Jon Peacock, a first baseman on the Illinois State baseball team, has joined over 130 Division I college baseball players named to the preliminary Rotary Smith Award Watch list. The award is given to the nations finest collegiate baseball player and is determined in a national vote of college baseball publicists.
Peacock, a senior from Roselle, Ill., led the Valley in batting last season with a .406 average. The All-Valley Preseason First Team selection also led the Birds in hits (76), runs (44), home runs (9), RBI (48) and total bases (122). Last season, Peacock primarily played second base, but will make the move in 2003 over to first.
Jon is one of the best collegiate hitters I have ever been around, said Redbird head coach Jim Brownlee. He is going to have a big year and deserves to be included on this prestigious list. He has worked really hard during the offseason and wants to prove that he has the skills to play at the next level.
The Rotary Smith Award pays tribute to Houston's original baseball ambassador, R.E. 'Bob' Smith and his wife Vivian. It rewards the winner's character and leadership as well as his talent on the playing field. The award benefits the Rotary Charities, Texas Children's Hospital and the Karl Young League.
Voting to determine the list of 12 semi-finalists will begin in mid-May and the list will be announced at the conclusion of the regular season. Three finalists will be announced prior to the start of the NCAA Super Regional Action, the week of June 6-9.
Other Valley players named to the list include Toby Barnett, a senior catcher from Southern Illinois, and Bob Zimmerman, a junior righthander from SMS.
The list of candidates can be viewed at the awards website at www.smithaward.com/03watchlist.html.
