June 4, 2008
TUCSON, Ariz. -
Illinois State baseball player freshman Kevin Tokarski added another plaudit to an already impressive resume Wednesday, as he was named to the 2008 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team. Tokarski, who already earned the Missouri Valley Conference's Freshman of the Year award, became the first Redbird since 2002 (Kyle Bloom, Dave Macdonald) to be named to the list, compiled by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.
Tokarski was a key at the top of the Redbird lineup in his first collegiate season, and he ranked in the top-five in the league among freshman in every major offensive category. The Downers Grove, Ill., native made the move to shortstop from second base (his natural position) and batted .303 with 61 hits, including seven doubles, two triples and 16 RBI. Tokarski was second on the team with 46 runs scored, while he led the program and the Valley with 32 stolen bases, which helped earn him the league's freshman of the year honor. Tokarski also put his name in the record books, as his 32 stolen bases set the new school standard for stolen bases in a season.
"Kevin Tokarski is certainly one of the best freshmen that I have ever coached," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "It bodes well for the future of the program in the next few years, with Kevin being a cornerstone of the team."
Tokarski was joined on the all-America team by Evansville's Greg Wallace, who was selected for his play in the Purple Aces' outfield. For a complete rundown of the 2008 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team, visit Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's web site at: www.baseballnews.com.
