Shortstop Rashad Ingram (Sr./Savannah, Ga.) of Saint Augustine’s College was named 2011 CIAA Baseball Player of the Year Tuesday by the CIAA and the CIAA Baseball Coaches Association.
Ingram headlines eight Falcons who earned All-CIAA baseball honors including six who made first team. First-team selections include pitcher Brandon Stewart (Sr./Riverdale, Ga.), catcher Josh Bishop (Sr./Richmond, Va.), third baseman Alex Howard (Jr./Wilson, N.C.), center fielder Joe Pierce (Sr./Wetumpka, Ala.) and left fielder Wayne Lewis (Jr./Charlotte, N.C.) Second-team picks were utility player Chris Vette (Sr./Hampton, Va.) and second baseman Kevin White (Sr./Dunn, N.C.). The Falcons placed the most players on the All-CIAA teams.
Ingram is the second Falcon in three seasons to win CIAA baseball player of the year. Former standout Anthione Shaw, who also played shortstop, captured the award in 2009.
Ingram was the overwhelming favorite for the league’s top individual honor after an eye-popping regular season. A computer information systems major, Ingram is the NCAA Division II leader in runs (66), steals (74) and stolen bases per game (1.48). He is tied for third nationally in base on balls (38), ninth in runs per game (1.32), 18th in on-base percentage (.527), and tied for 13th in hits (65).
“It is an honor to be awarded CIAA Player of the Year,” said Ingram, who leads the Falcons in 12 categories including batting average (.394). “I am very thankful for my teammates and coaches who made it all possible. It has been a long growth for me these past four years, and to end my career as player of the year really feels like a great accomplishment. My main goals of the season are winning the CIAA Championship and going to the regionals, so winning this award is a bonus and a blessing.”
