CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Center fielder Garrett Spain became the second Austin Peay State University baseball freshman to be named the Ohio Valley Conference’s Freshman of the Year, the league announced Tuesday.
In addition to claiming the league’s top first-year honor, Spain was one of a league-leading six Governors baseball athletes named to the 2019 All-OVC teams – earning second-team honors. He also was one of two Austin Peay players selected to the OVC’s All-Freshman squad.
Named First-Team All-OVC were red shirt junior Parker Phillips, as a utility player, and senior starting pitcher Jacques Pucheu.
Joining Spain as Second-Team All-OVC choices were senior catcher David Martinez, freshman designated hitter Matt Joslin and red shirt senior starting pitcher Josh Rye. Joslin also was picked to the league’s 14-member All-Freshman team.
Spain becomes the second Governors athlete named the league’s Freshman of the Year since the award started in 2005. Alex Robles was the Governors first player named Freshman of the Year in 2014 when he was a Second-Team All-OVC choice at starting pitcher.
Spain, of Clarksville, had an impressive freshman campaign, finishing second among all Govs hitters in batting average (.332), home runs (seven) and RBI (49) over the 53-game campaign. He opened his collegiate career by reaching base safely in 43 consecutive games, tying the second-longest reached safely streak in program history. Among the league’s freshmen, Spain was ranked second in home runs and RBI and ranked third in batting average.
The Govs play in Marion, Ill. today for the first round action in the OVC Tournament. Tune in to ESPN Clarksville, 104.1FM/540AM, or stream here, for all Govs coverage.