LYNCHBURG, VA. (NCBWA) – Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto and N.C. State right-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon have been named the 2012 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Hitter and Pitcher of the Year recipients, as announced by the organization today.
Conforto led the Oregon State Beavers with a .349 batting average, 76 RBI, 13 home runs, .601 slugging percentage and 131 total bases. The outfielder led the Pac-12 Conference in RBI and tied for the league lead in home runs. In addition, he led all Pac-12 players with 36 RBI in conference games. Playing in 58 games, he also finished the year with 45 runs scored, 14 doubles and a triple.
Conforto was selected the 2012 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and named to all-conference first team. The outfielder helped the Beavers post a 40-20 record and secure an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Conforto was named to the All-Tournament team at the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional after batting 6-for-14 (.429) with two doubles, five RBI and two walks in four games. Oregon State is currently ranked 21st in the NCBWA Weekly Poll.
The Woodinville, Wash., native was named the Freshman Player of Year and a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American by the Collegiate Baseball News.
Rodon, a semifinalist of the Dick Howser trophy, became the first freshman in ACC history to be named either the conference’s Pitcher or Player of the Year. The left-hander was also selected the ACC Freshman of the Year. Rodon leads the ACC with a 1.57 ERA over 114 2/3 innings pitched. He finished second in the conference with a 9-0 record, 135 strikeouts and a .176 opponent batting average.
The Holly Springs, N.C. product was an All-ACC First Team selection. The left-hander has received Louisville Slugger All-America first team honors and was named Freshman Pitcher of the Year from Collegiate Baseball News. He has also been selected as one of five semifinalists for the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year Award.
Rodon helped NC State post a 43-20 record and claim the NCAA Raleigh Regional Championship. The Wolfpack is currently ranked No. 11 in the NCBWA Weekly Poll.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association’s official Web site, www.ncbwa.com.
For more information, contact NCBWA Assistant Executive Director Mike Montoro (304-293-2821, mike.montoro@mail.wvu.edu) or Ryan Bomberger (434-582-2292, rbomberger@liberty.edu).
