University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Photo by: Joe Harper
Matt Wallner Named to Collegiate Baseball Preseason All-America First Team
12/17/2018 12:16:00 PM | Baseball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss junior outfielder/right-handed pitcher Matt Wallner earned selection to the Collegiate Baseball Preseason All-America first team at utility player Monday by the publication.
The 2017 National Freshman of the Year by most national media organizations finished last spring with a .351 batting average with 13 doubles, to go along with team highs of 16 home runs and 67 RBI. He walked 48 times to have an on-base percentage of .474, while his slugging was at .618. In addition, Wallner played in four games with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer, before joining the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod League. He batted .250 with two doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI over 23 games for the Commodores.
Wallner earned All-American honors by multiple organizations following the 2018 spring campaign, including a second-team accolade by the NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association) in the outfield and was a third-team selection at designated hitter by D1Baseball.com as well as a third-team pick by the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association).
The Golden Eagle centerfielder also blasted a team-best three grand slams during the year.
Wallner was the only player for Conference USA selected for the first team and only one of three to earn a spot on any of the three preseason teams.
Southern Miss opens the season Feb. 15-17, when they play host to Purdue at Pete Taylor Park. Season tickets are now available and can be purchased at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The 2017 National Freshman of the Year by most national media organizations finished last spring with a .351 batting average with 13 doubles, to go along with team highs of 16 home runs and 67 RBI. He walked 48 times to have an on-base percentage of .474, while his slugging was at .618. In addition, Wallner played in four games with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team over the summer, before joining the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod League. He batted .250 with two doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI over 23 games for the Commodores.
Wallner earned All-American honors by multiple organizations following the 2018 spring campaign, including a second-team accolade by the NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association) in the outfield and was a third-team selection at designated hitter by D1Baseball.com as well as a third-team pick by the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association).
The Golden Eagle centerfielder also blasted a team-best three grand slams during the year.
Wallner was the only player for Conference USA selected for the first team and only one of three to earn a spot on any of the three preseason teams.
Southern Miss opens the season Feb. 15-17, when they play host to Purdue at Pete Taylor Park. Season tickets are now available and can be purchased at SouthernMissTickets.com, by calling 1-800-844-TICK (8425) or by visiting the Pat Ferlise Athletic Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Players Mentioned
OF/RHP
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