HANCOCK -- Courtesy: Finlandia University
After completing the 2012 baseball season Finlandia University has placed five players on the Association of Division III Independents All-Independent team. Finishing with a 4-31 record was not the ideal season for the lions but with the all-independent selections out the teams improvement is noted by placing the most players in Finlandia history.
Five players placed on the Association of Division III All-Independent Team listed below:
James Brey (Hancock, MI): 1st Team Outfielder
The senior outfielder for the lions was selected a first team outfielder by the AD3I all-independent team. Brey lead the team in almost every offensive category posting a .365 batting average while taking the plate 104 times this season. Along with the average Brey managed to drive in 22 runs for the lions and crossed the plate 22 times another team leading category.
Alex Miller (Cross Plains, WI): 2ndTeam Pitcher and 2nd Team Utility player
As a freshman Miller showed great maturity as a starting pitcher winning two of the four wins posted this season. He pitched a team leading 59 innings with a 6.05 earned run average and struck out 54 batters over the season. Away from the mound Miller was placed in the leadoff role after an injury and stepped up to the challenge, posting a .274 average with a .333 on base percentage proves his ability to get on base for the players behind him in the lineup. Miller's ability to play multiple positions proved invaluable to the lions as he played five different positions over the season helping to fill in open positions as injuries plagued the lions.
Preston Hutchens (Gwinn, MI): 2nd Team Pitcher
The sophomore starting pitcher lead the Lions with a 5.41 earned run average while throwing his 44 innings over the 2012 campaign. Hutchens threw an impressive three complete games for the lions winning the first game of the season on their spring trip. Showing his versatility Hutchens managed to put up a .368 average with his 19 at bats while playing some outfield.
Wesley Williams (Edmore, MI): 2nd Team Pitcher
Williams maintained good mound presence throughout the year putting up a 5.42 earned run average while throwing 41 innings as a freshman. Coming into a steady starting role as a freshman is no easy task and Williams handled the challenge with grace being one of the most consistent pitchers for the lions. Williams leads the team being able to hold opponents to a .269 batting average.
Cody Mahler (Marenisco, MI): 2ndTeam First Baseman
Mahler one of the team's greatest morale leaders, as a very vocal player he continually pushes his teammates to do better both on and off the field. Despite some mid-season injuries Mahler was second in average on the team hitting .327 during the 2012 season. As a fielder Mahler flashes his talent which with a .969 fielding percentage and is continually the defensive battery for the lions.
The Association of Division III Independents consists of 13 Division III independent institutions that have joined together to recognize student-athletes at independent institutions, and to provide exempted postseason championship competition. The Association recognizes outstanding athletic achievements of its student-athletes on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. The Association provides statistical services for its members in seven sports. In addition, it will announce All-Independent teams at the conclusion of eight other sports this year.
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