least three players honored," Bethany coach Rick Carver said. "It's always nice for our players to receive these types of honors because they are being recognized among the nation's top players."
Pitched two shutouts
Bartholomew heads the list after leading the Bison in wins last year with a 4-5 record, as well as a 4.23 ERA. In 66 innings, he struck out 33 but walked just 22 while tying for the PAC-high with two shutouts.
The two teams he blanked were PAC champion Washington & Jefferson College in a four-hitter and a two-hit shutout of Westminster College in which he needed just 75 pitches.
"Brett is very deserving of this recognition because he's progressed through all four years of his career," Carver said. "His numbers weren't overly impressive last year, but that's due to him emerging as a number one starter and drawing starts against very tough teams.
"Brett isn't overpowering, but to look at some of the line-ups he shut down last year in Denison, W&J and a 75-pitch shutout against Westminster shows how smart and efficient he is and that's he's learned to pitch at this level."
Transferred to Bethany
The accolade for Brest comes in his first year at Bethany after transferring from Mercyhurst-Northeast College in Erie, Pa.
The 6-0, 170-pound sophomore is expected to see time in the Bison outfield, as well as innings on the mound for Carver's crew this season.
"I was surprised to see Aaron on the list because it's his first year with the program," Carver said. "As is the case with any player we've had receive this award, I expect he'll challenge himself to prove he deserves it and we really look forward to what he brings to the field this season."
The acknowledgment for Owens comes after his first season for the Bison, in which he finished second on the team with 22 RBIs.
A clutch performer
He produced in many crucial situations, as he batted .800 (12-15) with a runner of third and less than two outs, while also collecting 10 two-out RBIs. In addition, the catcher/DH was third on the squad with 39 hits and 22 runs scored.
"Brent is very worthy of this recognition because he's a clutch player," Carver said. "His numbers weren't very eye-popping overall, but many of his RBIs came in clutch situations.
"In addition, I can say it makes a coach feel good when a high-character person like Brent gets recognized for his on-the-field productivity," said Carver.
The Bison are scheduled to open their season on Feb. 25 with a home doubleheader against Lake Erie (Ohio) College.
BC will then embark on their spring break trip to Fort Pierce, Fla., from March 2-9.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Brett Bartholomew (Boardman) and Aaron Brest (Hickory High) gained recognition.
BETHANY, W.Va. — Three Bethany College baseball players have been named to Collegiate Baseball's National Players to Watch List, making it 17 consecutive years that the Bison have been represented on the list.
Those selected, who were all picked for the first time in their careers, include senior pitcher Brett Bartholomew (Boardman), sophomore outfielder/pitcher Aaron Brest (Sharon, Pa./Hickory High) and senior catcher/designated hitter Brent Owens.
"This is the 17th consecutive year we've had players chosen by Collegiate Baseball and the 12th straight year we've had at least three players honored," Bethany coach Rick Carver said. "It's always nice for our players to receive these types of honors because they are being recognized among the nation's top players."
Pitched two shutouts
Bartholomew heads the list after leading the Bison in wins last year with a 4-5 record, as well as a 4.23 ERA. In 66 innings, he struck out 33 but walked just 22 while tying for the PAC-high with two shutouts.
The two teams he blanked were PAC champion Washington & Jefferson College in a four-hitter and a two-hit shutout of Westminster College in which he needed just 75 pitches.
"Brett is very deserving of this recognition because he's progressed through all four years of his career," Carver said. "His numbers weren't overly impressive last year, but that's due to him emerging as a number one starter and drawing starts against very tough teams.
"Brett isn't overpowering, but to look at some of the line-ups he shut down last year in Denison, W&J and a 75-pitch shutout against Westminster shows how smart and efficient he is and that's he's learned to pitch at this level."
Transferred to Bethany
The accolade for Brest comes in his first year at Bethany after transferring from Mercyhurst-Northeast College in Erie, Pa.
The 6-0, 170-pound sophomore is expected to see time in the Bison outfield, as well as innings on the mound for Carver's crew this season.
"I was surprised to see Aaron on the list because it's his first year with the program," Carver said. "As is the case with any player we've had receive this award, I expect he'll challenge himself to prove he deserves it and we really look forward to what he brings to the field this season."
The acknowledgment for Owens comes after his first season for the Bison, in which he finished second on the team with 22 RBIs.
A clutch performer
He produced in many crucial situations, as he batted .800 (12-15) with a runner of third and less than two outs, while also collecting 10 two-out RBIs. In addition, the catcher/DH was third on the squad with 39 hits and 22 runs scored.
"Brent is very worthy of this recognition because he's a clutch player," Carver said. "His numbers weren't very eye-popping overall, but many of his RBIs came in clutch situations.
"In addition, I can say it makes a coach feel good when a high-character person like Brent gets recognized for his on-the-field productivity," said Carver.
The Bison are scheduled to open their season on Feb. 25 with a home doubleheader against Lake Erie (Ohio) College.
BC will then embark on their spring break trip to Fort Pierce, Fla., from March 2-9.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Three Bethany College baseball players have been named to Collegiate Baseball's National Players to Watch List, making...
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