Feb. 1, 2007

Two Alabama State University baseball players have been named to the Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason all-conference first team.

Selmon Pearon and Josh Froneberger were each selected in a vote of the SWAC's baseball coaches and sports information directors.

"It is a tremendous honor for us to have two players on the first team," said ASU head coach Larry Watkins. "Both Josh and Selmon are good young men and great baseball players. They are leaders for us - Josh with the pitchers and Selmon with everyone else. They will be a big part of whatever success we have this season."

Pearson, a 6'2", 210 pound senior first baseman from Mobile, led ASU and was among the SWAC's best in every major offensive category in 2006. He hit .373 with 10 homeruns and 42 runs batted in.

Josh Froneberger was the SWAC's 2006 strikeout leader

Froneberger, a 6'1", 180 pound junior right handed pitcher from Forest Park, Georgia, was the league's premiere power pitcher a year ago. He led the entire SWAC in strikeouts with 119 and innings pitched with 108.1. His six wins led ASU and was fourth in the conference.

"I'm very happy for both of the guys," Watkins said. "Now they have to go out onto the field and prove they deserve it."

The SWAC also announced the preseason predicted order of finish. The Hornets were picked fourth in the eastern division behind Alcorn State, Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State, and ahead of Alabama A & M.

Prairie View was selected as the Western Division favorite with Southern, Texas Southern, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Grambling rounding out the predictions.

ASU opens the 2007 season Saturday afternoon when they host Western Illinois at Paterson Field. First pitch is at 2 p.m. and admission is free.

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