Dec. 16, 2009

Complete NCBWA All-American Team in PDF Format

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Wright State baseball program picked up their first preseason honor of the season on Wednesday, December 16 as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association named sophomore closer Michael Schum to its Preseason All-American Third Team. Schum was named the Horizon League’s Relief Pitcher of the Year last season and earned Freshman All-American accolades from Collegiate Baseball Magazine at season’s end.

Schum is the first Wright State player to earn Preseason All-American honors from the NCBWA and was the first WSU player to earn Freshman All-American honors, last season. The right-handed closer posted 13 saves during his redshirt campaign, a total that is tied with Joe Smith for second most in single history, and his 1.95 ERA sits fifth on the season charts.

The submarine style pitcher tossed 74 innings last season and ranked among the national leaders in ERA, Saves, along with hits and walks-per-nine innings. The closer was the highest ranked freshman on the ERA charts, sitting third nationally, and was one of only three rookies to appear in the top-25 in saves and walks-per-nine innings.

Schum led the Horizon League in earned run average, held batters to a league-low .225 batting average and made a school record 34 appearances during the Green and Gold’s 63 game slate. Of his 13 saves, ten of those last longer than an inning and the sidewinder recorded the final out in 22 of WSU’s 33 wins.

Schum was well decorated after his first season competing for the Raiders. The Bright, Ind. native was named Collegiate Baseball Magazine Freshman All-American, Second Team All- Horizon League, Horizon League All-Newcomer Team and was the Horizon League’s Relief Pitcher of the Year.

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