FOUR RAMS GAIN ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. -- Four members of the Shepherd University baseball team were recently named to the 2005 All-WVIAC Baseball Team. Junior outfielder Collin Brown (Durham, NC/Southern Durham HS/NC State) gained first team honors, junior pitcher Scott McCormick (Stephens City, VA/Sherando HS/Potomac State) and junior second baseman Nicky Brown (Falling Waters, WV/Hedgesville HS/Potomac State) were second team selections, while junior shortstop Ryan Brady (McSherrystown, PA/Delone Catholic HS/Hagerstown CC) was accorded honorable mention honors.

Collin Brown led the Rams with a .471 batting average with a team-best 38 runs scored and 24 RBIs. He tied for the team lead in doubles (12) and triples (3), while also adding four round-trippers. He also led the Ram regulars in hits (64), hit-by-pitch (12), on-base percentage (.529), and slugging percentage (.691). Brown's .471 average set a new Ram single season mark, eclipsing the old mark of .458 set by Brett Bakner in 1993. He was second on the team in stolen bases with nine in 12 attempts. Brown was also a two-time WVIAC Player of the Week selection.

McCormick posted a 4-3 record for the Rams with a 3.30 ERA. He fanned a team-best 43 while yielding only 23 walks in 60 innings. He led the Ram pitching staff in games started (9) and complete games (4). McCormick was a WVIAC Pitcher of the Week choice.

Nicky Brown batted .377 with 55 hits, 23 RBIs, and 28 runs scored. He also added eight doubles, a triple, and four homers. Brown also was 3-of-4 in stolen bases. He was one of three players to start in all 39 games for the Rams this season. He recently tied teammate Steve Kozak for the best individual batting average with five hits in eight at-bats for a .625 mark at the WVIAC Tournament.

Brady batted .328 with 44 hits, 27 RBIs, and 23 runs scored. He added 10 doubles, three triples (tied for team lead), and a home run. He also drew a team-best 16 walks and was a perfect 6-for-6 in stolen bases. Brady, who also started in all 39 games of the Rams, led the team in assists (98) and took part on a team-best 14 double plays.

The Rams finished the season as WVIAC Northern Division Champion with a 19-20 overall mark, including a 10-4 conference record.