Montevallo junior named preseason All-American

Published 4:45 pm Monday, January 7, 2013

FROM STAFF REPORTS

TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Montevallo junior Will Fulmer has been named to the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason Southeast Region All-American team.

In addition, senior right-handed pitcher Michael Shreves has been named a Player to Watch by the organization. Junior catcher Jackson Slaid, a transfer from Louisiana State University, is listed as a Newcomer to Watch by the newspaper.

Fulmer enters the 2013 campaign fresh off a record-setting season in 2012.

Fulmer started all 53 games for the Falcons last season, setting a new Peach Belt Conference record with 52 hits during conference games. The 5-foot-9 infielder led the Falcons with a .361 batting average as he finished with a team-high 16 doubles, one homer and 28 RBIs. Fulmer also finished with a .443 on base percentage and stole seven bases last season.

Following the 2012 season, Fulmer was named first team All-Peach Belt Conference and second-team All-Southeast Region by three separate organizations, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, Daktronics and American Baseball Coaches Association.

Shreves returns to lead the Falcons’ pitching staff after a spectacular junior season in 2012.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander made 15 starts for the Falcons last season and pitched a team-high 95 innings. Shreves pitched two complete games a year ago, including one complete-game shutout, while compiling a 5-4 record on the mound with a 4.93 earned run average.

Shreves led the team with 58 strikeouts and issued just 28 walks while leading all starting pitchers as he limited opposing hitters to a .265 batting average against.

Shreves was named the Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week twice during the season.

Slaid joins the Montevallo program with an impressive resume in two seasons at LSU.

The 5-foot-10 catcher hit .271 with 10 runs scored, 8 RBI and one home run while making 11 starts for the Tigers last season. Slaid was also a member of the 2011 Southeastern Conference Freshman Academic Honor Roll.

Montevallo opens the 2013 season Feb. 1-3 with a three-game series on the road at Saint Leo University. The Falcons face off against Saint Leo in their season opener Feb. 1 at 5 p.m.