University of North Carolina Athletics
MLB Update: Godwin Joins Nationals
May 27, 2005 | Baseball
May 27, 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Nationals called up former University of North Carolina outfielder Tyrell Godwin Thursday from Triple A New Orleans, giving the Tar Heels five alums currently on Major League rosters.
Godwin, who played at Carolina from 1998-2000, hit .333 (60-180) with two home runs and 12 runs batted in over 44 games with the Zephyrs. He stole a team-best 11 bases and was second with 25 runs scored. With his call up, Godwin joins a group of Tar Heels that have enjoyed a successful start to the 2005 season.
One of the best stories in baseball this spring has been the play of Brian Roberts, an All-America at Carolina from 1997-98. The Orioles' starting second baseman, Roberts currently leads all of MLB with a .377 average and has 11 home runs, 33 RBI and 13 steals. He is tied for seventh in the American League in homers, tied for eighth in RBI and tied for fifth in steals. Roberts is also second in the AL with a .460 on-base percentage and is a big part of the Orioles' success this season. Baltimore currently leads the powerful American League East by 4.5 games over New York and Toronto.
Roberts' teammate B.J. Surhoff, who starred at UNC from 1983-85, is batting .263 with three homers and 10 RBI in 23 games. Surhoff is in his 20th season in the Majors.
The Tar Heels' youngest Major Leaguer, Russ Adams, has started 34 games at shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays. Adams, who played at Carolina from 2000-02, is hitting .252 with three homers, 18 RBI and 15 runs scored.
Kyle Snyder is currently on the 15-day disabled list with the Kansas City Royals. He has made six relief appearances and sports a 4.15 ERA in 13 innings. Snyder, who pitched in Chapel Hill from 1997-99, was placed on the DL May 12.
Former Tar Heel and veteran reliever Paul Shuey retired in April after compiling a 45-27 record with 22 saves and a 3.57 ERA in 451 games in the Majors. He spent his 11-year career with the Indians and Dodgers.
