PITMAN--Kean University junior outfielder Nick Nolan and Rowan University junior right-hander Jeff White have been named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Baseball Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively for the 2010 season. Their selections highlighted the 35-member 2010 NJAC baseball all-conference team that was announced on May 5. All selections were made via a vote of the league’s 10 head coaches.
A two-time NJAC and ECAC Metro Player of the Week selection, Nolan hit .338 overall during the regular season and currently leads the conference in slugging percentage (.676), RBI (53), doubles (16) and home runs (9). Against NJAC pitching, he produced league-best totals in both RBI (27) and home runs (5). Nolan’s selection marks the third consecutive season that a Cougar player has garnered the conference’s Player of the Year award.
A Week 3 NJAC Pitcher of the Week selection, White went 6-1 with a 2.98 earned run average during the regualr season for the NJAC regular season champion Profs. He currently ranks fifth in the conference in strikeouts (56), and third in the league in wins (6). Against NJAC competition, White produced a league-high five victories, while ranking second in strikeouts (40), and third in innings pitched (41.0).
Rutgers University-Camden senior right-hander Kyle Ballay was selected as the league’s Fireman of the Year, an award presented to the conference’s top relief pitcher. A Week 7 NJAC Pitcher of the Week selection, he currently is tied for the league lead in saves with five on the season. Against NJAC hitters, Ballay recorded a league-high four saves while ranking 16th in earned run average (3.00), and 18th in opposing batting average (.271).
Richard Stockton College freshman outfielder Barry Larro was tapped as the NJAC Rookie of the Year. A two-time NJAC Rookie of the Week selection, he currently is hitting .317 overall on his rookie season. Against NJAC pitching, Larro ranked 15th in the conference in hits (25), 14th in doubles (5), and 24th in on-base percentage (.430).
Rowan University head coach Juan Ranero was selected as the NJAC Coach of the Year by his peers. Selected to place fourth in the NJAC preseason coaches poll, the Profs led the conference race wire-to-wire and captured the NJAC regular season championship via a 14-4 league record. Ranero, who has guided Rowan to a 23-13-1 on the 2010 season, has produced an overall career collegiate coaching record of 352-251-4, including a mark of 243-151-3 during 10 seasons at Rowan.
2010 NJAC BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM
PAST NJAC BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS