Katz on Fire!

Mason Katz, (Danville Dans 2010), has been selected as the Greater New Orleans Amateur Athlete of the Month for March. Katz, a native of Harahan and a graduate of Jesuit High School, was selected over two other standout local products in balloting by the Greater New Orleans Sports Selection Committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. During the month of March, Katz batted .304 (21-of-69) with four home runs, 15 runs batted in and 17 runs scored as he helped the Tigers to a 14-4 record. On March 5, the first baseman/outfielder was named a National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball after batting .684 (13-for-19) with five doubles, three home runs, eight runs batted in and 12 runs score, as well as a 1.421 slugging percentage and a .760 on-base percentage. Katz also set an all-time LSU and SEC record by reaching base in 17 consecutive plate appearances, one appearance from matching the NCAA all-time record (set by Shaun Larkin from Cal State Northridge in 2002). During his 17 consecutive times on base, he tallied three doubles, two homeruns, nine runs scored, seven walks and one stolen base. On the season to date, Katz leads the third-ranked Tigers in home runs (8), runs scored (50, also leads the SEC) and doubles (12), while ranking second in hitting (.350), on-base percentage (.450), slugging percentage (.592), hits (55), runs batted in (36) and walks (25). Keep it up Mason!

Dans Season Nears

I just went to You Tube (or is it Youtube?), searched for Danville Dans (you can also go to www.danvilledans.com), and am enjoying videos from seasons past. Relive fireworks,breast cancer, or sports announcers camp nights! See your favorite Dans player again and watch some great action!

Two Dans named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List

Congratulations to Danville Dan alumni, Brett Huber (Ole’ Miss) and Michael Wagner (San Diego). Both have been named to the midseason watch list for the eighth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. While with the Dans in 2009, Huber, in a relief role, sported a 1.69 ERA, allowing 9 walks against 34 strikeouts. This college season, Huber has posted seven saves for Ole’ Miss, currently fourth in the Southeastern Conference. The seven saves gives Huber 23 saves for his career, third all-time for the Rebels. Michael Wagner led the Dans in 2011 with a 2.74 ERA, striking out 67 and walking 9. Wagner leads the nation with 18 saves in 22 appearances. He has pitched 35 innings for San Diego, with 31 strikeouts and is 1-1 with a 1.03 ERA. Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relation contacts and more than 90 nominations were received. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 6, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2012 College World Series.

Dans help propel LSU over Alabama

Two Danville Dans helped collect 9 hits for the LSU Tiger 10-2 win over Alabama last. Night. Outfielder Mason Katz (Dans 2010) started things off with a three-run homer in the first inning and shortstop Austin Nola (2009) followed with a grand slam in the fourth.

Dans Alumn Bobb Garners Award

RAWLINGS WEST COAST CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE WEEK
ABE BOBB, RS-SO., RHP, SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco's Abe Bobb is the Rawlings West Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Bobb blanked No. 24 San Diego over 7.1 innings in leading the Dons to a 1-0 victory over the Toreros, who had won seven straight. Bobb struck out six and scattered six hits without issuing a walk in the victory, while lowering his ERA to 2.33 for the season.