It was a day of celebration at Spirit Ranch as the College Baseball Hall of Fame held their annual welcome barbecue to honor the newest members to the hall.
This year’s class led by long time Texas Longhorn’s Coach Augie Garrido includes the likes of J.D. Drew, Rick Monday and the University of Houston’s Tom Paciorek. Also joining them is Matt Desalvo, who holds the record for the most wins by any collegiate pitcher, plus two other coaches, Robert Braddy and Tommy Thomas.
J.D. Drew who starred in his time at Florida State has nothing but fond memories from his FSU days, “between the major leagues and college my memories reflect back on college, that was kind of the pinnacle of my dreams”.
Also being honored were the winners of the National Pitcher of the Year Award and the Brooks Wallace Award. Kent State’s Eric Lauer took home National Pitcher of the Year while Oklahoma’s Shledon Neuse won the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the best shortstop in college baseball.
For Neuse receiving the award meant more than just a recognition of his talent, “to come out here and be recognized as somebody that can play baseball a little, but more importantly a better person off the field”.
The weekend is just beginning for the inductees and award winners, tomorrow night will mark the College Baseball Night of Champions where a formal ceremony will be held for everyone being honored.
