Tuesday, January 7, 2003

FIU's DeCarlo named Preseason All-American
Golden Panthers nationally ranked in two polls

lorida International University sophomore pitcher Derek DeCarlo has been selected to the 2003 Louisville Slugger preseason All-America baseball team by "Collegiate Baseball" newspaper.

The right-hander was named second-team All-America following a 2002 campaign in which he recorded a 3.53 ERA, struck out 92 batters and pitched two complete games in 94 and a third innings. His 11-0 record was one of two unblemished marks in all of Division I, and his streak of 11 straight wins established an FIU record for freshmen.

DeCarlo, a native of Miami and a Southridge High School graduate, was voted Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year by the league's coaches and was a second-team all-league selection in 2002. He was also named to the first-team All-South Central Region as selected by the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association.

DeCarlo is part of a Golden Panther team expected to compete on the national level.

Two national NCAA baseball publications included FIU in their pre-season rankings. Collegiate Baseball newspaper placed the Golden Panthers in its "Fabulous 40" pre-season poll at number 38. FIU also starts out at number 44 in Baseball America's pre-season poll.

The Golden Panthers, who own a 921-467 record under Head coach Danny Price, open their 2003 season on Friday, January 24 against Florida A&M at University Park at 7:00 p.m.