Feb. 1, 2010
2010 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List
IRVINE, Calif. - Texas A&M pitcher Nick Fleece was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason Stopper of the Year watch list, the organization announced.
Fleece, a junior from Fort Worth, is one of 40 players to make the list. He led the Aggie pitching staff last season with 26 relief appearances, recording a team-high five saves. Fleece finished the year with a 4-1 record and 3.54 ERA, allowing a run in just five of his 26 outings in 2009.
The Big 12 Conference led the way with five players named to the preseason watch list. The ACC, Conference USA and the SEC had four pitchers each on this year's watch list, while the Pacific-10 Conference is represented by three players.
Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relation contacts. The initial list will be updated with a mid-season release the week of April 19, including the national saves leaders. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 2, prior to start of NCAA regional tournament competition.
The NCBWA's All-America Committee then will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced on the opening day of the College World Series on June 19.
Fleece and the Aggies open the 2010 season on Friday, February 19 against Seton Hall. First pitch at Olsen Field is set for 6:35 p.m. Season tickets and special discounted ticket packs are available now by calling 888-99-AGGIE or visiting tickets.12thmanfoundation.com.