Braun, Cockroft Named All-American's by NCBWA

Nov. 11, 2003

DENVER – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced its fifth annual 2004 preseason All-America team on Tuesday with Miami shortstop Ryan Braun and left-handed pitcher J.D. Cockroft being named to the second and third team, respectively.

Braun, a native of Granada Hills, Calif., was the Baseball America National Freshman of the Year in 2003. He led the Hurricanes with a .364 batting average, 17 home runs and a Miami freshman record 76 RBIs. The sophomore moved to shortstop in the middle of the season and solidified the position during the Hurricanes run to the College World Series.

Cockroft, a Foster City, Calif., native began the 2003 season in the bullpen before moving into Miami’s starting rotation, and establishing himself as the ace of the staff. The senior finished the season with an 11-3 record and a team-low 2.72 ERA in a team-high 119 innings pitched. Cockroft also led the team in strikeouts with 94, complete games three and complete-game shutouts with one.

Miami is coming off of its eight trip to the College World Series in 10 season under head coach Jim Morris.

Miami opens the 2004 regular season on Friday, Feb. 13, with a three-game series against the Florida Gators at Mark Light Field. Prior to that, the Hurricanes will welcome back former players for the annual Alumni Game on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.

Call 1-800-GO-CANES for season and individual game ticket information or check out UM’s official athletic website www.hurricanesports.com for updated information on the baseball team.