Duluth Huskies Sign NCBWA All American
The Duluth Huskies have signed University of Montevallo junior outfielder Vinny Rodriguez who was named a NCAA Division II All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) in advance of the 2014 season.
Rodriguez was selected third team All-American by the NCBWA as a utility player, as well as being tabbed first team NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region selection by the association. Rodriguez was also selected as a member of the preseason All-Peach Belt Conference team Jan. 23.
Rodriguez, a Birmingham, Ala. native, was also named second team NCBWA NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region and second team All-Peach Belt Conference following his sophomore season. Rodriguez, a designated hitter/outfielder, started all 53 games he appeared in last season while leading the team with a .396 batting average and seven homers. Rodriguez also led the team with 20 doubles and drove in 48 runs during his sophomore season. Rodriguez’ .396 batting average ranked him second in the Peach Belt Conference last season, while his 20 doubles ranked him third in the category in the conference.
Rodriguez led his team with a .594 slugging percentage and a .476 on-base percentage last season. Rodriguez was also named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Academic team and was named a Presidential Scholar on the conference’s Presidential Honor Roll.
The Duluth Huskies are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Mark Melancon (PIT), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.duluthhuskies2.com
