May 12, 2009-Belhaven College's Craig Westcott has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2009 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy, given annually to the best collegiate baseball player in the state of Mississippi. The winner will be announced during the Cellular South Outstanding Player Awards ceremony on Monday, May 18 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.
Westcott, a 6'4”, 215 lbs. senior pitcher/infielder from Chalmette, Louisiana, has a pitching record of 11-3 on the season with an earned run average of 2.83. He is the new Blazer single season record holder with 121 strikeouts to date (previous record was 108). He also has seven complete games, five shutouts, two no-hitters, and is holding opponents to a .188 batting average. Offensively, Westcott tops the Blazers with a .356 batting average, 11 home runs, 16 doubles, and 63 runs driven in on the year.
“Craig has been a consistent and driving force for us all season long,” stated Hill Denson, Belhaven Head Baseball Coach. “I certainly believe he is among the best players in the state. It is a great honor not only for him, but the Belhaven program as well.”
While a panel of Major League Baseball scouts, college coaches, and a media representative have the final say in which player receives the Cellular South Ferriss Trophy, college baseball fans across the state can vote to determine which finalist is the fan-favorite and should win the Cellular South Fans' Choice Award.
Westcott has been a large part of helping lead the Blazers to an overall record of 40-18 and the 2009 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament championship. Currently, the Blazers are the 4th seed participating in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Baseball National Championship Opening Round in Cleveland, Tennessee. The winners of each of the nine opening round sites will advance to the 2009 Avista-NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho from May 22 through May 29.
The Ferriss Trophy Award is named after Shaw, Mississippi native Dave “Boo” Ferriss, a former Mississippi State All-American standout and long-time Delta State University head coach. Coach Ferriss is an inductee in the Boston Red Sox and Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
For those interested in attending the ceremony on May 18, please contact the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at 1-800-280-FAME (3263), 601-982-8264, or generalinfo@msfame.com. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.