I think I've said it before, but I really like alliteration (and, in this instance, assonance). But that's besides the point. Outfielder Jarrett Parker and Lefty Pitcher Danny Hultzen (as utility) continue to rack up pre-season accolades, as they have been named to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Baseball Team.
Named first-team at outfield, Parker, who by now must be used to the national recognition after finishing as a unanimous All-American last season, put together a .355 batting average with 16 home runs and 65 runs batted in. Anyone who watched even one game post-season last year knows that he is always a scoring threat on base, as he had 20 stolen bases while playing in all 65 of Virginia's games. The All-American holds a plethora of Virginia single-season records, including runs (75), hits (94), total bases (176) and triples (7 - tie).
Hultzen is also no stranger to grand recognition. Earlier this year he was named to the NCBWA Preseason All-America Team as second-team at utility (Parker was first team at outfield). Louisville Slugger followed suit. As the first ACC Freshman of the Year that Virginia has ever had, Hultzen proved to be among the most versatile players in Virginia's repertoire. In 95 innings, Hultzen recorded 107 strikeouts, which is a Virginia freshman record and also ranks sixth overall in UVa history. His 16 starts tied a Virginia single-season record, while his total of nine wins is tied for sixth in the Virginia annals.
Virginia is set to open its season on February 19 at East Carolina.
At the plate, Hultzen recorded a .327 batting average - second among ACC freshmen behind teammate Steven Proscia. He also hit three home runs and drove in 37 runs.