We continue the countdown today with number 60, Arizona SS Kevin Newman. In his freshman campaign with the Wildcats, Newman was named the starting shortstop and played in all 55 games in the 2013 schedule. The slick handed infielder finished an impressive rookie season with a .336 batting average which was good for 4th on the team and No. 11 in the PAC-12. Newman also collected 73 hits and 42 RBI which was good for 3rd in the Wildcats lineup. Defensively, Newman had an outstanding season as a rookie. He finished the 2013 season with a .975 fielding percentage and collected a team-leading 164 assists and helped the Wildcats turn 45 double plays. Additionally, Newman was the only freshman position player named to the PAC-12 All-Conference team.
The Poway, CA native attended Poway High School where he earned a varsity letter his senior season. During that year the shortstop hit .374 with 15 RBI and 17 stolen bases which got him named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In addition to this honor, Newman was also named First Team All-Palomar League, Second Team All-CIF and was the winner of the Silver Bat Award.
After an impressive rookie campaign with the Wildcats, Newman took his talents to the prestigious Cape Cod League as a member of the Falmouth Commodores. Newman became the first freshman ever to win the Cape Cod League batting title with a .375 average, 60 hits and 18 RBI in 40 games. The Wildcat’s shortstop was also second in the league in runs (36) and fourth in stolen bases (16). Newman had the opportunity to compete for the Western Division in the CCBL All-Star game and was placed on the Nation shortstop watch list.
The talented shortstop returns to the Wildcats for his sophomore season and will be a player to watch during the 2014 season.
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