University of North Carolina Athletics
Ackley, Diamond Heels Add Preseason Accolades
February 17, 2009 | Baseball
Feb. 17, 2009
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Highlighted by a pair of preseason national player of the year awards for junior first baseman/outfielder Dustin Ackley, North Carolina's baseball squad has continued to pile up the preseason accolades as opening day quickly approaches.
Ackley, the Tar Heels' leading career hitter with a .409 average and a product of Walnut Cove, N.C., was honored this week by both Rivals and College Baseball Insider with their preseason player of the year award. He was also selected to recent preseason All-America teams released by Baseball America, Rivals and College Baseball Insider.
Ackley was one of four Tar Heels to earn a spot on Baseball America's Preseason All-America Team, which is selected by Major League Baseball scouting directors. Ackley was joined on the first team by ace right-hander Alex White, while third baseman Kyle Seager and righty Matt Harvey were second-team selections. Carolina and LSU were the only schools with four selections. No other squad produced more the two on BA's listing.
White joined Ackley on Rivals' preseason All-America squad and College Baseball Insiders' first team. Seager was a second-team pick by CBI, while Harvey was an honorable mention selection by the website.
Ackley and White are consensus first-team preseason All-America choices, while Seager has made five preseason squads, and Harvey has garnered a spot on four.
UNC opens the 2009 campaign Friday against VMI. The Tar Heels and Keydets will play a three-game series at the new Bryson Field at Boshamer Stadium with games set for 3 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at TarHeelBlue.com.
