Auburn second baseman Jordan Ebert was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday, May 13, after a breakout week that helped Auburn go 4-1.
"I set a goal earlier in the year," Ebert said. "I wanted to be named SEC Player of the Week, and to get this award means a lot to me."
Ebert batted 11 for 19 with two doubles, one home run, four RBI and five runs scored. His improved play could not have come at a better time for the Tigers, who clinched an opportunity to play in the SEC Tournament after a series victory against Florida.
Ebert is Auburn's first SEC Freshman of the Week since pitcher Dillon Ortman received the award April 11, 2011.
"It means a lot to play a role that helps this team," Ebert said. "It felt good to have the performance that I had against guys who throw 92-94 mph."
While Ebert has received praise for his hot bat, his fielding and progression at second base has helped tighten the Auburn defense. Last week, Ebert converted all 33 fielding opportunities without committing a single error.
Auburn assistant coach Ty Megahee has noticed Ebert's improvement on the field.
"He's not what you would call a typical infielder," said Megahee. "We always knew he could swing the bat, but coming into the season we had to find a spot for him on the field."
Megahee praised Ebert for his work ethic and focused on his development on the field.
"You can see the improvement," Megahee said. "He puts in a lot of work, and it's great to see it paying off for him."
Ebert's maturation process has led to him seeing more time on the field in pivotal spots for the Tigers.
"Earlier in the year, we would pull him and put in another fielder in the later innings," Megahee said. "But he has earned our trust to be out there when it counts."
With Ebert's growing confidence comes an increased leadership role on the team.
"He is very outgoing," Megahee said. "He brings passion and energy to the clubhouse and the field. He's definitely earned the respect of his teammates and he is definitely becoming a leader on this team."
As Ebert has improved, the team has also steadily improved. Megahee believes that Ebert's progress is symbolic of the strides the Tigers have made since February.
"Jordan started the year slowly as he tried to adapt to the college game," Megahee said. "His progress sort of reflects the attitude and improvement of the team, and it's not a surprise to me that he's playing his best baseball at the same time the team is."
Ebert said that although winning the award is gratifying, the most important factor is the overall well being of the team.
"People were counting this team out a few weeks ago, but we haven't given up," Ebert said. "Lately, we've been playing like we could make some noise in the postseason."
At this stage in the season, every game is pivotal, and the challenge is not one Ebert or his teammates want to shy away from.
"I want to see us go as far as we can," Ebert said. "I want us to prove how good we can be."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
