FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Edison, N.J. – Canisius College is the team to beat in the 2009 MAAC baseball season, according to a preseason poll voted on by the league’s head coaches.
Canisius finished with 81 points in the poll, while Rider University finished second (66). Manhattan College placed third with 58 points. Marist College and Siena College tied for fourth place (53), followed by Fairfield University (30), Niagara University (29), Saint Peter’s College (19), and Iona College (12).
The Griffs’ senior third baseman Kevin Mahoney was named the 2009 MAAC Baseball Preseason Player of the Year. Last season, he owned a .369 batted average, and recorded 66 hits, 51 runs, 52 RBI and a league-best .665 slugging percentage.
The rest of the infield includes: Rider’s Sean Olson as catcher, Marist’s Ryan Gauck at first base, Canisius’ Kevin Mailloux at second base and Marist’s Rich Curylo at shortstop. In the outfield are Canisius’ Branson Joseph, as well as Manhattan’s Kevin Nieto and Mark Onarati. Siena’s Kevin Quaranto is the designated hitter, and Rider’s Jamie Hayes is the utility player. Canisius’ Shane Davis rounds out the Preseason All-MAAC Team as the pitcher.
2009 MAAC Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Canisius 81
2. Rider 66
3. Manhattan 58
T4. Marist 53
T4. Siena 53
6. Fairfield 30
7. Niagara 29
8. Saint Peter’s 19
9. Iona 16
2009 MAAC Baseball Preseason Team
Sean Olson Catcher Rider
Ryan Gauck First Base Marist
Kevin Mailloux Second Base Canisius
Rich Curylo Shortstop Marist
Kevin Mahoney Third Base Canisius
Branson Joseph Outfield Canisius
Kevin Nieto Outfield Manhattan
Mark Onarati Outfield Manhattan
Kevin Quaranto Designated Hitter Siena
Jamie Hayes Utility Rider
Shane Davis Pitcher Canisius
2009 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year: Kevin Mahoney, Canisius
