Auburn players Brian Fletcher and Hunter Morris were recently named to Baseball America’s Freshman All-American team, making the Tigers the only Southeastern Conference school with two representatives.
“Awards like these prove to everyone that hard work does pay off,” said John Pawlowski, head coach. “Something pushed them towards this, and that push was their work ethic.”
Outfielder Brian Fletcher is ranked second on the team in slugging percentage with a .611 and third in batting average. Fletcher ended the 2007 season batting .324 with 10 home runs, 17 doubles, three triples and 42 RBI, reaching base 44 out of 54 games.
“I worked hard this season,” Fletcher said. “It is a great honor to be nominated.”
Fletcher is spending his summer playing Cape Cod League ball for the Falmouth Commodores, who were ranked 4th in the West as of July 3.
First baseman Hunter Morris led the Auburn team in batting, ending with a .351 average after 54 games. Morris hit 11 home runs, 15 doubles, and two triples on the season. Morris ended the season in the top three for on-base percentage, walks and slugging percentage.
He received the SEC Freshman of the Year award, as well as being named Second Team All-SEC.
Morris was recently selected for the USA Baseball National Team, and is playing in the Netherlands until July 13. Morris then heads to the Czech Republic for the FISU World Collegiate Baseball Championships July 17-27. This is not Morris’ first experience with the USA team, though. He played in Cuba for the Junior National Team during high school, where they won a silver medal.
“Although I have not met either player, I have talked with them on the phone,” Pawlowski said. “This is obviously a tremendous award for both of them.”
“There are a lot of good guys on the team,” Fletcher said. “Each player has a responsibility on the field, and we rely on each other.”
Both Fletcher and Morris were also named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-American team, the SEC All-Freshman team, as well as Louisville Slugger’s Freshman All-American team.
“Having players like these gives building blocks for next year,” Pawlowski said. “The other coaches and I look forward to working with them.”
Pawlowski was named as Auburn’s new head coach in June, giving the Tigers renewed hope of a Conference title and beyond.
“I think we will be stronger next year,” Fletcher said. “We have learned a lot, trying to find the right roles and gaining confidence.”
“These awards show the type of program and players Auburn has,” Pawlowski said. “It will help promote the school, not only for academics but also for those who want to pursue their baseball dreams.”
Players from Louisiana State, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas were also selected from the Southeastern Conference.
