June 18, 2001

NEW ORLEANS, La. - Tulane's Michael Aubrey was named Baseball America's National Freshman of the Year, the publication announced Monday.

Aubrey is the second Green Wave player to earn the honor in the last three seasons. James Jurries received the award in 1999.

Aubrey played a major role for the Green Wave this season, helping Tulane make its first-ever College World Series appearance with his strong performance on the mound and at the plate. He finished the season second on the team in batting average (.361) and home runs (13) and third in doubles (17) and RBI (69). On the mound, he compiled a 3-1 record and picked up his first save of the season in the Waveâs 6-5 win over Nebraska at the College World Series. Through 71 2/3 innings of work, Aubrey recorded 46 strikeouts and posted a 5.92 ERA.

Over the past few weeks, Aubrey has been named Freshman of the Year by the Sporting News, Conference USA and the Louisiana Sportswriter's Association.

Baseball America also named Aubrey and Green Wave teammate Anthony Giarratano to its Freshman All-America team. On the season, Giarratano hit .352 with 37 RBI. He upped his average to .475 in the postseason. The duo is currently playing for the United States National Team in Tucson, Ariz.