Booher named 2009 pre-season All-American

D3baseball.com named Patriots’ senior baseball player Blake Booher one of the top three pitchers in NCAA Division III Baseball for the 2009 season.

“It is a great honor to be named pre-season All-American, but the award is a prediction on the season to come, which means I need to work hard to live up to the expectations,” Booher said. “I’m looking forward to a fun and competitive season this year.”

Booher, a business management major from Hurst, was 11-1 last season with a 2.06 earned run average, striking out 84 and only giving up 62 hits.

The right-hander was named the American Southwest Conference East Division Pitcher of the Year and the West Region Pitcher of the Year last year, as well as being named as a second team All-American by D3baseball.com and the American Baseball Coaches Association.

Booher also is the school’s all-time leader in wins (21), starts (29), innings pitched (178), complete games (7), and shutouts (5).

“He’s a big part of our program, rotation and baseball history,” said coach James Vilade. “He works extremely hard. He’s been a really good all around student and person since he’s been here and we’re proud that he made All-American.”

Booher was one of two players chosen from the ASC as an All-American along with utility player Bruce Cameron from The University of the Ozarks.

The Patriots open up the 2009 season Feb. 6 at home against Concordia University-Texas in the Easton Classic at Irwin Field. The Patriots play Trinity University on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8 at Irwin Field.

By Clay Ihlo Staff Writer